#2 This report replaces report #1 Revised plans received November 13, 2012 Report completed November 16, 2012

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Community Development Department City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, California 95070 ARBORIST REPORT It is the responsibility of the owner, architect and contractor to be familiar with

1 Community Development Department City of Saratoga Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, California ARBORIST REPORT It is the responsibility of the owner, architect and contractor to be familiar with the information in this report and implement the required conditions. Application #: ARB Prepared by Kate Bear, City Arborist Site: Madrone Hill Road Phone: (408) Owners: David and Colette Kress APN: Report History: #1 Date: Plans received August 21, 2012 Report completed October 4, 2012 #2 This report replaces report #1 Revised plans received November 13, 2012 Report completed November 16, 2012 PROJECT SCOPE The applicant has submitted plans to the City to demolish the existing house and build a new two story house with a basement, and two attached two car garages, one at basement level and one at first floor level. Eleven trees protected by City Code (#1 5, 12, 15, 23, 30 and 40) are requested for removal. Most are in poor condition rather than in conflict with the project. They meet the criteria for removal, and may be removed and replaced following receipt of building permits. Tree #36 has failed since the inventory was completed. Two dead tree trunks (#8 and 16) were included in the inventory. They also qualify for removal. CLEARANCE with conditions The project has clearance from the arborist to proceed, with the conditions noted below in the Requirements section. The house has been relocated father from oak tree #27 to provide the necessary distance required to protect it. In doing so, it remains sufficiently far from oak tree #25 that it, also, can be adequately protected. PLAN REVIEW Plans Reviewed: Architectural plans were prepared by Allen Nikitin Architect, Inc. and dated August 17, Revised plans were submitted for review November 13, Plan sheets reviewed for this report include Sheet A1, Cover Sheet; Sheet A2, Site Plan; Sheet A3, Basement Floor Plan; Sheet A4, First Floor Plan; Sheet A5, Second Floor Plan; Sheet A7, Elevations; and Sheet A8, Sections. Page 1 of 8

2 A Preliminary Site Plan for a Lot Line Adjustment (sheet 1) was prepared by Bayland Consulting and dated April 5, A Conceptual Landscape Plan (Sheet C-1) was prepared by Thomas Scherer and dated July 31, Some of the species that are called trees on the legend are shrubs, and will not count as replacement trees. They include the vine maple, toyon and coffeeberry. The plan does not indicate what size will be planted. The number and size of required replacement trees will be determined by the value of the trees removed, and a table of replacement values that has been included below in the Findings section. The plan calls for turf under oaks. This will not be permitted because it encourages the growth of organisms that can attack oaks. Only drought tolerant plants that are compatible with oaks will be allowed under them. This plan should be updated to be consistent with the architectural and civil drawings. Presently it shows the proposed driveway about 14 feet from tree #27. The revised submittal includes civil drawings prepared by Westfall Engineers, Inc. dated November Sheets reviewed for this report include Sheet 1, Cover Sheet and Legend; Sheet 2, Grading and Drainage Plan; and Sheet 3, Sections and Details. Utilities are shown on the Site Plan (Sheet A2) and the Grading and Drainage Plan (Sheet 2). Utilities shown on the plans include sewer, water, gas, electrical and storm drains. All capping and reconnection to utilities must remain outside of tree canopies in order to adequately protect them. TREE INFORMATION This property has many mature oaks on it. Of the 40 trees inventoried for this project, 31 are oaks, including coast live oaks, valley oaks, black oaks and blue oaks. Unfortunately, many of the trees are in fair to poor condition. Most of the trees requested for removal for this project do not require removal because of project conflicts, but rather because they have significant decay in the trunk and canopy, or appear to be dying. Tree Inventory: Forty trees protected by City Code were inventoried for the project. Inventoried trees included five blue gum eucalyptus (#1 5), three blue oaks (#6 8), five valley oaks (#9, 14, 18, 26 and 32), fifteen coast live oaks (#10, 22, 24, 25, 27 31, and 34 39), eight black oaks (#11 13, 15, and 23), one stump (#16), one California juniper (#17), one Pacific madrone (#33), and one olive (#40). Data for each tree can be found in the Tree Inventory Table attached to the end of this report. Locations of trees and protective fencing are shown on the attached copy of the site plan. Tree #36 has failed since the completion of the inventory. Several magnolia trees that are in conflict with the pool and the proposed new driveway are not protected by City Code and may be removed at any time without a permit. They were not included in the inventory of trees. Tree Protection: Chain link fencing is required around individual trees or groups of trees for protection during construction, and work is not permitted within these fenced areas. Fenced areas are shown on the attached site map. Some trees may require straw wattle protection around the trunk rather than chain link fencing if working conditions are tight. This is acceptable. See the Requirements section for tree protection specifications. Page 2 of 8

3 The designated Project Arborist will be David Laczko or Ian Geddes of Ian Geddes Tree Care. To ensure protection of trees around the proposed house they will need to monitor certain activities. Activities that are to be monitored by the project arborist include the following: a. grading for the building pad, b. excavation for the new basement level driveway, c. installation of the new retaining wall along the basement level driveway, d. installation of the new retaining wall next to tree #25, e. excavation for the pool house f. installation of the retaining wall at the pool house under trees #28 and 38 To adequately protect trees#25, 27, 28 and 38, no excavation, including trenching for utilities and concrete forms, or addition of fill soil, will be permitted within the following distances: a. 15 feet for tree #25 b. 23 feet for tree #27 c. 25 feet for trees #28 and 38 Security Deposit for the Projection of Trees: Per City Ordinance , a Tree Protection security deposit, in the amount of $127,700, which is equal to 100% of the appraised value of trees 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 24, 25, 27, 28 and 38, is required. Owner shall obtain, and file with the Community Development Director, the required security deposit prior to the receipt of building permits. The security deposit may be in the form of a savings account, a certificate of deposit account or a bond. The required security deposit for this project will be determined once the grading plan and utility locations are evaluated, and the design had been modified to better protect trees. This deposit will be held until completion of the project and acceptance by the City. After a successful final inspection of the project, the security deposit is released. Appraisals: Appraised values were calculated using the Trunk Formula Method and according to the Guide for Plant Appraisal, 9 th Edition, published by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), This was used in conjunction with the Species Classification and Group Assignment, published by the Western Chapter of the ISA, FINDINGS Tree Removal Eleven trees protected by City Code (#1 5, 12, 15, 23, 30, 36 and 40) are requested for removal. Whenever a tree is requested for removal as part of a project, certain findings must be made and specific tree removal criteria met. Most of the trees requested for removal are in decline, exhibit extensive trunk and branch decay and are at risk of limb or whole tree failure. They meet the criteria for removal, and may be removed and replaced following receipt of building permits. Two dead tree trunks (#8 and 16) may also be removed as part of the project. The tree removal criteria are attached to the end of this report for reference. The table below summarizes which of the criteria are met, allowing removal of a tree. Summary of tree removal criteria that are met Tree # Species Criteria met Criteria not met Page 3 of 8

4 Tree # Species Criteria met Criteria not met 1 5 Eucalyptus 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 3 8, 16 Tree trunk 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 12, 15, 23 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, , 36 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, olive 4, 5, 7, 9 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 Trees #1 5 are blue gum eucalyptus trees that grow right next to the second house and garage which are scheduled for removal. They have been topped, where the top of the tree has been removed at a height of about 15 feet above the ground, and have grown new, weakly attached branches from the top of the trunk. They are in between the house and garage, and are likely to be hit with equipment in the process of removing the buildings. This is a high maintenance species in a high fire hazard area and the trees have a low suitability for preservation. They have a low total appraised value, and the site would be better served by removing these trees and planting new trees as part of the project. Two dead tree trunks (#8 and 16) were included in the inventory. They may be removed as part of the project. Trees 12, 15 and 23 are black oaks in poor health. Tree #15 exhibits significant branch dieback in the canopy and decay in the trunk. Trees 12 and 23 have been topped and there is significant decay at the base of tree #23. These two trees grow right next to the existing driveway and have caused damage to it, as well as, have been damaged at the base of the trunk by installation of the existing driveway. All three trees have poor vigor and tree #12 and 23 also have poor structure. These conditions cannot be reversed with treatment at this point. The property would be better served by planting new trees that can be properly cared for. Trees #30 and 36 are coast live oaks in decline and structurally unsound. Tree #30 is at risk of whole tree failure due to significant decay at the base of its trunk which extends up the trunk about 2 ½ feet and includes almost half of the trunk s circumference, and should be removed before this occurs. Tree #36 has failed since it was inventoried. Tree #40 is an olive tree in fair condition. The applicant wants to replace it with trees that better fit the native oak woodland habitat as part of the project. Replacing the olive tree with native tree species is acceptable. Replacement Trees: A condition of the project will be to plant new trees equal to$27,730, which is the appraised value of trees #1 5, 12, 15, 23 and 40. Replacement values for new trees are listed below. New trees may be planted anywhere on the property. At least 6 trees should be from the City s list of native species. Tree replacement values: 15 gallon = $ inch box = $ inch box = $1, inch box = $5, inch box = 7, inch box = $15,000 New Construction Based on the information provided, the project complies with the requirements for the setback of new construction from existing trees under Section of the City Code. Page 4 of 8

5 REQUIREMENTS 1. This entire arborist report, including the Tree Inventory Table and attached map showing locations for tree protection fencing shall be copied on to a plan sheet and titled Tree Preservation. It shall be copied on to a plan sheet and included in the set of plans. 2. Tree Protection Security Deposit $127,700 a. Owner shall obtain, and file with the Community Development Director, a Tree Protection security deposit equal to 100% of the appraised value of trees potentially impacted by the project, prior to obtaining Building Division permits. b. The tree protection security deposit shall remain in place for the duration of construction of the project to ensure the protection of the trees. c. Once the project has been completed, inspected and approved by the City, the bond will be released. 3. Tree Protection Fencing: a. Shall be installed as shown on the attached map. b. Shall be shown on the Site Plan and the Grading Plan in the plan set. c. Shall be established prior to the arrival of construction equipment or materials on site. d. Shall be comprised of six-foot high chain link fencing mounted on eight-foot tall, 2-inch diameter galvanized posts, driven 24 inches into the ground and spaced no more than 10 feet apart. e. Shall be posted with signs saying TREE PROTECTION FENCE - DO NOT REMOVE WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM CITY ARBORIST. f. Call City Arborist, Kate Bear at (408) for an inspection of tree protection fencing once it has been installed. This is required prior to obtaining building division permits. g. Tree protection fencing shall remain undisturbed throughout the construction until final inspection. If contractor feels that work must be done inside the fenced area, call City Arborist to arrange a field meeting. 4. Trees 10, 11, 24 and 25 shall have their trunks wrapped with straw wattle (typically used for erosion control) to a height that is 8 feet above the existing driveway grade for tree protection. 5. Trees shall be numbered on the Site Plan. 6. Receipt of a Planning or Building permit does not relieve applicant of his responsibilities to protect trees per City Code Article No protected tree authorized for removal or encroachment pursuant to this project may be removed or encroached upon until the issuance of the applicable permit from the building division for the approved project. 8. All construction activities shall be conducted outside tree protection fencing. These activities include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: demolition, grading, trenching, equipment cleaning, stockpiling and dumping materials (including soil fill), and equipment/vehicle operation and parking. Page 5 of 8

6 9. The designated Project Arborist for this project shall be David Laczko or Ian Geddes of Ian Geddes Tree Care. 10. The following activities shall be monitored by the Project Arborist: a. Grading for the building pad b. Excavation for the driveway, the basement level garage and retaining wall within 50 feet of oak tree #27 c. Grading and installation of retaining wall within 25 feet of tree #25 d. Excavation and installation of the retaining wall at the pool house where it is within 30 feet of oak trees #28 and 38 e. Any necessary pruning or root pruning to accommodate the project 11. Activities monitored by Project Arborist shall be followed with a letter to the City documenting work and findings, and shall include photos of findings. 12. The existing grade shall be preserved (no excavation or addition of fill soil) for the following distances from trees: a. 10 feet from trees #10, 11 and 17 b. 15 feet from trees #25 and 39 c. 23 feet from tree #27 d. 25 feet from trees #28 and Utilities shall be capped and reconnected outside of tree canopies and tree protection fencing. Utilities include, but are not limited to, storm drains and dissipater pits, sewer, water, gas, and electrical. 14. Trees #1 5, 8, 15, 16, 23, 30 and 40 meet the criteria for removal and may be removed and replaced once Building Division permits have been obtained. 15. Tree #17 shall be retained, protected and preserved during construction. 16. New trees, equal to $27,730 shall be planted as part of the project. Replacement values for new trees are listed below. 15 gallon = $ inch box = $ inch box = $1, inch box = $5, inch box = 7, inch box = $15, Replacement trees may be planted anywhere on the property as long as they do not encroach on retained trees, and may be of any species. 18. At least 6 replacement trees shall be from the City s list of native species. Acceptable species include coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), valley oak (Quercus lobata), blue oak (Quercus douglasii), black oak (Quercus kelloggii), big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), California buckeye (Aesculus californica), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). 19. The species vine maple, toyon and coffeeberry are listed as trees on the Landscape Plan (Sheet C-1), but are shrubs, and do not satisfy the requirement for replacement trees. Page 6 of 8

7 20. If there is insufficient room to plant new trees, some or all of the replacement value for trees may be paid into the City s Tree Fund. 21. Sheet C-1 shows turf under oaks. This is not permitted and shall be replaced with drought tolerant landscaping. 22. Landscaping under oak trees: a. Only mulch is permitted under area within the inner half under the canopy. b. Only drought tolerant plants that are compatible with oaks are permitted under the outer half of the canopy. c. Water loving plants and lawns are not permitted under oaks. 23. The disposal of harmful products (such as chemicals, oil and gasoline) is prohibited under tree canopies or anywhere on site that allows drainage to areas under tree canopies. Herbicides shall not be applied under tree canopies. 24. At the end of the project, when the contractor wants to remove tree protection fencing and have the tree protection security deposit released by the City, call City Arborist for a final inspection. ATTACHMENTS: Tree removal criteria Tree Inventory Table Map showing locations of trees and protective fencing around trees Page 7 of 8

8 TREE REMOVAL CRITERIA Criteria that permit the removal of a protected tree are listed below. This information is from Article of the City Code and is applied to any tree requested for removal as part of the project. If findings are made that meet the criteria listed below, the tree(s) may be approved for removal and replacement during construction. (1) The condition of the tree with respect to disease, imminent danger of falling, proximity to existing or proposed structures and interference with utility services; (2) The necessity to remove the tree because of physical damage or threatened damage to improvements or impervious surfaces on the property; (3) The topography of the land and the effect of the tree removal upon erosion, soil retention and the diversion or increased flow of surface waters, particularly on steep slopes; (4) The number, species, size and location of existing trees in the area and the effect the removal would have upon shade, privacy impact, scenic beauty, property values, erosion control, and the general welfare of residents in the area; (5) The age and number of healthy trees the property is able to support according to good forestry practices; (6) Whether or not there are any alternatives that would allow for retaining or not encroaching on the protected tree; (7) Whether the approval of the request would be contrary to or in conflict with the general purpose and intent of this Article; (8) Any other information relevant to the public health, safety, or general welfare and the purposes of this ordinance as set forth in section ; and (9) The necessity to remove the tree for economic or other enjoyment of the property when there is no other feasible alternative to the removal. Page 8 of 8

9 TREE INVENTORY TABLE TREE NO. TREE NAME Trunk Diameter (in,) - per Guide for Plant Appraisal Estimated Canopy Spread (ft.) Health Condition (100% = best, 0% = worst) Structural Integrity (100% = best, 0% = worst) Overall Condition Suitability for Preservation (High/Moderate/Low) Intensity of Impacts (1 = Highest, 5 = Lowest) In Conflict with Proposed Design Not Shown on Plans On Adjacent Proprty Appraised Value Blue gum 1 Eucalyptus globulus Fair Low 2 $220 Blue gum 2 Eucalyptus globulus Fair Low 2 $780 Blue gum 3 Eucalyptus globulus Fair Low 2 $490 Blue gum 4 Eucalyptus globulus Fair Low 2 $210 Blue gum 5 Eucalyptus globulus Fair Low 2 $360 Blue oak 6 Quercus douglasii Fair High 2 $7,200 Blue oak 7 Quercus douglasii 11, Fair High 2 $5,100 Blue oak 8 Quercus douglasii Dead Remove 5 $0 Valley oak 9 Quercus lobata Fair High 2 $11, Quercus agrifolia Fair/Poor Moderate 2 $16, Quercus kelloggii Fair High 2 $17, Quercus kelloggii Fair Low 3 $5, Quercus kelloggii Poor Low 4 $6,000 Valley oak 14 Quercus lobata Fair Moderate 2 $14, Quercus kelloggii Fair Moderate 4 $11, Madrone Hill Road November 16, 2012

10 TREE INVENTORY TABLE TREE NO. TREE NAME Trunk Diameter (in,) - per Guide for Plant Appraisal Estimated Canopy Spread (ft.) Health Condition (100% = best, 0% = worst) Structural Integrity (100% = best, 0% = worst) Overall Condition Suitability for Preservation (High/Moderate/Low) Intensity of Impacts (1 = Highest, 5 = Lowest) In Conflict with Proposed Design Not Shown on Plans On Adjacent Proprty Appraised Value Stump Dead Remove $0 California juniper 17 Juniperus californica Fair High 4 $3,130 Valley oak 18 Quercus lobata Good High 4 $5, Quercus kelloggii Fair High 4 $4, Quercus kelloggii Good High 4 $6, Quercus kelloggii Good High 4 $6, Quercus agrifolia Good High 4 $12, Quercus kelloggii Fair Low 2 $3, Quercus agrifolia Fair Moderate 2 $8, Quercus agrifolia Good High 2 $5,900 Valley oak 26 Quercus lobata Good High 2 $9, Quercus agrifolia Good High 2 $32, Quercus agrifolia Good High 2 $13, Quercus agrifolia Good High 4 $15, Quercus agrifolia Poor Low 4 $0 31 Quercus agrifolia Good High 4 $10,700 Valley oak 32 Quercus lobata Good High 4 $15,400 Pacific madrone 33 Arbutus menziesii Fair High 4 $3, Quercus agrifolia Good High 2 $15, Quercus agrifolia Good High 3 $12, Madrone Hill Road November 16, 2012

11 TREE INVENTORY TABLE TREE NO. TREE NAME Trunk Diameter (in,) - per Guide for Plant Appraisal Estimated Canopy Spread (ft.) Health Condition (100% = best, 0% = worst) Structural Integrity (100% = best, 0% = worst) Overall Condition Suitability for Preservation (High/Moderate/Low) Intensity of Impacts (1 = Highest, 5 = Lowest) In Conflict with Proposed Design 36 Quercus agrifolia Failed Remove 3 $0 37 Quercus agrifolia Fair Moderate 3 $6, Quercus agrifolia Good High 2 $10, Quercus agrifolia Fair High 2 $6,700 Olive 40 Olea europaea 14, Fair Moderate 4 $5,200 Not Shown on Plans On Adjacent Proprty Appraised Value Total appraised value $280,920 Should any tree listed above be removed owner will be required to replace that tree with trees equal to its appraised value. Replacement Tree Values 15 gallon = $ inch box = $ inch box = $1, inch box = $5, inch box = 7, inch box = $15, Madrone Hill Road November 16, 2012

12 NP The house was relocated 10 feet farther from tree #27 and towards the upper portion of the driveway since this map was drawn. NP Legend Tree Canopy Tree Protection Fence Not Protected NP

ARBORIST REPORT. Report History: Report 1 New design

ARBORIST REPORT. Report History: Report 1 New design Community Development Department City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, California 95070 ARBORIST REPORT Application No. ARB15-0025 Prepared by Kate Bear, City Arborist Site: 21459 Saratoga