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Olney_HazardTreeRemovalApproval.pdf Arborist Report For Claudia Olney 9229 231st St. SW Edmonds, WA 98020 Edmonds, WA Prepared by: Kyle Henegar ISA Certified Arborist PN6445A ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists Arborist Report, 9229 231st St. SW Edmonds, WA 98020, K. Henegar, Certified Arborist PN6445A Assignment On January 12, 2016, Claudia Olney requested the following services: 1.Inventory and conduct a Visual Tree Assessment on 7 specific trees of concern on her property located at 9229 231st St., SW, Edmonds, WA 98020. 2.Provide a Basic Tree Risk Assessment Form for the trees of concern in compliance with City of Edmonds Tree and Vegetation Protection and Removal. Limits of the Assignment This report is not intended as and does represent legal advice and should not be relied upon to take place of such advice. This report is based on my site visit on January 19, 2016. This is a Visual Tree Assessment. The tools used in this report were limited to a diameter tape measure, a rubber mallet and a Forestry Pro Hypsometer. Methodology The trees identified in this report were visually inspected for defects and vigor. A standard process of assessing a tree is termed a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA). A VTA notes the obvious, external condition of a tree and takes into account the condition of the root Ñare, the main trunk and the canopy. A determination of condition is based on these parts and is reflected as the condition. These trees were measured at Diameter at Breast Height (DBH). DBH is a standard measure of a trees size and is most often taken at 4.6Æ from the base of the tree however, this can vary depending on a trees individual characteristics i.e. multiple trunks or if growing on a slope. The measurements used in this report are according to Seattle DPD Directors Rule 16-2008. Observations I visited the site on January 19, 2016. There are 7 trees of concern for home owner Claudia Olney. They are as follows: 1. Western red cedar, Thuja plicata, 34Æ DBH, 40È tall. This tree has a well exposed trunk flare with a history of grade change at the dripline to install the existing lawn/landscape. The trunk presents at a lean that self corrects at approximately 12 feet. The foliage is normal for the species albeit, the canopy has been Åwind sailedÆ as a means to mitigate risk of failure. There is an exposed, well compartmentalized mechanical injury on the south side of the trunk at approximately 40 inches from the base. Recommendation: test for internal decay using a resistograph or core sampler. This tree is in fair to good condition. Retain and monitor. (note: this tree was tested for interior decay on January 20, 2016 and found to be solid wood throughout. 2. Doug fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, 32Æ DBH, 100È tall. This tree sits in the Southeast corner of the property. The trunk flare is well exposed and there is evidence the structural roots of this tree were cut during the installation of the fence. This tree sits approximately 3 feet East of a steep slope. Sounding the roots with a rubber mallet indicates some pockets of root/butt rot. No Arborist Report, 9229 231st St. SW Edmonds, WA 98020, K. Henegar, Certified Arborist PN6445A conks or fruiting bodies were found. This tree has been limbed up excessively resulting in a low trunk to crown ratio. There are clear indictions of a bark beetle infestation with exit holes all over the main trunk. The canopy of this tree reflects stressed foliage for the species. This tree is in poor to fair condition. Recommendation: snag out at a height relative to targets (homeownerÈs home, neighboring homes), 16-18 feet. Retain as a wildlife habitat snag. Continue to monitor. 3. Doug fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, 19Æ DBH, 90È tall. This tree sits in with four other doug fir trees on a slope in the Northwest area of the property. The trunk flare is partially buried 3-5 inches by the sloughing soils of the slope. The soils on this slope are a sandy loam, loose soil, with a thick layer of duff. The trees in this group lack taper, and have been limbed up excessively. There are clear indictions of a bark beetle infestation with exit holes all over the main trunk. The canopies of these trees reflects stressed foliage for the species. These trees are not situated for long term survival. They will always lack taper and their height relative to their Diameter at Breast Height is of concern in these growing conditions. This tree is in poor to fair condition. Recommendation: snag out at a height relative to targets (homeownerÈs home, neighboring homes), 16-18 feet. Retain as a wildlife habitat snag. Continue to monitor. 4. Doug fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, 25Æ DBH, 90È tall. This tree sits in with four other doug fir trees on a slope in the Northwest area of the property. The trunk flare is partially buried 3-5 inches by the sloughing soils of the slope. The soils on this slope are a sandy loam, loose soil, with a thick layer of duff. The trees in this group lack taper, and have been limbed up excessively. There are clear indictions of a bark beetle infestation with exit holes all over the main trunk. The canopies of these trees all reflect stressed foliage for the species. These trees are not situated for long term survival. They will always lack taper and their height relative to their Diameter at Breast Height is of concern in these growing conditions. This tree is in poor to fair condition. Recommendation: snag out at a height relative to targets (homeownerÈs home, neighboring homes), 16-18 feet. Retain as a wildlife habitat snag. Continue to monitor. 5. Doug fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, 14Æ DBH, 85È tall. This tree sits in with four other doug fir trees on a slope in the Northwest area of the property. The trunk flare is partially buried 3-5 inches by the sloughing soils of the slope. The soils on this slope are a sandy loam, loose soil, with a thick layer of duff. The trees in this group lack taper, and have been limbed up excessively. There are clear indictions of a bark beetle infestation with exit holes all over the main trunk. The canopies of these trees all reflect stressed foliage for the species. These trees are not situated for long term survival. They will always lack taper and their height relative to their Diameter at Breast Height is of concern in these growing conditions. This tree is in poor to fair condition. Recommendation: snag out at a height relative to targets (homeownerÈs home, neighboring homes), 16-18 feet. Retain as a wildlife habitat snag. Continue to monitor. 6. Doug fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, 11Æ DBH, 80È tall. This tree sits in with four other doug fir trees on a slope in the Northwest area of the property. The trunk flare is partially buried 3-5 inches by the sloughing soils of the slope. The soils on this slope are a sandy loam, loose soil, with a thick layer of duff. The trees in this group lack taper, and have been limbed up excessively. There are clear indictions of a bark beetle infestation with exit holes all over the main trunk. The canopies of these trees all reflect stressed foliage for the species. These trees are not situated for long term survival. They will always lack taper and their height relative to Arborist Report, 9229 231st St. SW Edmonds, WA 98020, K. Henegar, Certified Arborist PN6445A their Diameter at Breast Height is of concern in these growing conditions. This tree is in poor to fair condition. Recommendation: snag out at a height relative to targets (homeownerÈs home, neighboring homes), 16-18 feet. Retain as a wildlife habitat snag. Continue to monitor. 7. Doug fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii, 12Æ DBH, 60È tall. This tree sits behind the fence and behind tree #2, directly on the precipice of the slope. The structural roots of this tree were cut as part of the development project. This tree appears to have grafted roots with tree #2. Sounding the roots with a rubber mallet indicates some pockets of root/butt rot. The soils on this slope are a sandy loam, loose soil, with a thick layer of duff. There are clear indictions of a bark beetle infestation with exit holes all over the main trunk. The canopy of this tree reflects stressed foliage for the species and there is low trunk to crown ratio. This tree is not situated for long term survival. It will always lack taper and its height relative to their Diameter at Breast Height is of concern in these growing conditions. This tree is in poor to fair condition. Recommendation: snag out at a height relative to targets (homeownerÈs home, neighboring homes), 16-18 feet. Retain as a wildlife habitat snag. Continue to monitor. Discussion The doug fir trees referenced in this report were once part of a larger stand of trees and were left on site as part of the development projects surrounding them. All the doug fir in this inventory are tall relative to Diameter at Breast Height and each of these doug fir trees lacks taper in the trunk and trunk flare which can influence stability. A high height to diameter ratio with low taper results in a less stable tree (Dunster, J. 2009). Trees #3 - #6 are buried too deeply in the soil. Buried trunk flares are a primary cause of tree decline and death. Because oxygen is essential for cell metabolism in root tissue, trees often struggle to stay alive when roots are buried too deep. When oxygen is lacking, roots donÈt function at their optimum level. When roots donÈt work, the entire tree system suffers. Trees # 2 and #7 appear to be grafted at the roots. Both of these trees have had structural roots cut well within the dripline to accommodate the landscape for the home. Sounding with a mallet indicates possible pockets of root rot/butt rot decays. The doug fir trees referenced in this report all show clear indications of bark beetle infestations with exit holes all over the main trunks. Most often, insect attacks are a secondary problem, attacking only weakening or dying trees. Once infected with insects, there is nothing to do to combat the problem. Conclusion In conclusion, all the doug fir trees referenced in this report have several well documented issues that may affect their long term survivability in the landscape. Buried trunk flares, cut structural roots, low trunk to crown ratioÈs, stressed foliage and infestations of bark beetles indicate trees in a declining state of health. These trees are situated on a short, steep slope with the homeowners home, the neighboring home and the Edmonds Way Apartment Complex all within .5 - 1.5 times the height of the trees. Arborist Report, 9229 231st St. SW Edmonds, WA 98020, K. Henegar, Certified Arborist PN6445A Recommendations I recommend snagging the doug fir trees referenced in this report to a height relative to the targets and turning them into wildlife habitat snags using coronet cuts to emulate nature and retain stumps on site. I recommend replanting the short steep slope with native plants that aid in slope stability and enhance the aesthetic value of the property while mitigating the risk of the doug fir trees referenced in this report. Detailed planting plan available upon request. Good plant choices for slope stability include: *Mahonia species- Mahonia nervosa, Mahonia repans, Mahonia aquifolium *Western sword fern- Polystichum munitum *Native dogwood- Cornus sericea *Snowberry- Symphocarpos alba *Pacific wax myrtle- Myrica californica *Arbutus species- Arbutus unedo ÇCompactaÈ *Seedling native conifers- Thuja plicata, Psudotsuga menziesii, Pinus contorta Note to City Reviewer Enclosed with the City of Edmonds Tree and Vegetation Protection and Removal packet are three ISA Basic Tree Risk Assessment Forms; one for tree #2, one for trees #3 -#6 and one for tree # 7. In my professional opinion, trees #3 - #6 present as a small grove with almost identical growing histories, growing conditions, stress factors and targets. CertiÐcation of Performance I, Kyle Henegar, certify: ¥ I have personally inspected the trees on this property referred to in this report and that I have stated my findings accurately. ¥ I have no interest in the plant material or the property that is subject to this report and that I have no personal bias with respect to the parties involved. ¥ The opinions and conclusions stated are my own. ¥ My compensation is not contingent upon the reporting of a predetermined conclusion that favors the cause of the client or any other party. ¥ My opinions and conclusions were developed and this report has been prepared according to commonly accepted arboricultural practices. ¥ No one provided significant professional assistance. ¥ I am a member of the International Society of Arboriculture, the American Society of Consulting Arborists and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified Arborist Report, 9229 231st St. SW Edmonds, WA 98020, K. Henegar, Certified Arborist PN6445A Photos Clockwise beginning upper left: 1. photo showing tree #2 with low trunk to crown ratio and surrounding landscape, situated 3 feet West of slope. 2. photo of trunk flare of tree #2 showing cut structural roots and suspect butt rot in trunk flare. 3. photo showing trees #3 -#6 with buried trunk flares, poor taper and their relationship to the slope. 4. photo showing low trunk to crown ratio and sparse foliage of trees #3- #6. Arborist Report, 9229 231st St. SW Edmonds, WA 98020, K. Henegar, Certified Arborist PN6445A Bibliography Dunster, J. Tree Risk Assessment in Urban Areas and the Urban/Rural Interface: Course Manual, 2009 Glossary of Terms Canopy - That part of the tree bearing foliage, limbs, and branches. Coronet Cut - Produces a stub-end that consists of an irregular series of acute axial V-cuts, rather than a flat surface. Used mainly for the creation of natural-looking fractures on trees that have been reduced to tall stumps (ÅmonolithsÆ). . Dripline - The distance from the tree trunk, that is equal to the furthest extent of the treeÈs crown. Stress: Unfavorable deviation from normal. The action on a body of any system of balanced forces whereby strain or deformation results. In arboriculture, the adverse alteration of tree health by abiotic or biotic factors. Resistograph- A gear-driven drilling instrument which inserts a three-millimeter-diameter probe into a tree, and graphically or digitally records resistance to the probe; used to detect decay and defects. Target- Any person or object within reach of a falling tree or part of a tree, that may be injured or damaged. Trunk Flair - The flair at the base of the trunk. Trunk to Crown Ratio- Theratio of the height of the live crown/canopy to the height of then entire tree. Arborist Report, 9229 231st St. SW Edmonds, WA 98020, K. Henegar, Certified Arborist PN6445A