Tree Inventory and Assessment. June 19, Saratoga Los Gatos Road. Prepared for: Hacienda Realty. Prepared By:

Transcription

1 Tree Inventory and Assessment June 19, Saratoga Los Gatos Road Prepared for: Hacienda Realty Prepared By: Richard Gessner ASCA - Registered Consulting Arborist #496 ISA - Board Certified Master Arborist WE-4341B ISA - Tree Risk Assessor Qualified CA Qualified Applicators License QL Copyright Monarch Consulting Arborists LLC, 2017

2 Table of Contents Summary... 1 Introduction... 2 Background... 2 Assignment... 2 Limits of the assignment... 2 Purpose and use of the report... 2 Observations... 3 Discussion... 4 Tree Inventory... 4 Condition Rating... 5 Suitability for Preservation... 6 Conclusion... 7 Recommendations... 7 Bibliography... 8 Appendix A: Tree Inventory Map... 9 Appendix B: Tree Inventory and Assessment Table Appendix C: Photographs C1: Valley oak # C2: Deodar cedar # C3: Coast redwood # C4: Trees on the southern Appendix D: Tree Protection Guidelines Pre-Construction Meeting with the Project Arborist Tree Protection Zones and Fence Specifications Monitoring Restrictions Within the Tree Protection Zone Root Pruning Boring or Tunneling Timing Tree Pruning and Removal Operations Tree Protection Signs rick@monarcharborist.com

3 Qualifications, Assumptions, and Limiting Conditions Certification of Performance rick@monarcharborist.com

4 Summary The property is located at Saratoga Los Gatos Road in Monte Sereno, California. The site is comprised of two distinct sections with the northern portion developed and the southern section containing a mostly unmaintained mixed stand of trees dominated by young coast live oaks and California s. The inventory contains 155 trees with 138 within the property boundary and an additional 17 directly adjacent. The northern developed portion contains 42 trees while the southern undeveloped contains 96. There is an additional 17 on adjacent sites with crowns overhanging the property. Of the 155 trees 135 are considered Significant Trees based on section of the City of Monte Sereno ordinance. The total tree inventory performed contains 155 trees comprised of 21 different species with accounting for 43 percent and 21 percent. Most of the trees are in fair condition with 95 specimens. Thirty-eight are in good shape, twenty poor, and two are dead. Like the tree conditions most have fair suitability of preservation with 92 specimens. Twentyone have good suitability for preservation and are mostly comprised of those around the perimeter of the developed northern area. Forty have poor suitability for preservation including many trees in the northern developed section rick@monarcharborist.com 1 of 29

5 Introduction Background Hacienda Realty asked me to provide a tree inventory and assessment for the site. I agreed to place number tags on the trees, locate them on a map, and assess the criteria listed in the Assignment below. Assignment The assessment is to include the species, size (trunk diameter) for trees on the property and those on adjacent sites with crowns encroaching over the boundary. Trees with trunk diameters greater than four inches are to be included. Overall Condition (combined health and structure), Suitability for preservation Trees tagged with aluminum numbers and placed on a provided PDF map. Limits of the assignment The report is limited to the tree and site conditions during my assessment between June 2 and 13, No tree protection plan or construction impact ratings are to be provided at this time or are part of the scope of work. Tree locations provided on the map are estimates and are not to be taken as actual or survey accurate. No tree risk assessments were performed. Purpose and use of the report The purpose of the report is to help satisfy the City of Monte Sereno planning requirements and to identify the existing tree conditions and quantities. The report is to be used by the property owners and managers, their agents, and the City of Monte Sereno to help make decisions about the trees and site rick@monarcharborist.com 2 of 29

6 Observations The property is located at Saratoga Los Gatos Road in Monte Sereno, California. The site is comprised of two distinct sections with the developed northern portion containing several structures and a pool and the southern section containing a mostly unmaintained stand of mixed trees. The northern developed section contains mostly ornamental plantings scattered about with several southern magnolias (Magnolia grandiflora), a large ash (Fraxinus uhdei), and deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) centrally located in the parking lot (Appendix C). Around the pool are several Chinese windmill palms (Trachycarpus fortunei), one fern pine (Afrocarpus falcatus), and a growing over a wooden deck. There are fifty-nine trees located in the northern portion including trees directly adjacent to the site along the perimeter. The southern area contains a mixed stand dominated by s and California bay laurels. There are at least two large s that have succumbed in recent years and are now dead and on the ground, likely as a result of the sudden oak death (Phytophthora ramorum) complex. Most of the trees are small with trunk diameters averaging about ten inches. There are two large valley oaks lobata) (#420 and #379) with trunk diameters of 48 and 36 inches respectively. Along the east side are moist soils with some willows (Salix lasiolepis) growing in the lower section. Among the naturally occurring species are several Monterey pines (Pinus radiata), volunteer black acacias (Acacia melanoxylon), and a couple of deodar cedar. The area is sloped with lots of weeds, thistle, and ivy. The inventory contains 155 trees with 138 within the property boundary and an additional 17 directly adjacent. The northern developed portion of the site contains 42 trees with an additional 17 originating on the adjacent properties. The southern undeveloped area inventory contains 96 trees. There are 135 considered Significant Trees based on section of the City of Monte Sereno ordinance rick@monarcharborist.com 3 of 29

7 Discussion Tree Inventory The City of Monte Sereno section considers trees with the following characteristics to be Significant Trees: oaks and redwoods having a trunk circumference greater than 20 inches at 4 feet above grade (6.3 inch diameter). Any tree having a trunk circumference greater than 25 (7.9 inch diameter) inches at 4 feet above grade. Any three or more trees proposed to be removed from any parcel of property within a twelve month period. The inventory contains 155 trees comprised of 21 different species with accounting for 43 percent and bay laurel 21 percent (Chart 1). Quantity rick@monarcharborist.com 4 of 29

8 Condition Rating A tree s condition is a determination of its overall health and structure based on a visual assessment of the tree s crown, trunk, and trunk flare along with crown opacity or transparency. Exceptional = Good health and structure with significant size, location or quality. Good = No apparent problems with good structure and health. Fair = Minor problems, at least one structural defect or health concern, problems can be mitigated through cultural practices such as pruning or a plant health care program. Poor = Major problems with multiple structural defects or declining health, not a good candidate for retention. Dead/Unstable = Extreme problems, irreversible decline, failing structure, or dead. Most of the trees are in fair condition with 95 specimens (Chart 2). Thirty-eight are in good shape, twenty poor, and two are dead. The trees in good condition primarily consist of unmaintained volunteer s and valley oaks on the southern. These trees are too young to have developed the structural problems or decay older trees typically possess. The twenty trees in poor condition are a mixture of those in the northern and southern sections of the property. Two trees are dead in the southern section not including one fallen. Quantity rick@monarcharborist.com 5 of 29

9 Suitability for Preservation A tree s suitability for preservation is determined based on its health, structure, age, species characteristics, and longevity using a scale of good, fair, or poor. The purpose of this rating is to differentiate between the condition of the tree and potentially other characteristics that may be in conflict with the site or compatibility. This rating is typically used in a development setting. The following list defines the rating scale (Tree Care Industry Association, 2012): Good = Trees with good health, structural stability and longevity. Fair = Trees with fair health and/or structural defects that may be mitigated through treatment. These trees require more intense management and monitoring, and may have shorter life spans than those in the good category. Poor = Trees in poor health with significant structural defects that cannot be mitigated and will continue to decline regardless of treatment. The species or individual may possess characteristics that are incompatible or undesirable in landscape settings or unsuited for the intended use of the site. Like the tree conditions most have fair suitability of preservation with 92 specimens (Chart 3). Twenty-one trees have good suitability for preservation and are mostly comprised of those around the perimeter of the developed northern area. Forty have poor suitability for preservation including many in the northern developed section. Suitability for preservation is based on the individual merits of the trees. In some instances trees as a group, for example in the southern portion, may have greater value or suitability as stand than as individuals. Quantity rick@monarcharborist.com 6 of 29

10 Conclusion The property is located at Saratoga Los Gatos Road in Monte Sereno, California. The site is comprised of two distinct sections with the northern portion developed and the southern containing a mostly unmaintained mixed stand of trees dominated by young s and California s. The inventory contains 155 trees with 138 within the property boundary, and an additional 17 originating on adjacent sites having crowns overhanging the property. The northern developed portion of the site contains 42 trees while the southern undeveloped contains 96. Of the 155 trees 135 are considered Significant Trees based on section of the City of Monte Sereno ordinance. The total tree inventory performed contains 155 trees comprised of 21 different species with accounting for 43 percent and 21 percent. Most of the trees are in fair condition with 95 specimens. Thirty-eight are in good shape, twenty poor, and two are dead. The twenty in poor condition are a mixture of those in the northern and southern sections of the property. Like the tree conditions most have fair suitability of preservation with 92 specimens. Twentyone have good suitability for preservation and are mostly comprised of those around the perimeter of the developed northern area. Forty have poor suitability for preservation including many in the northern developed section. In some instances trees as a group, for example on the southern portion, may have greater value or suitability as a stand than as individuals. Two specimens, valley oaks #420 and #379, are of significant size and value to the site. Recommendations If the site is to be demolished and or developed have the total tree impacts evaluated and develop a proper tree protection plan following the guidelines in Managing Trees During Construction, second edition, International Society of Arboriculture, General tree protection guidelines are listed in Appendix D of this document. All tree maintenance and care shall be performed by a qualified arborist with a C-61/D-49 California Contractors License. Tree maintenance and care should be specified in writing according to American National Standard for Tree Care Operations: Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Management: Standard Practices parts 1 through 10 and adhere to ANSI Z133.1 safety standards and local regulations rick@monarcharborist.com 7 of 29

11 Bibliography American National Standard for Tree Care Operations: Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Management : Standard Practices (Management of Trees and Shrubs During Site Planning, Site Development, and Construction)(Part 5). Londonderry, NH: Secretariat, Tree Care Industry Association, Print. Fite, Kelby, and Edgar Thomas. Smiley. Managing trees during construction, second edition. Champaign, IL: International Society of Arboriculture, rick@monarcharborist.com 8 of 29

12 Appendix A: Tree Inventory Map Image not to scale taken from provided topo survey X X X 379 X X N X X X rick@monarcharborist.com 9 of 29

13 Appendix B: Tree Inventory and Assessment Table Table 1: Tree Inventory and Assessment Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) Good Good Developed area perimeter Poor Poor Suppressed bowed stem Fair Fair Adjacent site Good Good Adjacent site Good Good Adjacent site Fair Fair Adjacent site Good Good Adjacent site Poor Poor Adjacent site Fair Fair Adjacent site Poor Poor Adjacent site Fair Fair Adjacent site Poor Poor Adjacent site Poor Poor Adjacent site rick@monarcharborist.com 10 of 29

14 Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes persimmon (Diospyros kaki) persimmon (Diospyros kaki) plum (Punus cerasifera) coast redwood (Sequoia semperviens) Fair Poor High voltage Fair Poor High voltage Fair Fair High voltage Fair Fair High voltage Good Good Developed area perimeter Good Good Adjacent site Fair Fair Developed area perimeter , Poor Poor In fence 322 5, Poor Poor Developed area perimeter Good Good developed area 324 5, Fair Fair developed area Poor Poor developed area Good Fair developed area , Fair Fair developed area rick@monarcharborist.com 11 of 29

15 Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes ornamental pear (Pyrus kawakami) camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) ash (Fraxinus uhdei) deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) persimmon (Diospyros kaki) Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) Poor Poor developed area Fair Poor developed area Fair Fair developed area Good Poor Obstructed root area lowered grade and wall Poor Poor developed area Poor Poor developed area 334 7, Poor Poor developed area Poor Poor developed area Fair Poor Adjacent site Fair Poor Adjacent site Good Good Adjacent site , Good Good Adjacent site Good Good Adjacent site rick@monarcharborist.com 12 of 29

16 Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes Italian cypress (Cupressus (sempervirens) Italian cypress (Cupressus (sempervirens) Italian cypress (Cupressus (sempervirens) Italian cypress (Cupressus (sempervirens) willow (Salix lasiolepis) willow (Salix lasiolepis) willow (Salix lasiolepis) ash (Fraxinus uhdei) willow (Salix lasiolepis) valley oak lobata) valley oak lobata) Good Fair developed area Good Fair developed area Good Fair developed area Good Fair developed area Fair Fair Multi trunk x Fair Fair Southern x Fair Fair Southern 348 6, Fair Fair Southern Good Poor Southern Poor Poor Southern Poor Fair Southern Fair Good Southern Good Good Southern Good Good Southern Fair Good Southern rick@monarcharborist.com 13 of 29

17 Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern 358 7, Fair Fair Southern 359 8, 8, Fair Fair Southern , 6, 6, 4, , 8, 8, 8, 4, , 8, 8, Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Poor Fair Southern Poor Fair Southern , Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern rick@monarcharborist.com 14 of 29

18 Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes valley oak lobata) valley oak lobata) Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern 380 Good Good Southern Fair Fair Southern , Fair Fair Southern rick@monarcharborist.com 15 of 29

19 Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) Dead Dead Southern Poor Poor Southern , Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern , 10, 8, 8, Fair Fair Southern toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) valley oak lobata) 388 6, Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern 394 8, Poor Poor Southern Good Good Southern Good Good Southern rick@monarcharborist.com 16 of 29

20 Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) Good Good Southern Good Good Southern Good Good Southern Good Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern rick@monarcharborist.com 17 of 29

21 Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) valley oak lobata) black acacia (Acacia melanoxylon) black acacia (Acacia melanoxylon) black acacia (Acacia melanoxylon) black acacia (Acacia melanoxylon) valley oak lobata) black acacia (Acacia melanoxylon) Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern 413 6, Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Good Poor Southern Good Poor Southern Good Poor Southern Good Poor Southern Good Good Southern Fair Fair Southern 422 7, 6, Fair Poor Southern Fair Fair Southern rick@monarcharborist.com 18 of 29

22 Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) Monterey pine (Pinus radiata) 424 6, 6, 4, Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Poor Southern Fair Poor Southern , Fair Fair Southern , Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Poor Southern Dead Dead Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern rick@monarcharborist.com 19 of 29

23 Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) fern pine (Afrocarpus falcatus) Chinese windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei) Good Poor Pool Good Poor Pool Good Poor Pool Good Poor Pool 442 8, Good Poor Pool Fair Poor Pool, previously topped, decay in primary scaffold Good Poor Pool or 55 x Poor Poor Pool, extreme contact stress response at deck. loquat (Eriobotrya deflexa) southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Fair Fair Outer pool parking lot 447 7, 7, Good Poor Outer pool parking lot Fair Fair Outer pool parking lot rick@monarcharborist.com 20 of 29

24 Tree Species Number Trunk ~ Height ~ Crown Condition Suitability Notes southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Arbutus (Arbutus unedo) Fair Fair Outer pool parking lot Fair Fair Outer pool parking lot Fair Fair Outer pool parking lot Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern Fair Fair Southern rick@monarcharborist.com 21 of 29

25 Appendix C: Photographs C1: Valley oak # rick@monarcharborist.com 22 of 29

26 C2: Deodar cedar # rick@monarcharborist.com 23 of 29

27 C3: Coast redwood # rick@monarcharborist.com 24 of 29

28 C4: Trees on the southern rick@monarcharborist.com 25 of 29

29 Appendix D: Tree Protection Guidelines Tree protection locations should be marked before any fencing contractor arrives. Pre-Construction Meeting with the Project Arborist Prior to beginning work, all contractors involved with the project should attend a pre construction meeting with the project arborist to review the tree protection guidelines. Access routes, storage areas, and work procedures will be discussed. Tree Protection Zones and Fence Specifications Tree protection fence should be established prior to the arrival of construction equipment or materials on site. Fence should be comprised of six-foot high chain link fence mounted on eightfoot tall, 1 7/8-inch diameter galvanized posts, driven 24 inches into the ground and spaced no more than 10 feet apart. Once established, the fence must remain undisturbed and be maintained throughout the construction process until final inspection. The fence should be maintained throughout the site during the construction period and should be inspected periodically for damage and proper functions. Fence should be repaired, as necessary, to provide a physical barrier from construction activities. A final inspection by the city arborist at the end of the project will be required prior to removing any tree protection fence and replacement tree shall be planted at this time. Monitoring Any trenching, construction or demolition that is expected to damage or encounter tree roots should be monitored by the project arborist or a qualified ISA Certified Arborist and should be documented. The site should be evaluated by the project arborist or a qualified ISA Certified Arborist after construction is complete, and any necessary remedial work that needs to be performed should be noted. Restrictions Within the Tree Protection Zone No storage of construction materials, debris, or excess soil will be allowed within the Tree Protection Zone. Spoils from the trenching shall not be placed within the tree protection zone either temporarily or permanently. Construction personnel and equipment shall be routed outside the tree protection zones rick@monarcharborist.com 26 of 29

30 Root Pruning Root pruning shall be supervised by the project arborist. When roots over two inches in diameter are encountered they should be pruned by hand with loppers, handsaw, reciprocating saw, or chain saw rather than left crushed or torn. Roots should be cut beyond sinker roots or outside root branch junctions and be supervised by the project arborist. When completed, exposed roots should be kept moist with burlap or backfilled within one hour. Boring or Tunneling Boring machines should be set up outside the drip line or established Tree Protection Zone. Boring may also be performed by digging a trench on both sides of the tree until roots one inch in diameter are encountered and then hand dug or excavated with an Air Spade or similar air or water excavation tool. Bore holes should be adjacent to the trunk and never go directly under the main stem to avoid oblique (heart) roots. Bore holes should be a minimum of three feet deep. Timing If the construction is to occur during the summer months supplemental watering and bark beetle treatments should be applied to help ensure survival during and after construction. Tree Pruning and Removal Operations All tree pruning or removals should be performed by a qualified arborist with a C-61/D-49 California Contractors License. Tree pruning should be specified in writing according to ANSI A-300A pruning standards and adhere to ANSI Z133.1 safety standards. Trees that need to be removed or pruned should be identified in the pre-construction walk through. Tree Protection Signs All sections of fencing should be clearly marked with signs stating that all areas within the fencing are Tree Protection Zones and that disturbance is prohibited. Text on the signs should be in both English and Spanish rick@monarcharborist.com 27 of 29

31 Qualifications, Assumptions, and Limiting Conditions Any legal description provided to the consultant is assumed to be correct. Any titles or ownership of properties are assumed to be good and marketable. All property is appraised or evaluated as though free and clear, under responsible ownership and competent management. All property is presumed to be in conformance with applicable codes, ordinances, statutes, or other regulations. Care has been taken to obtain information from reliable sources. However, the consultant cannot be responsible for the accuracy of information provided by others. The consultant shall not be required to give testimony or attend meetings, hearings, conferences, mediations, arbitration, or trials by reason of this report unless subsequent contractual arrangements are made, including payment of an additional fee for such services. This report and any appraisal value expressed herein represent the opinion of the consultant, and the consultant s fee is not contingent upon the reporting of a specified appraisal value, a stipulated result, or the occurrence of a subsequent event. Sketches, drawings, and photographs in this report are intended for use as visual aids, are not necessarily to scale, and should not be construed as engineering or architectural reports or surveys. The reproduction of information generated by architects, engineers, or other consultants on any sketches, drawings, or photographs is only for coordination and ease of reference. Inclusion of said information with any drawings or other documents does not constitute a representation as to the sufficiency or accuracy of said information. Unless otherwise expressed: a) this report covers only examined items and their condition at the time of inspection; and b) the inspection is limited to visual examination of accessible items without dissection, excavation, probing, or coring. There is no warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied, that structural problems or deficiencies of plants or property may not arise in the future rick@monarcharborist.com 28 of 29

32 Certification of Performance I Richard Gessner, Certify: That I have personally inspected the tree(s) and/or the property referred to in this report, and have stated my findings accurately. The extent of the evaluation and/or appraisal is stated in the attached report and Terms of Assignment; That I have no current or prospective interest in the vegetation or the property that is the subject of this report, and I have no personal interest or bias with respect to the parties involved; That the analysis, opinions and conclusions stated herein are my own; That my analysis, opinions, and conclusions were developed and this report has been prepared according to commonly accepted Arboricultural practices; That no one provided significant professional assistance to the consultant, except as indicated within the report. That my compensation is not contingent upon the reporting of a predetermined conclusion that favors the cause of the client or any other party, nor upon the results of the assessment, the attainment of stipulated results, or the occurrence of any other subsequent events; I further certify that I am a Registered Consulting Arborist with the American Society of Consulting Arborists, and that I acknowledge, accept and adhere to the ASCA Standards of Professional Practice. I am an International Society of Arboriculture Board Certified Master Arborist and Tree Risk Assessor Qualified. I have been involved with the practice of Arboriculture and the care and study of trees since Richard J. Gessner ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #496 ISA Board Certified Master Arborist WE-4341B ISA Tree Risk Assessor Qualified CA Qualified Applicators License QL Copyright Copyright 2017, Monarch Consulting Arborists LLC. Other than specific exception granted for copies made by the client for the express uses stated in this report, no parts of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise without the express, written permission of the author rick@monarcharborist.com 29 of 29