TREE CONSERVATION REPORT. Residential development at

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1 TREE CONSERVATION REPORT Residential development at 700 CORONATION AVENUE GATEWAY ON CORONATION Prepared for: Gateway on Coronation Inc. Prepared by: Douglas Associates Landscape Architects Limited 1750 Courtwood Crescent, Suite 112 Ottawa, ON K2C 2B5 (613) May 8, 2012

2 PROJECT INFORMATION PROJECT NAME: OWNER: APPLICANT: 700 Coronation Avenue Gateway on Coronation Inc. 400 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 200, Ottawa Ontario K1R 1B9 P H Robinson Consulting Paul Robinson, MCIP, RPP 100 Palomino Drive Ottawa, Ontario, K2M 1N PREPARED BY: CONTRACTOR: Douglas Associates Landscape Architects Limited, Att: Marietta Ruhland 1750 Courtwood Crescent, Suite 112 Ottawa, ON K2C 2B unknown at this time MUNICIPAL ADDRESS: 700 Coronation Avenue, Part 1, Block F, P.I.N Plan 605, City of Ottawa OFFICIAL PLAN & ZONING DESIGNATIONS: General Urban Area, R4N zoning PURPOSE FOR REPORT:in support for an application for site plan control SCHEDULE OF PROPOSED WORKS: fall 2012 to fall 2013 OTHER APPLICATIONS AFFECTING SUBJECT LANDS: severance (Consent), Minor Variance and a Draft Plan of Condominium DALA page 2

3 TREE CONSERVATION REPORT The subject lands are located on the south side of Coronation Avenue in the City of Ottawa. The subject lands are 0.34 hectares (.84 acres) in size. The area affected by the proposed site development is approximately 65% of the site. It is bounded on the west side by single family dwellings, on the east and south by condominiums, and industrial lands to the north. Included in this report is a letter from a certified Butternut Health Assessor, Map #1 Current Vegetation, Map #2 Proposed Development and Conserved Vegetation, Figure #1 - Bird s Eye views, Sketch L-1 Tree Protection Details, and Sketch L-2 Root Pruning Details,. GENERAL The subject lands consisted of an existing apartment building with at grade parking. There are existing trees located along the west and south property lines and east of the existing apartment building. The existing apartment building and landscaped area to the east will remain. The new development will take place west of the existing apartment building where the at grade parking lot is located. The site was visited by myself, Marietta Ruhland of Douglas Associates Landscape Architects Limited to assess potential impact of the development on the existing vegetation, which trees can be saved and protected, and mitigation measures, and the incidence of trees that would fall into the category of Species at Risk. A site visit was undertaken in mid March, Condition of trees was also checked with photographs available from the summer of The Owner had Forestree Care check on the condition of the ash trees on the site on May 7 th, 2012 who confirmed that the ash tree has died due to the Emerald Ash Borer. The condition of remainder of the trees are to be verified at project start up. VEGETATION INVENTORY EXISTING VEGETATION The existing vegetation consists mainly of semi mature to mature deciduous and coniferous trees, plus cedar hedges. The majority of the vegetation is located along the property lines. FRONT PROPERTY (NORTH): Existing vegetation along the north portion of the property includes semi mature White Cedar trees in front of the existing apartment building approximately size 20cm DBH. This tree is in fair condition. A 10cm DBH crab apple is located at the north western corner. There are also deciduous shrub beds around the cedar. DALA page 3

4 SOUTH PROPERTY LINE: Existing vegetation here consists mainly of pioneering species with some invasive species such as Manitoba Maple, White Cedar, Ash and Siberian Elm, with some Oak and Linden ranging in size from 5cm to 40cm DBH. These range from poor to good condition. Many of the saplings are straddling the property line or slightly on the adjacent property and growing along the back of the existing retaining wall. There is one large 70cm DBH Ash located in the northern corner of the L - shape in the property, south of the existing apartment building. This tree has been reviewed by an arborist is has been deemed dead due to the Emerald Ash Borer. There are one Oak (20cm DBH), one Linden (20cm DBH) and 2 Siberian Elm (30-40cm DBH) in good condition along the southern portion of the L -shape in the property. WEST PROPERTY LINE: Existing vegetation along the west property line consists mainly of semi mature to mature Manitoba Maple, Ash, with some Linden, Cherry and Elm. There are cedar hedge remnants along the property line. Saplings of the above species are also growing within tree row. One Butternut has been found at the southern portion (see section on Significant Vegetation / Species). The majority of these trees are straddling the property line or adjacent to the property. The Ash and Manitoba Maple are leaning heavily towards the east. EAST PROPERTY LINE: There is a substantial landscaped area along the east side of the property between the existing apartment building and the property line. Vegetation here consists of semi mature to mature deciduous trees and some spruce. Trees here (with the exception of the ash) are in fair to good condition. Average size 20-70cm DBH. Species include poplar (40-79cm DBH), ash (20-69cm DBH, presumed now dead), maple (50cm DBH), elm (20cm DBH), spruce (20-30cm DBH). This section is not impacted by the proposed development. DISTINCTIVE TREES There are several trees 50cm DBH and larger. Along the west side, there are two ash trees (50 and 60cm DBH). These have been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer. Along the south side, there is one 70cm DBH Ash which has died due to the Emerald Ash Borer. Along the east side, there are two poplars at 70cm DBH which are in fairly good condition, one maple at 50cm DBH in good condition, and three ash (two at 50cm DBH and one at 60cm DBH) which have been affected by the Emerald Ash Borer. The trees in this location will not be affected by the proposed development. DALA page 4

5 SIGNIFICANT VEGETATION / SPECIES One Butternut sized at 20cm DBH was found in the southwest corner of the site. This was assessed by a Butternut Health Assessor and found to be nonretainable. Letter from the Butternut Health Assessor is enclosed. No other vegetation that fall into the category of species at risk was found on site. NATURAL ELEMENTS VEGETATION There are no woodlots designated as Natural Environmental Areas or Urban Natural Features or evaluated in the UNAEES on the site. SURFACE WATER FEATURES No surface water features have been found on the site during any site reviews. STEEP SLOPES There are no steep slopes on site. GREENSPACE MASTER PLAN There are primary lands located about 900 metres form the site to the west along Coronation Avenue and 600 metres from the site southwest (Map #1). These also correspond to primary and supporting open spaces in Map #2 and Map #3. There are no existing or proposed pathway systems along the site. Proposed pathway systems are proposed linking the open spaces identified in Map #1 to Coronation about 600 metres west of the site and to connect to Russell Road east of the site (550 metres southeast). WILDLIFE As this is part of an established residential neighbourhood, urban wildlife generally found is to be expected (small mammal and birds). VEGETATION CONSERVATION AREAS CHOSEN FOR RETENTION Existing trees in the landscaped area east of the existing apartment building are to be retained. Additional trees along the west property and south property are to be retained were feasible. DALA page 5

6 VEGETATED AREAS TO BE REMOVED All trees within the proposed development area are to be removed, including the leaning trees along the west property line. All dead ash trees on the property will be removed. Trees within the subject lands along the west would be greatly impacted upon and are slated to be removed. Some trees that are straddling the property line may be preserved, if feasible. It is recommended that these trees be reassessed prior to construction start up by a qualified arborist, in terms of safety and construction impact. Map #2 shows the vegetation that is to remain, vegetation that is slated for removal, and vegetation that will be retained, if feasible. Vegetation that falls under the third category is to be reassessed prior to project start up. POTENTIAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES POTENTIAL IMPACTS The proposed development could impact on the root systems of the adjacent trees along the west property line and in the L-shaped south corner. The proposed development has a larger footprint of impervious surfaces, reducing the infiltration into the ground. The presence of an impermeable surface will also limit gaseous exchange with the atmosphere. There will be some areas where the existing asphalt pavement will be replaced with soft landscape treatment, helping the trees at the southern portion of the L- shaped corner. MITIGATION / PROTECTION MEASURES General: Preliminary root cutting at the edge of proposed excavation areas prior to any on site excavation which would protect the integrity of the existing root system of trees in proximity of the proposed development. Severing or exposing roots are to be cut cleanly sealed with bees wax and kept moist until reburied. The erection of a protection fence along vegetation that is to be preserved (at the dripline or as far as possible from the vegetation dripline as possible, whatever is the greater distance). The protection fence to consist of orange snow fence with t-posts every 2 metres and a top rail, and is to be maintained throughout all phases of the development. Location of protection fencing to be within 300mm from the back edge of the proposed curbs and/or hard surfacing. Preliminary root cutting to be within the protection fence and the back of the proposed curb / hard surfacing. The developer is to provide necessary protection against any construction site runoff into the treed areas. DALA page 6

7 No storage, vehicular traffic or other construction activities to take place within the protected area, or within the dripline of the trees. A qualified arbourist is to review the health of the trees prior to construction start up. Refer also to the City of Ottawa Tree Protection Guildelines. Specific: Pruning of all vegetation to remain of diseased/damaged branches and to promote healthy growth. PLANTING RECOMMENDATIONS Planting of indigenous or non invasive small trees, mixed with shade tolerant shrubs along the west property line. Due to the proximity of the hydro line, existing trees and proposed building, large tree planting would not be recommended here. Enhancement along the south property line with shrub plantings. Planting of the inner courtyard with small trees and shrubs to provide a microclimate that is comfortable for the users. If any of the trees slated to remain require removal due to proximity of construction, they should be replaced with either 250cm ht spruce and/or 70mm diameter deciduous trees such as Common Hackberry, Honey Locust, Crab Apple varieties. Prepared by Marietta Ruhland, OALA Douglas Associates Landscape Architects Limited May 8, 2012 DALA page 7

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14 LINDEN ASH BUTTERNUT CEDAR ASH, ELM ASH CEDAR MANITOBA MAPLE, CHERRY, ELM LINDEN OAK ELM ASH MAPLE CRAB APPLE POPLAR MAPLE CEDAR SPRUCE ASH SPRUCE BIRD'S EYE VIEW LOOKING WEST ASH SPRUCE ASH MAPLE POPLAR CEDAR ASH ELM OAK MAPLE LINDEN MANITOBA MAPLE, CHERRY, ELM ASH, ELM ASH CEDAR LINDEN BUTTERNUT BIRD'S EYE VIEW LOOKING EAST FIGURE #1 - BIRDS EYE VIEWS

15 PLACE FENCE AT EDGE OF CRITICAL ROOT ZONE 38x38x2400 mm STEEL POST 1200 mm PLASTIC SNOW FENCE EXISTING TREE ROW TOP VIEW EXISTING TREE 1200 EXISTING GRADE 38x38x2400mm 'T' RAIL 3000 O.C. MAX 1200 mm PLASTIC SNOW FENCE (ORANGE), placed ±300mm above grade where root cutting is not to take place TREE PROTECTION DETAIL NOTES: Provide protection for trees shown as requiring protection on contract drawings using method shown. where operations threaten other nearby trees, apply same measures. Protect roots of all trees as shown above. no excavation, filling, storage of materials, disposal of chemicals, vehicle traffic, or other activity which could cause disturbance of soil root area, including soil compaction shall take place within the protected area. The City of Ottawa Trees By- law requires that contractors working near trees must: - erect a fence at the critical root zone (CRZ) of trees; - not place any material or equipment within the CRZ of the tree; - not attach any signs, notices or posters to any tree; - not raise or lower the existing grade within the CRZ without approval; - tunnel or bore when digging within the CRZ of a tree; - not damage the root system, trunk or branches of any tree; - ensure that exhaust fumes from all equipment are NOT directed towards any tree's canopy. Critical Root Zone (CRZ) of a tree: D (diameter of trunk in centimeters_) x 10cm = Critical Root Zone.The critical root zone is established as being 10 centimetres from the trunk of a tree for every centimetre of trunk diameter. The trunk diameter is measured at a height of 1.2 metres for trees of 15 centimetres diameter and greater and at a height of 0.3 metres for trees of less than 15 centimetres diameter. The contractor must obtain all permits and approvals prior to the start of construction. The contractor must call a City Tree Inspector when work is required near a City tree. project 700 CORONATION AVENUE drawing TREE PRESERVATION DETAIL scale date project no. NTS MAY, drawn by checked by revision no. M.R. M.R. dwg. no. SK-L1

16 LIMIT OF CONST. EXCAVATION ROOT PROTECTION ZONE 300mm EDGE OF TREE PRESERVATION PROTECTION FENCE FENCE FABRIC TO EXTEND DOWN TO BELOW FILTER FABRIC FILTER FABRIC PLUS WOOD CHIPS ROOT CUTTING TRENCH ( mm depth) MAIN FEEDER ROOTS SECTION TREE ROOTS CONSTRUCTION ZONE PRELIMINARY ROOT CUTTING ±300 SNOW FENCE LOCATION 300mm ROOT PROTECTION AREA EDGE OF TREE PRESERVATION ZONE EXISTING TREES PLAN NOTE: LIMIT OF EXCAVATION AND LOCATION OF PROTECTION FENCE TO BE DETERMINED ON SITE. ROOT CUTTING PRIOR TO EXCAVATION project 700 CORONATION AVENUE drawing PRELIMINARY ROOT CUTTING DETAIL scale date project no. dwg. no. NTS drawn by MAY, 2012 checked by revision no. SK-L2 M.R. M.R.