16B-001 BearHillEstates Tree Survey for Cutting
Ziter Saloomey
Bridge Road LLC
Bridge Rd, Florence, Mass
Dear Mr. Saloomey
I visited Bear Hill Estates on Dec. 17 th and again on Dec. 23, 2013 for the purpose of evaluating the
condition of the trees in the northeast corner of the property. The specific area included the trees
behind buildings 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30. I marked 15 trees with orange surveyors tape. These trees
range in size from 10” to 28” in diameter at chest height. I am recommending removing these trees
because I observed one or more of the following defects: decay at the base or in the trunk, holes in the
trunk, crack or seam in the trunk, excessive lean toward a building, crown is more than 50% dead.
Prior to construction, these trees were growing as part of the forest therefore many of them are tall and
skinny which is also the condition of the rest of the smaller trees growing close to the trees that are
marked. When trees grow close together in a forest setting, they are more susceptible to damage
caused by wind, ice, or heavy snow because the foliage grows predominantly near the top of the tree
making them top heavy. The trees along the edge of a clearing after construction are vulnerable because
one side is exposed. For this reason, I believe it would be advisable to remove the smaller trees at the
same time. If they remain, they will need to be removed later for all the same reasons. Then, I suggest
replanting this area. Even though this may seem radical, in the long run it will be more attractive and
less maintenance. The new trees can be placed to provide screening where desired and attract birds
without encouraging bears. White pine placed near the back edge of the cleared area would provide the
best screen. The following are some plants to consider: dogwoods, white, yellow or grey birch,
shadblow, viburnum, mt. laurel, butterfly bush and summer sweet. I do not recommend any fruit trees
because of the bears or any plants that deer will devour like yew and arborvitae.
I retired from Shumway and Sons Tree and Landscaping last November after 20 years. Prior to that, I
worked for Cotton Tree Service for 23 years. It was during my time working for Ed Cotton that I became
a Mass certified arborist in 1990. The recommendations above are a result many years of practical
experience, careful observation, continuing education classes and personal study.
Sincerely,
Robert O. Goss