Notification-Tree_concerns.pdfNovember 16, 2012
Jennifer Lambert
Engineering Department
City of Edmonds
Hand Delivered
RE: Notification of Dangerous 44" City Tree -1052 Alder
Dear Ms Lambert,
Please refer to Engineer Plan Review Comments dated Oct.23, 2012..."The tree located
in the right-of-way and driveway shall not be removed."
My builder has informed me they can do no more regarding the City decision to "save"
this dangerous tree and is refusing to further engage the City regarding removal.
As the contract purchaser of the home being constructed at 1052 Alder, City of
Edmonds, I wanted to make sure the City is absolutely aware of the potential
consequences of the City decision regarding the 44" Fir tree located on the City ROW.
I would make the following comments:
1. In general, I would submit that given it's approximent 150' height, any 44" Fir tree is
inappropriate in a tight residential area. 20 years hence, it may grow to be a 54" tree
and another 20 years it will possibly be 64" and approaching 200' tall. Wind blown
branches falling from this tree now and in the future will potentially make those
branches lethal.
2. 1 am not sure of the technical terminology, but it is plainly evident that THIS TREE IS
A LEANER. Thankfully, it does not lean toward my future home, but it is tall enough
that it will endanger the homes to the north. Photo enclosed.
3. Should you change your decision regarding saving this tree while my builder has the
loggers on-site, we will remove it. You need to make a quick decision because once
they are finished with the logging, it will be up to the City to deal with this tree and the
potential damage to the neighbors.
4. No, I am not interested in hiring an arborist. The City has assumed ownership and
the tree is now a ward of the city.
206-719-6212
CC: Will Smith, Todd Echelbarger
City of Edmonds BL D20120662
121 5"" AVENUE NORTH EDMONDS, WA 98020 • (425) 771-0220 FAX(425) 771-0221
Website: www.ci.edmonds.wa.us
PUBLIC WORK DEPARTMENT
Planning ® Building - Engineering
9/25112 Conninent: The geotechnical report indicates a considerable variation in the recommended long-
term infiltration rate between the two test pit sample near the proposed infiltration tate. Choosing the
highest rate is not approved. The DIO size is a better indication of the infiltrating ability of the soil than
the other test. By averaging the long-term infiltration rates from the Diff size, a rate of 1.2 in/hr. is
obtained. Use Table 5 in Engineering Handout #E72B to linearly interpolate a sizing factor for a design
infiltration rate of 1.2 inches per hour, and size the trench accordingly.
3) OK
Frontage Improvements /Driveway
1) OK
2) 10/23/12 — Comment was addressed; however, please make sure and clearly note that the driveway
within the drip line of
9/25/12 Comment: The tree located in the right-of-way and driveway shall not be removed. Please
revise the plans showing the tree to remain and proper separation from the driveway such as not to
damage the tree during construction or final completion of the project.
Please resubmit 3 copies of the revised plans and associated documents with a written response to each
item to a Permit Coordinator. Please contact ine at 425-771-0220 ext 1.321 or by e-mail at
jennifer.lambert(aci.edmonds.wa.us if you have specific questions regarding these plan corrections.
DATE. E-MAILED 10/23/2012 PAGE(3)
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