APPROVED PLN BLD2022-0381 ARBORIST Report for 919 Cedar ST Edmonds 2022-02-08LAYTON TREE CONSULTING, LLC
RECEIVED
Apr 05 2022 APPROVED BY PLANNING
CITY OF EDMONDS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
DEPARTMENT ARBORIST REPORT/TREE PLAN
Mar 28 2024
919 Cedar Street
BLD2022-0381 Edmonds, WA
Report Prepared by:
Bob Layton
Registered Consulting Arborist #670
Certified Arborist #PN-2714A
February 8, 2022
lt's all about trees......
PO BOX 572, SNOHOMISH, WA 98291-0572 * 425-220-5711 * bob@ laytontreeconsulting.com
Arborist Report — 919 Cedar Street
Table of Contents
Assignment.................................................................................................................................................... 3
Description.................................................................................................................................................... 3
Methodology................................................................................................................................................. 3
JudgingCondition......................................................................................................................................4
Judging Retention Suitability....................................................................................................................4
Observations................................................................................................................................................. 4
Discussion/Recommendations...................................................................................................................... 5
Tree Protection Measures............................................................................................................................ 6
TreeReplacement.........................................................................................................................................6
Arborist Disclosure Statement......................................................................................................................7
Attachments
Photos, pages 8 - 11
Tree Summary Table
Tree Plan Map
Page 2 Layton Tree Consulting LLC February 8, 2022
Arborist Report — 919 Cedar Street
Assignment
Layton Tree Consulting, LLC was asked to compile an Arborist Report and Tree Protection Plan for a
property in Edmonds, located at 919 Cedar Street. The purpose of the report is to satisfy City
requirements regarding tree retention and protection associated with the proposed development of the
property.
My assignment is to prepare a written report on present tree conditions, which is to be submitted to the
City with the development application materials.
This report covers all of the criteria set forth under the City of Edmonds tree regulations (EMC 23.10.060
Tree retention associated with development activity). The required retention is 25% of significant trees. A
significant tree means a tree that is at least six inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) as measured at four
and one-half feet from the ground.
Date of Field Examination: February 3, 2022
Description
One significant tree was identified and assessed on the subject property. This is a young to semi -
mature flowering dogwood located in the middle of the property.
Two trees were identified and assessed in the right-of-way of Cedar Street. These are native Western
red cedar. These are the primary focus of this report.
There are no neighboring tree issues associated with this property. None exist within a proximity of
property lines.
A tree summary table is attached which provides detailed information for each assessed tree. Subject
trees were identified in the field with a numbered aluminum tag attached to the lower trunk. These tag
numbers correspond with the tree numbers on the attached summary table and maps.
Methodology
Each tree in this report was visited. Tree diameters were measured by tape. The tree heights were
measured using a Spiegel Relaskop. Each tree was visually examined for defects and vigor. The tree
assessment procedure involves the examination of many factors:
• The crown or canopy of the tree is examined for current vigor/health by examining the foliage for
appropriate color and density, the vegetative buds for color and size, and the branches for structural
form and annual shoot growth; and the overall presence of limb dieback and/or any disease issues.
• The trunk or main stem of the tree is inspected for decay, which includes cavities, wounds, fruiting
bodies of decay (conks or mushrooms), seams, insect pests, bleeding or exudation of sap, callus
development, broken or dead tops, structural defects and unnatural leans. Structural defects can
include but are not limited to excessive or unnatural leans, crooks, forks with V-shaped crotches,
multiple attachments.
Page 3 Layton Tree Consulting LLC February 8, 2022
Arborist Report — 919 Cedar Street
• The root collar and exposed surface roots are inspected for the presence of decay, insect damage, as
well as if they have been injured or wounded, undermined or exposed, or the original grade has
been altered.
Based on these factors a determination of condition is made.
Judging Condition
The three condition categories are described as follows:
Good —free of significant structural defects, no disease concerns, minor pest issues, no significant root
issues, good structure/form with uniform crown or canopy, foliage of normal color and density, average or
normal vigor, will be wind firm if isolated or left as part of a grouping or grove of trees, suitable for its
location
Fair — minor to moderate structural defects not expected to contribute to a failure in near future, no disease
concerns, moderate pest issues, no significant root issues, asymmetric or unbalanced crown or canopy,
average or normal vigor, foliage of normal color, moderate foliage density, will be wind firm if left as part of
a grouping or grove of trees, cannot be isolated, suitable for its location
Poor— major structural defects expected to cause fail in near future, disease or significant pest concerns,
decline due to old age, significant root issues, asymmetric or unbalanced crown or canopy, sparse or
abnormally small foliage, poor vigor, not suitable for its location
Judging Retention Suitability
Not all trees necessarily warrant retention. The three retention suitability categories as described in
ANSI A300 Part 5 (Standard Practices for the Management of Trees During Site Planning, Site
Development and Construction) are as follows:
Good — trees are in good health condition and structural stability and have the potential for longevity at
the site
Fair — trees are in fair health condition and/or have structural defects that can be mitigated with
treatment. These trees may require more intense management and monitoring, and may have shorter
life -spans than those in the "good" category.
Poor —trees are in poor health condition and have significant defects in structure that cannot be
mitigated with treatment. These trees can be expected to decline regardless of management. The
species or individual tree may possess characteristics that are incompatible or undesirable in landscape
settings or be unsuited for the intended use of the site.
Observations
The subject trees are described as follows.
Tree #3 is a young to semi -mature flowering dogwood. It has been routinely pruned in the past and
maintained at a small height. It is of good vigor. Condition is 'good'.
Page 4 Layton Tree Consulting LLC February 8, 2022
Arborist Report — 919 Cedar Street
Trees #1 and #2 are semi -mature to mature native Western red cedar. Both are of fair vigor. Foliage
density is somewhat sparse. Foliage color is normal for this time of year or dormancy. Tree #1 has an
old wound on the lower trunk. It was likely hit by a vehicle many ears ago. This is evident by a basal
cavity on the road side. Both trees appear to have been topped in the past. See pictures below. Both
have regenerated multiple new tops as a result. Forked attachments appear sound. These are currently
rated as'fair-to-good' condition.
Discussion/Recommendations
Tree #3 is inside the proposed building footprint and will need to be removed. Trees #1 and #2 can
likely be retained in a sound condition so long as work is carried out diligently.
Western red cedar trees do not respond well to disturbance, particularly older specimens such as the
subject trees. They have a dense, fine, feeder root matt that exists right below the ground surface. It is
these small fine feeder roots that take up the moisture and nutrients and keep the trees healthy. The
protection of these small roots will be consequential to preserving long-term health.
The attached tree plan map indicates the actual driplines of the subject trees to be retained or
protected. The information on the tree plan map and in this report can be used by the project architect
to create the final tree retention plan sheet for City submittal if necessary.
There is an existing concrete driveway over the critical root zone of Tree #2 on the north side. The
driveway shall be broken up and removed from within the dripline using hand -labor only, prior to the
start of work or bringing any heavy equipment onto the site. Once removed, position a tree protection
barrier adjacent to the proposed sewer trench and driveway as shown on the attached map. Cover
newly exposed areas inside tree fencing with a +/- 4-inch layer of wood -chip mulch or hog fuel.
Maintain the fencing at this location during house construction. Maintain the existing grade within the
designated tree protection area. Omit or delete the proposed retaining wall on the property line. It is
not needed.
The existing gravel at the driveway entrance shall be used as the base for the new driveway. Do not
lower the grade in this area as this will result in the loss and disturbance of vital feeder roots.
The concrete entrance walkway shall be constructed at or above the existing grade to minimize feeder
root impacts. This work shall be done last to adequately protect the trees during the construction of the
house.
It is not feasible to construct a sidewalk on either side of the subject cedars. Doing so would cause
consequential impacts to long-term health. The soils between the asphalt (Cedar Street) and the trunk
of Tree #1 on the south side shall not be disturbed. This would disturb and sever vital feeder roots.
Some crown raising (removal of lower branches) may be needed to provide driveway and walkway
clearance. Only remove those branches necessary to provide adequate clearance. The more live foliage
that can be left on the trees the better for their health and vitality.
Page 5 Layton Tree Consulting LLC February 8, 2022
Arborist Report — 919 Cedar Street
Any roots damaged during site work outside of the tree protection area shall be pruned clean at sound
tissue prior to backfilling or finishing areas. Sound tissue is where the root is undamaged and the bark is
completely intact with the root. This will help roots to seal off potential decay and allow them to sprout
new growth. Any disturbed areas near protected trees shall be watered weekly during the dry season of
June through September. This will help to create a favorable environment for new root growth and
reduce the overall stress associated with root loss and disturbance.
Finish the landscape within the dripline by cutting and/or hand -pulling unwanted vegetation and
applying a +/- 4-inch layer of organic mulch. Keep irrigation trenches, large plantings or other
improvements outside of the tree protection area.
Tree Protection Measures
The following guidelines are recommended to ensure that the designated space set aside for the
preserved trees are protected and construction impacts are kept to a minimum. Standards have been
set forth under EMC 23.10.070 Tree protection measures during development. Please review these
standards prior to any development activity.
• Tree protection fencing shall be erected prior to moving any heavy equipment on site. Doing this
will set clearing limits and avoid compaction of soils within root zones of retained trees. Tree
protective fencing shall be a minimum height of three feet, visible and of durable construction.
• Excavation limits shall be laid out in paint on the ground to avoid over excavation and
unnecessary damage.
• Authorized work or excavation within the driplines of protected trees shall be monitored by a
qualified tree professional so necessary precautions can be taken to decrease impacts to tree
parts.
• To establish sub grade for foundations, curbs and pavement sections near the trees, soil shall be
removed parallel to the roots (away from tree trunks) and not at 90-degree angles to avoid
breaking and tearing roots that lead back to the trunk within the drip -line. Any roots damaged
during these excavations shall be exposed to sound tissue and cut cleanly with a saw.
• Areas excavated within the driplines of retained trees shall be thoroughly irrigated weekly
during dry periods.
• Preparations for final landscaping shall be accomplished by hand within the drip -lines of
retained trees. Large equipment shall be kept outside of the tree protection zones at all times.
Tree e
Tree #3 is inside the proposed build�ngfootprin �beore�ed�.The�remova�lthis tree
will require replacement, per EMC 80 Tree replacementuired.
Page 6 Layton Tree Consulting LLC February 8, 2022
Arborist Report — 919 Cedar Street
Minimum siz lacement trees shall be: One -and -one -half -inch caliper for deciduous trees; and
six feet in height for evergreen best locations for replacement trees are likely at the back or
north side of the property. Plant new trees in areas a can fully mature without conflicting with
surrounding improvements.
No is replanting required for the removal
of Tree #3.
Arborist Disclosure Statement
Arborists are tree specialists who use their education, knowledge, training and experience to examine
and assess trees, recommend measures to enhance the beauty and health of trees, and attempt to
reduce the risks associated with living near trees. Clients may choose to accept or disregard the
recommendations of the arborist, or to seek additional advice.
Arborists cannot detect every condition that could possibly lead to the structural failure of a tree. Trees
are living organisms that grow, respond to their environment, mature, decline and sometimes fail in
ways we do not fully understand. Conditions are often hidden within trees and below ground.
Arborists cannot guarantee that a tree will be healthy and/or safe under all circumstances, or for a
specified period of time. Likewise, remedial treatments, like any medicine, cannot be guaranteed.
Treatment, pruning and removal of trees may involve considerations beyond the scope of the arborist's
services such as property boundaries, property ownership, site lines, disputes between neighbors, and
other issues. Arborists cannot take such considerations into account unless complete and accurate
information is disclosed to the arborist. An arborist should then be expected to reasonably rely upon
the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.
Trees can be managed, but they cannot be controlled. To live near trees is to accept some degree of
risk. The only way to eliminate all risk associated with trees is to eliminate all trees.
Page 7 Layton Tree Consulting LLC February 8, 2022
Arborist Report — 919 Cedar Street
Photo Documentation
Tree #3
Trees #1 and #2
Page 8 Layton Tree Consulting LLC February 8, 2022
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Arborist Report — 919 Cedar Street
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Page 11 Layton Tree Consulting LLC February 8, 2022
Layton Tree Consulting LLC
For: Nathan Rimmer
Site: 919 Cedar ST - Edmonds
Tree Summary Table
Date: 2/3/2022
Tree/ Species Species DBH Height Significant Drip -Line Retention
Tag # Common name Scientific name (inches) (feet) Yes/No (feet) Condition Suitability Comments Proposal
N S E W
3
flowering dogwood
Cornus florida
6,7 13
13
Yes
NA
NA
NA
NA
Good
CBC
maintained at small height
Remove
OFF -SITE TREES
1
Western red cedar
Thuja plicata
36
76
Yes
10
18
15
20
Fair -Good
Fair
natural lean south, forked top, topped in past
Protect
2
Western red cedar
Thuja plicata
38
80
Yes
17
10
19
12
Fair -Good
Fair
top foliage somewhat sparse, natural lean north
Protect
Dripline measurements from face of trunk
CBC - Compromised by Construction
PROPERTY LINE
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Tree Plan Map
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