Loading...
Arborist Report David C. Hawkins – Consulting Arborist Office/Fax: 413-253-4266 Mobile: 413-237-5106 Email: dhawkufs@comcast.net Web: www.ufstrees.com 154 Buffam Road, Pelham, Massachusetts 01002 154 Buffam Road, Pelham, Massachusetts 01002 May 5, 2022 Michael George George Propane 3 Berkshire Trail West Goshen, MA 01032 RE: Tree Assessment: 88 Crescent Street, Northampton, Mass. Michael, This report is a follow up to our April 27, 2022 meeting at 88 Crescent Street regarding the trees that may be impacted by the proposed construction illustrated on the construction plans you provided me. Per our discussion my assignment was to inspect, measure and assess the trees’ health, risk to the property and construction impact. Also included are recommendations for further action. Thanks for the opportunity to assist you with this project. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or need additional services. Best regards, David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 2 of 14 Introduction Nine trees at 88 Crescent Street were identified, measured and assessed for health, risk and potential construction impact from the proposed plan to demolish and rebuild a garage and construct a cottage in the southeast corner of the property. This assessment was done in part to comply with Northampton’s Significant Tree Ordinance, which is intended to preserve, where possible, large trees (over 20 inches trunk diameter) and the canopy cover and related benefits they provide to the city. The Site Illustration below shows the two structures (shaded), and the tree inventory numbers and location of the nine trees. Note the approximate new footprint of the cottage is shown in red as of May 4, 2022. The photographs on the following pages show the nine trees, inventory data and recommendations for further action. Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 3 of 14 Assessment Data Tree #1: 20-inch DBH1 Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata) Comments: Old, unique tree in good health. Excavation for the foundation of the new cottage will come within 12 feet of the tree’s trunk likely resulting in some root loss. Recommendations: Excavate trench with high pressure air (Air Spade) at the limit of excavation and root prune if feasible (red line). Consider adjusting cottage footprint to limit root loss. 1 DBH- Measurement of the trunk 4.5 feet above ground level or where it best represents the overall diameter of the lower trunk. Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 4 of 14 Tree #2: 30-inch DBH White Ash (Fraxinus americana) Comments: Older white ash in good condition health wise and structurally. Little if any construction impact anticipated. Due to the regional presence of the Emerald Ash Borer, all white ash are at risk of succumbing to this invasive insect. Recommendations: If the tree is to be retained, a preventative, systemic pesticide application is recommended. This should be done this coming growing season to ensure the chemical is in place prior to any infestation. C.L. Frank/Bartlett Tree Experts provides this service (Greg Beck 413-531-2216) Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 5 of 14 Tree #3: 32-inch DBH Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) Comments: This tree is growing under and next a larger red oak (Tree #4) which has resulted in a significant lean (~15 degrees) and crown weight to the northeast and location of the new cottage (red square). There is also a large vertical seam on the southwest side of the trunk indicating a structural weakness and possible interior decay. Failure of this tree after construction is completed could result in severe damage/injury to the cottage and occupants. Recommendations: Remove tree prior to construction’s start Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 6 of 14 Tree #4: 42.5-inch DBH Red Oak (Quercus rubra) Comments: Large, old, feature tree in the landscape located about 10 feet southwest of Tree #3. Construction impact could be moderate to high due to the excavation for the new garage foundation which, as planned, could come within 10 feet of the tree’s trunk. Raising the grade may result in less root loss if they are deeper than ~20 inches. Root location, size and density unknown. Recommendations: Air spade at the closest limit of excavation to expose roots to aid in design decisions (red line). Root prune if feasible. Consider adjusting garage footprint or using helical piers to limit root loss. #3 #4 Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 7 of 14 Tree #5: 25-inch DBH Black Locust (Robinia psuedoacacia) Comments: Tree is located just over the property line at 76 Crescent Street and between the two driveways. It is in good condition health wise and structurally. Lean and weight to south and 76 Crescent Street. Roots are present and visible under the 88 Crescent’s driveway and heaving the asphalt. New driveway installation could result in some root loss if grade cannot be raised. Recommendations: If tree is to be retained, remove asphalt with care, raise grade slightly and add subbase around roots and repave. Consider approaching neighbor to remove tree prior to driveway reconstruction. Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 8 of 14 Tree #6: 24-inch DBH Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Comments: Tree is located on or over the property line at 94 Crescent Street next to a stone wall and fence. This tree is in poor to fair condition with large deadwood and crown dieback. Sounding the lower trunk with a plastic mallet indicated possible internal decay or a cavity. Lean and weight to south and new parking area location. Recommendations: Remove the tree prior to construction. If the property line straddles any part of the lower trunk, both property owners own the tree and mutual consent is need for pruning or removal. Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 9 of 14 Tree #7: 24-inch DBH Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) Comments: Tree is also located on the property of 94 Crescent Street next to the fence. It is in good condition but leaning and growing over the 88 Crescent Street house. Branches area close to and resting on the roof and house siding. Recommendations: Prune branches to achieve adequate house clearance (10 to 15 feet). Pruning can be done at the property line without tree owner’s permission. Recommend approaching neighbor and request pruning cuts be made at the tree’s trunk (over the property line) or at a junction of another branch suitable to sustain the remaining branch. Note: pruning at the property line will leave branch stubs – not a recommended arboricultural practice. Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 10 of 14 Tree #8: 45-inch (estimated) DBH Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) Comments: Tree is located over the property line at 94 Crescent Street next to the southeast corner of the house. A large two leader tree in fair to good health with a large dead central leader and some crown dieback (visually inspected from 88 Crescent St only). Concerns for this tree stem from its location to the proposed new cottage and excavation for the foundation. Upon inspection, the closest point of the cottage – the northwest corner is 22 feet from the tree’s base and angles away to the east. Root damage should be minimal and limited to smaller roots near the corner area of the cottage. Recommendations: Excavate with care near the northwest corner of the cottage and prune any roots encountered during excavation. I don’t feel airspading is necessary. 28 FT 22 FT Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 11 of 14 Tree #9: 30-inch (estimated) DBH Red Oak (Quercus rubra) Comments: Tree is also located over the property line in the front yard of 94 Crescent Street. Another large shade tree in good condition health wise and structurally (visually inspected from 88 Crescent St only). Root impact should be minimal if any due to the estimated distance of 30 feet and the presence of large Taxus bushes between the proposed cottage location and oak tree. it is likely the majority of the oak’s main root system is in the front yard area and not among the taxus roots due to competition for space and nutrients. Recommendations: Excavate with care while removing the taxus’ root system. Any roots encountered while excavating the cottage foundation will likely be small and sparse. Prune if exposed. Airspading not needed. ~30 FT Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 12 of 14 General Tree Protection Recommendations Pre-construction 1. Protection: Establish a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) for all trees to be retained on the property. The TPZ should be established at the edge of disturbance and delineated by a high visibility plastic fence or semi-permanent chain link fence. If the tree is within striking distance of excavation equipment, two by four wooden boards should be installed around the lower trunks and fastened with wire. Burlap should only be installed where the boards contact the trunk. 2. Root Pruning: Trees noted for potential airspading (#1 & #4) should be excavated prior to the construction’s start. It is recommended that this process be performed or supervised by a certified arborist with experience in tree preservation and airspade operations. If pruning is required, all roots must be severed clean at or outside of the limits of disturbance. Roots larger than 3” in diameter shall cut at the discretion of the arborist and tree owner. Pruned roots should be backfilled with soil suitable for planting as soon as possible. 3. Pruning: Remove limbs that may interfere with equipment and vehicles during the construction process and any deadwood or broken branches over the construction zone or areas that will be frequented. Pruning should be done by a Certified Arborist and conform to ANSI A-300 (Part 1) – 2017. Tree Shrub and Other Woody Plant Management – Standard Practices (Pruning) During Construction 1. Monitor construction activities to ensure no unnecessary damage is inflicted on the trees and the TPZ remains intact 2. No materials or vehicles are to enter or be stored in the TPZ 3. Ensure trees that were root pruned are watered during periods of extended drought. Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 13 of 14 Disclaimer By the nature or their size, weight, miscellaneous structure issues, constant exposure to the weather and the elements, and susceptibility to insect’s pest and decay organisms, trees always pose an inherent degree of risk of breakage or structural failure. Recommendations made by Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. are intended to minimize, reduce, or eliminate hazardous conditions associated with trees. However, there is not, and can never be, any guarantee or certainty that these recommendations will totally correct unsafe conditions or prevent future failure of a tree. The recommendations carried out as stated should reduce the risk, but they cannot completely eliminate the risk (except when the tree is removed), especially in the event of future growth, further deterioration, subsequent insect attacks, extreme weather conditions, or other eternal factors such as lightning strikes vehicular damage, or other acts of God or man. Michael George Tree Assessment May 5, 2022 George Propane 88 Crescent Street, Northampton Goshen, MA Prepared by: David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc. Page 14 of 14 Certification I certify the statements in this report are, to the best of my knowledge, true, accurate and represent my professional opinion. Date: May 5, 2022 David C. Hawkins, Consulting Arborist Certified Arborist: Mass. Arborists Association MCA #1425 International Society of Arboriculture Board Certified Master Arborist ISA# NE-0541-B Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) March 2014; Renewed October 2018 Licensed Arborist: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management RI #696 Member: American Society of Consulting Arborists Registered Consulting Arborist RCA #743 The Tree Care Industry Mass. Tree Wardens and Foresters Assoc Executive Board Member