Exhibit 7 - Consulting Arborist’s Report, dated September 25, 2020ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
Assessment of Six (6) Protected-Size Trees
at and adjacent to
14300 Lora Drive
Los Gatos, California
Prepared for:
Jocelyn Shoopman, Associate Planner
Town of Los Gatos Community Development Department
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Field Visit:
Walter Levison, Contract Town Arborist (CTA)
9/21/2020
Report by CTA
9/25/2020
EXHIBIT 7
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
Table of Contents
1.0 Summary __________________________________________________________________________ 3
2.0 Assignment & Background ___________________________________________________________ 7
3.0 Town of Los Gatos – What Trees are Protected? _________________________________________ 7
4.0 Recommendations __________________________________________________________________ 9
5.0 Tree Protection and Maintenance Directions per Town Code ______________________________ 16
6.0 Tree Replacement Standards – Los Gatos Town Code ___________________________________ 19
7.0 Author’s Qualifications _____________________________________________________________ 21
8.0 Assumptions and Limiting Conditions _________________________________________________ 22
9.0 Certification _______________________________________________________________________ 23
10.0 Digital Images ____________________________________________________________________ 23
11.0 Tree Data Table ___________________________________________________________________ 28
12.0 Tree Location & Protection Fence Map Mark-up by the CTA ______________________________ 35
13.0 Attached: Appraisal Worksheet by the CTA ___________________________________________ 37
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
1.0 Summary
a. Below is a matrix style overview of protected-size trees (non-exempt species, 4-inches diameter at 4.5 feet above grade on site, and adjacent to the site).
In the table, the CTA (Contract Town Arborist) has outlined expected impacts to each tree, along with suggestions for adjustments to the plan set
(if applicable) that will optimize tree survival over the long term.
The CTA calculated the appraised value of each tree, which can be used as a tool for determining the proper security bond amount to have the applicant
post with the Town as a hedge against site plan-related tree damages (if applicable). Appraised values can also be used to determine damage fees if trees
are determined during or after construction to have been damaged such that mitigation is required.
Mitigation replacement rate and size is noted for each tree in the case that removal or damage to trees occurs.
Table 1.0(a) (REFER TO THE CTA’S TREE MAP MARKUP WHEN REVIEWING THIS MATRIX)
1
Tree Tag
Number /
Overall
Condition
Rating/
Disposition
2
Impacts
Expected if Site
were Built as
Currently
Proposed on
Applicant Sheet
C-1 Version
8/17/2020
3
Large Protected
Tree (LPT)?
Tree
Conservation
Suitability
Rating (TCS)?
4
Appraised
Value 1
5
Critical Root
Zone (CRZ)
(6 X Dia.) as
an Offset
Radius
6
Suggested Changes to Applicant’s
Proposed Plans to Boost Tree
Conservation Suitability Rating (TCS) to
“Moderate” or “Good”, if Tree is to be
Preserved and Protected.
Suggested Root Protection Zone (RPZ)
Chain Link Fence Offset Radius.
7
Replacement
Rate Per
Canopy Lost
8
Replacement
Size Tree
41
GOOD
RETAIN
Minimal impacts.
Proposed grassy
swale and joint
trench alignment
are both outside of
the Critical Root
Zone. Fence off
and use trunk
buffer wrap.
Irrigation is
optional by
recommended.
No.
Moderate
$1,290.
Minimum
6 foot offset
is suggested
for smaller
diameter
trees to
maintain soil
moisture and
preserve
extended
lateral woody
roots.
No applicant plan changes required.
Use RPZ fencing as shown on CTA’s marked
up tree map at 8 feet to 15 feet radius offset
from trunk, in all directions.
Use trunk buffer wraps for above ground
protection of lower trunk.
3 X $250 =
$750. 24” Box
1 Calculated per the newest edition (10th edition, 2nd Printing) of Guide for Plant Appraisal, 2019. The Trunk Formula Technique (TFT) was the specific technique noted in the
Guide used to determine the dollar valuations noted in Table 1.0(a). Palm appraisals are performed differently, using a calculation of replacement cost, and then multiplying
that cost by a condition rating factor and a functional limitations factor.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
1
Tree Tag
Number /
Overall
Condition
Rating/
Disposition
2
Impacts
Expected if Site
were Built as
Currently
Proposed on
Applicant Sheet
C-1 Version
8/17/2020
3
Large Protected
Tree (LPT)?
Tree
Conservation
Suitability
Rating (TCS)?
4
Appraised
Value 1
5
Critical Root
Zone (CRZ)
(6 X Dia.) as
an Offset
Radius
6
Suggested Changes to Applicant’s
Proposed Plans to Boost Tree
Conservation Suitability Rating (TCS) to
“Moderate” or “Good”, if Tree is to be
Preserved and Protected.
Suggested Root Protection Zone (RPZ)
Chain Link Fence Offset Radius.
7
Replacement
Rate Per
Canopy Lost
8
Replacement
Size Tree
42
EXC.
RETAIN
Severe, due to
proposed 6” cut
for concrete
banding, and 6”
cut for class II
baserock base
section cut, at only
2 linear feet offset
radius from trunk
edge.
Current distance
from driveway to
trunk edge is
shown on sheet
C-1 at +/- 7
horizontal feet.
However, in
reality, it is simply
a gravel filled
driving area,
which bleeds into
the landscape
surrounding tree
#42 at just 2 to 4
feet north of the
tree trunk edge
(see digital
images section of
this report).
No
Moderate
$7,200.
22
(Although for
palms, this
can be
reduced
down to
roughly 5 to
10 feet offset
radius).
Suggest either (1) increase offset distance of
the proposed driveway’s concrete banding to
approximately 5 or 10 feet offset radius from
trunk edge, or (2) build driveway with concrete
banding at current proposed location 2 feet
offset from trunk using a “zero cut” type build
regime where the entire baserock base
section is floated over grade, by using a
TRIAXIAL GEOGRID OR BIAXIAL GEOGRID
as an underlayment, pinned down over
existing grade elevation soil, and compacting
the class II baserock base material over the
geogrid, which would raise the elevation of the
roadway base and concrete banding to 12
inches above surrounding grade, which may
still be ADA-compliant, if the edging can be
tapered in some manner to avoid a trip hazard
(by using a soil edging that tapers from 12
inches height above grade at the edge of the
concrete banding, down to to zero inches at-
grade some lateral distance out from the
banding). Use trunk buffer wraps as shown on
CTA’s tree map markup to protect trunk.
Use chain link root protection zone (RPZ)
fence perimeter at 0 to 15 feet radius offsets
from trunk in a full perimeter as shown on
CTA’s tree map markup, to protect the root
zone from being compacted and rutted
(damaged) during contractor ingress, egress,
storage, staging, etc. on site.
3 X $250 =
$750.
24” Box
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
1
Tree Tag
Number /
Overall
Condition
Rating/
Disposition
2
Impacts
Expected if Site
were Built as
Currently
Proposed on
Applicant Sheet
C-1 Version
8/17/2020
3
Large Protected
Tree (LPT)?
Tree
Conservation
Suitability
Rating (TCS)?
4
Appraised
Value 1
5
Critical Root
Zone (CRZ)
(6 X Dia.) as
an Offset
Radius
6
Suggested Changes to Applicant’s
Proposed Plans to Boost Tree
Conservation Suitability Rating (TCS) to
“Moderate” or “Good”, if Tree is to be
Preserved and Protected.
Suggested Root Protection Zone (RPZ)
Chain Link Fence Offset Radius.
7
Replacement
Rate Per
Canopy Lost
8
Replacement
Size Tree
43
FAIR
RETAIN
(NEIGHBOR
TREE)
Minor to Moderate
No
Moderate
$410.
CRZ 3.5 feet.
Suggested
min. offset is
6 feet.
No applicant plan changes required.
Offset to proposed concrete banding is
approximately 6 feet.
3 X $250 =
$750. 24” Box
44
FAIR
RETAIN
(NEIGHBOR
TREE)
Minor to Moderate
No
Moderate
$430.
CRZ 3.5 feet.
Suggested
min. offset is
6 feet.
No applicant plan changes required.
Offset to proposed concrete banding is
approximately 6 feet.
3 X $250 =
$750. 24” Box
45
GOOD
RETAIN
(NEIGHBOR
TREE)
Minor to Moderate
No
Good
$1,020.
CRZ: 4 feet.
But min. 6
foot offset to
construction
is suggested.
No applicant plan changes required.
Proposed residence will be +/- 25 feet offset.
However, for protection of roots extending
through the 14300 Lora property, it is
suggested that we fence off the tree with
chain link root protection zone fencing at
3 X $250 =
$750. 24” Box
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
1
Tree Tag
Number /
Overall
Condition
Rating/
Disposition
2
Impacts
Expected if Site
were Built as
Currently
Proposed on
Applicant Sheet
C-1 Version
8/17/2020
3
Large Protected
Tree (LPT)?
Tree
Conservation
Suitability
Rating (TCS)?
4
Appraised
Value 1
5
Critical Root
Zone (CRZ)
(6 X Dia.) as
an Offset
Radius
6
Suggested Changes to Applicant’s
Proposed Plans to Boost Tree
Conservation Suitability Rating (TCS) to
“Moderate” or “Good”, if Tree is to be
Preserved and Protected.
Suggested Root Protection Zone (RPZ)
Chain Link Fence Offset Radius.
7
Replacement
Rate Per
Canopy Lost
8
Replacement
Size Tree
46
GOOD
RETAIN
(NEIGHBOR
TREE)
Minimal or Null
No
Moderate
$20,300.
20
(Although for
palms, this
can be
reduced
down to
roughly 5 to
10 feet offset
radius).
No applicant plan changes required.
Tree is located in close proximity to proposed
new grassy swale grading and proposed new
joint trench (JT) alignment. However, the
negative effects from these actions in terms of
actual, on the ground root loss to this tree are
considered “negligible”, because of the
special situation concerning this neighbor
property owner (17525 Wedgewood Avenue):
the entire property, for some unknown reason,
was built up approximately 3 vertical feet in
elevation, such that tree #46 effectively sits at
36 inches elevation above the soil surface
elevation of 14300 Lora Drive.
Given that a tree’s root system is typically
about 4 to 5 feet depth below the trunk at the
very most, and extends out from trunk laterally
between zero and 2 feet depth, this means
that the entire tree #46 lateral root mass is
essentially contained in the fill soil “pad”
floating 3 feet above surrounding pre-project
grade, and would not be subject to any
damages from any type of work occurring next
door at 14300 Lora Drive.
3 X $250 =
$750. 24” Box
2020-21 Town of Los Gatos In-lieu fee equivalent = $250 per each required 24” box mitigation tree planting not installed on the site.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
2.0 Assignment & Background
Walter Levison, Contract Town Arborist (CTA) was directed to tag and assess all Protected-Size (4-inch diameter and greater) trees at and adjacent to the
Lora Drive property.
The CTA assessed the entire set of plans, with the civil grading plan sheet C-1 dated 8/17/2020 used as the tree map markup embedded in this report.
Tree data were collected and assembled by the CTA in section 11.0 of this report.
Tree tags were affixed by the CTA to the mainstems of the on-site trees. The CTA’s tags are professional grade racetrack shaped aluminum tags
numbering “41” through “46” (only affixed to the onsite trees #41, 42, but attached using nails to the wooden property line fence in front of the various off-site
neighbor trees).
The CTA’s recommendations in section 4.0 of this report are based on published information in various standard arboriculture texts, such as the series of
Best Management Practices (BMP) companion publication (booklets) published by International Society of Arboriculture that are periodically updated over
time. The series of BMP booklets accompany the ANSI-A300 USA standards for tree care used by U.S.-based tree care companies.
Additional supporting information includes digital images archived by the CTA as section 10.0, a tree map markup JPEG embedded as section 12.0, and an
appraisal data worksheet attached as section 13.0.
The CTA utilized a forester’s D-tape to determine tree mainstem (trunk) diameters at 4.5 feet above grade. The D-tape is a circumferential tape that converts
actual trunk circumference to an averaged diameter in inches and tenths of inches.
Tree heights were determined using a digital Nikon Forestry Pro 550 hypsometer. Tree canopy spread diameters were estimated visually or paced off. The
tree canopy driplines shown as black clouding on the tree map markup are approximate only.
3.0 Town of Los Gatos – What Trees are Protected?
Per the most recent (2015) iteration of the Town of Los Gatos tree ordinance (Town Code Chapter 29 – Zoning Regulations, Article 1), the following
regulations apply to all trees within the Town’s jurisdiction (wordage adjusted):
1. All trees with at least a single mainstem measuring four (4) inches diameter or greater at 4.5 feet above grade are considered “Protected Trees” when
removal relates to any development review.
2. 12 inch diameter (18 inch multistem total) trees on developed residential property not currently subject to development review.
3. 8 inch diameter (8 inch multistem total) blue oak (Quercus douglasii), black oak (Quercus kellogii), California buckeye (Aesculus californica), and
Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) on developed residential lots not currently subject to development review.
4. 8 inch diameter (8 inch multistem total) trees on developed residential property not currently subject to development review, on lots in the designated
Hillside Area per the official Town map.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
5. All trees with a single mainstem or sum of multiple mainstems totaling 48 inches diameter or greater at 4.5 feet above grade are considered “Large
Protected Trees” (LPT).
6. All oak species (Quercus spp.), California buckeye (Aesculus californica), and Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) with one or more mainstems
totaling 24 inches diameter or more at 4.5 feet above grade are considered “Large Protected Trees” (LPT).
7. Section 29.10.0965. Prohibitions: A permit is required to prune, trim, cut off, or perform any work, on a single occasion or cumulatively, over a three-
year period, affecting 25% or more of any Protected Tree (including below ground root system).
8. Section 29.10.0965. Prohibitions: A permit is required to prune, trim, or cut any branch or root greater than four (4) inches in diameter of a Large
Protected Tree.
9. Section 29.10.0965. Prohibitions: A permit is required to conduct severe pruning on any protected tree. Severe pruning is defined in section
29.10.0955 as “topping or removal of foliage or significant scaffold limbs or large diameter branches so as to cause permanent damage and/or
disfigurement of a tree, and/or which does not meet specific pruning goals and objectives as set forth in the current version of the International Society
of Arboriculture Best Management Practices-Tree Pruning and ANSI A300-Part 1 Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management-Standard
Practices, (Pruning).”
10. Exceptions:
Severe Pruning Exception in Town Code section 29.10.1010(3) “…..except for pollarding of fruitless mulberry (Morus alba) or other species approved
by the Town Arborist….”.
Protected Tree Exceptions:
a. Edible fruit or nut bearing trees less than 18 inches diameter (multistem total or single stem), including fruiting olive trees.
b. Acacia melanoxylon (blackwood acacia) less than 24 inches (multistem total or single stem)
c. Liriodendron tulipifera (tulip tree) less than 24 inches (multistem total or single stem)
d. Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) less than 24 inches (multistem total or single stem)
e. Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian blue gum) less than 24 inches (multistem total or single stem)
f. Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) less than 24 inches (multistem total or single stem)
g. Other eucalyptus species (E. spp.) not noted above, less than 24 inches (multistem total or single stem)
(REMOVAL O.K. ONLY AT HILLSIDE AREA LOCATIONS PER OFFICIAL TOWN MAP):
www.losgatosca.gov/documentcenter/view/176
h. All palm species (except Phoenix canariensis) less than 24 inches (multistem total or single stem)
i. Ligustrum lucidum (glossy privet) less than 24 inches (multistem total or single stem)
Note that per the exception in part ‘a’ above, fruiting olive trees with stems totaling less than 18 inches are considered non-
protected tree specimens.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
4.0 Recommendations
1. Project Arborist (“PA”):
Initial Signoff
It is recommended that a third party ASCA registered consulting arborist or ISA Certified Arborist with good experience with tree protection during
construction be retained by the applicant, to provide pre-project verification that tree protection and maintenance measures outlined in this section of
the arborist report are adhered to. Periodic (e.g. monthly) inspections and summary reporting, if required as a project condition of approval, are
suggested in order to verify contractor compliance with tree protection throughout the site plan project. This person will be referred to as the project
arborist (“PA”). The PA should monitor soil moisture within the root protection zones of trees being retained, using a Lincoln soil moisture probe/meter
or equivalent. If required, inspection reports shall be sent to Ms. Jocelyn Shoopman, Associate Planner (jshoopman@losgatosca.gov). Sample
wordage for a condition of approval regarding monitoring of tree protection and tree condition:
“The required protective fencing shall remain in place until final landscaping and inspection of the project. Project arborist approval must be obtained
and documented in a monthly site activity report sent to the Town. A mandatory Monthly Tree Activity Report shall be sent at least once monthly to the
Town planner associated with this project (jshoopman@losgatosca.gov) beginning with the initial tree protection verification approval letter”.
2. Project Team Pre-Project Adjustments, Clarifications, and Limits Suggested or Required:
2a. Tree Protection Fencing and Trunk Buffer Wraps:
Fence off trees #41, #42, and #45 using chain link fencing per the distances indicated as red dashed lines shown to scale on the CTA’s tree map
markup below in this arborist report.
Install trunk buffer wraps around trees #41 and #42 per the specifications listed below in this recommendations section of the arborist report.
2b. Frond Tie-Up:
Tie up the fronds of palm #42 as needed to achieve adequate airspace clearance during machinery ingress/egress, thereby avoiding damage to the
canopy.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
2c. Geogrid for Driveway:
Utilize a biaxial or triaxial geogrid of high enough load rating to
provide robust underlayment properties for the area roughly zero to
20 horizontal feet from palm #42 (see CTA’s tree map markup in
this report, showing a yellow highlighted area indicating the zone
where geogrid use may be appropriate).
Eliminate all proposed baserock base section excavation by raising
elevation of the driveway, such that the geogrid is placed at existing
grade (relative 0.0 feet), and the baserock base is built up above 0.0
relative grade. Build the concrete banding over grade, which will
result in a total elevation change of somewhere between 6 inches
and 12 inches above existing soil grade. Consult with geogrid
manufacturer and/or supplier to determine how much reduction in
baserock base section thickness can be achieved using the geogrid
underlayment and still maintain spec load bearing properties for the driveway.
If grade elevation rise creates a trip hazard that does not conform to ADA standards, then taper the concrete banding in the area of palm #42 using
soil and/or other materials to “feather out” the grade as a long taper ending at zero inches. See sketch on this page for an example.
The image at left shows how a geogrid is utilized to create a “zero cut” no-dig
system that allows for 100% tree root preservation.
Note that if the elevation rise of a “no dig” type driveway will be a problem that
cannot be resolved through use of a tapered edging shown in the above sketch,
then redesign the driveway to include a northward bend for the area adjacent to
palm #42, such that the concrete banding remains at least 7 horizontal feet offset
from the trunk edge of palm #42.
Upper right: Although this is not technically a “no dig” system, the civil on
this WLCA project was able to reduce the total cut to 4 inches on this
project, and raising the edging to 4 inches above grade. The soil taper was
backfilled from 4 inches above grade at the edging, to zero inches above
grade near to the tree buttress root flares, as shown in the sketch, courtesy
of Sandis Civil, Silicon Valley Office.
Lower left: Tensar TriAx triaxial geogrid used at a Walter Levison project at
Stanford University in 2019. This image shows the geogrid pinned down over
the soil, and class II baserock being applied over the grid, prior to tamping.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
3. Trunk Buffer Wrap Type III Protection:
Prior to demolition commencement, install trunk buffers around all trees being retained on-site (#41, #42).
Wrap one (1) entire roll of orange plastic snow fencing around the trunk of each single on-site tree,
between grade and 6 to 8 feet above grade to create a padding of at least 1 to 2 inches thickness around each
tree trunk. Stand 2x4 wood boards upright, side by side, around the entire circumference of the orange plastic
wraps. Affix using duct tape (do not use wires or ropes). See spec image at right showing the wooden boards
correctly mounted against one entire roll of orange snow fencing, such that the wood does not actually touch
the trunk at all.
4. (Required) Chain Link Fencing Type I and/or Type II Root Protection Zone (RPZ):
Prior to demolition commencement, erect chain link fencing panels set on moveable concrete block footings
(see sample image below right). Wire the fence panels to iron layout stakes pounded 24 inches into the
ground at the ends of each fence panel to keep the fence route stabilized and in its correct position. Do not
wire the fence panels to the trunks of the trees. These panels are available commonly for rent or purchase.
Fence routes: Per the red dashed lines indicated on the CTA’s tree map markup, drawn to scale, below in this
arborist report.
This fencing must be erected prior to any heavy machinery traffic or
construction material arrival on site.
The protective fencing must not be temporarily moved during construction. No
materials, tools, excavated soil, liquids, substances, etc. are to be placed or
dumped, even temporarily, inside the root protection zone or “RPZ”.
No storage, staging, work, or other activities will be allowed inside the
RPZ except with PA monitoring.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
5. Signage: The RPZ fencing shall have one sign affixed with UV-stabilized zip ties to the chain link at eye level for every 15 linear feet of fencing,
minimum 8”X11” size each, plastic laminated or printed with waterproof ink on waterproof paper, with wordage that includes the Town Code section
that refers to tree fence protection requirements (wordage can be adjusted):
TREE PROTECTION ZONE FENCE
ZONA DE PROTECCION PARA ARBOLES
-NO ENTRE SIN PERMISO-
-LLAME EL ARBOLISTA-
REMOVAL OF THIS FENCE IS
SUBJECT TO PENALTY ACCORDING TO
LOS GATOS TOWN CODE 29.10.1025
PROJECT ARBORIST:
TELEFONO CELL: EMAIL:
Note: Walter Levison, Contract Town Arborist is an independent consultant retained under contract with Town of Los Gatos Planning Division Staff, and is not
the “PROJECT ARBORIST”.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
6. New Plantings / Tree Installation Specs (if applicable):
Ideally, two (2) high flow type adjustable bubblers each emitting 1/2 to 2 gallons per minute
(2GPM), depending on percolation rate of planting pit, are set over the rootball of each single
tree planting, and each tree is installed with two (2) or three (3) 2-inch diameter wooden planting
stakes (not the shipping stake), with a set of figure-8 Cinch Ties ™ affixed per the standard spec
image at right.
Note how the tree stakes are cut to just above the elevation of the Cinch-Ties to avoid abrasion
between the stakes and the limbs and trunk during wind movement.
A watering berm consisting of site soil is formed around the edge of the rootball to force irrigation
water to pool up directly over the rootball, as seen in the image below in this arborist report.
Above Right: Spec planting at a site on which the CTA consults, June, 2020. Note that the shipping
stake was removed from the mainstem, and a narrow diameter bamboo pole was tied to the
mainstem using biodegradable masking tape. This is considered a Best Management Practice at
this particular site, because the mainstem was leaning off-vertical. Do not allow the large
diameter wooden shipping stake to remain tied to the mainstem, as this will cause
permanent irreversible problems with tree stability over time.
Below Right: Proper installation of a new 24” box size tree with two (2) high flow type ½ GPM to 2.0
GPM (gallon-per-minute) flood bubblers seen inside a steeply sloped watering berm built using site
soil. The watering berm is built up directly over the rootball edge, which forces irrigation water
directly downward into the rootball via gravity. Total volume of water flow typically needs to be at
least +/-1 gallon per minute, in order to physically flood the watering berm and force water
downward into the rootball via gravity flow.
Next Page: Walter Levison and Dave Muffly Planting Spec Sheet, indicating correct irrigation and
watering berm building procedures for first 4 years (sandy soils may require significantly greater
irrigation volume than indicated).
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
7. Temporary Irrigation During Construction:
It is suggested that the applicant’s project arborist monitor soil moisture using a soil moisture probe and/or a soil recovery device, to ensure that root
zones are being kept irrigated to field capacity soil moisture per the following irrigation regime:
a. Chinese pistache #41 at front yard: 50 to 100 gallons per week, applied 1x/week.
b. Canary Island palm #42 at driveway: 50 to 100 gallons per week, applied 1x/week.
c. Coast redwood #45 at left side of rear yard on neighbor’s property: 50 to 100 gallons per week, applied 1x/week.
o Apply indicated water volume all on a single day during a single application, such as by garden hose running at high volume.
o If runoff of water will be a problem, then build a 6 inch tall watering berm along the chain link fence perimeters to contain the irrigation water and
force it downward via gravity.
o Alternatively, a straw wattle can be pinned down over the ground using wooden dowels, as a quick watering berm that may be far more easily
maintained than a soil watering berm that is subject to damage by construction personnel foot traffic, etc. See sample image below as an example
of how this is done.
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
5.0 Tree Protection and Maintenance Directions per Town Code
The following is excerpted directly from the 2015 iteration of the Town of Los Gatos tree ordinance sections which provide specific tree protection directions
and limitations on root pruning and above-ground pruning: Sec. 29.10.1000. New property development.
(a) A tree surve y shall be conducted prior to submittal of any developm ent application proposing the removal of or impact to one or more protected
trees. The developm ent application shall include a Tree Survey Plan and Tree Preservation Report based on this surve y. The tree survey inventory
numbers shall correspond to a num bered m etal tag placed on each tree on site during the tree survey. The tree surve y plan shall be prepared by a certified
or consulting arborist, and shall include the following inform ation: (1) Location of all existing trees on the property as described in section 29.10.0995; (2) Identif y all trees that could potentially be affected by the project (directl y or indirectly- imm ediately or in long term), such as upslope grading or
com paction outside of the dripline; (3) Notation of all trees classified as protected trees; (4) In addition, for trees four (4) inches in diam eter or larger, the plan shall specif y the precise location of the trunk and crown spread , and the
species, size (diam eter, height, crown spread) and condition of the tree. (b) T he tree survey plan shall be reviewed b y the Town’s consulting arborist who shall, after m ak ing a field visit to the property, indicate in writing or as
shown on approved plans, which trees are recommended for preservation (based on a retention rating of high/moderate/low) using, as a m inimum, the
Standards of Review set forth in section 29.10.0990. This plan shall be m ade part of the staff report to the Town reviewing bod y upon its consideration of the
application for new property developm ent; (c) W hen development im pacts are within the dripline of or will affect any protect ed tree, the applicant shall provide a tree preservation report prepared
by a certified or consulting arborist. The report, based on the findings of the tree survey plan and other relevant inform ation, shall be used to determ ine the
health and structure of existing trees, the effects of the proposed developm ent and vegetation rem oval upon the trees, recommendations for specific
precautions necessary for their preservation during all phases of development (demolition, grading, during construction, landscapin g); and shall also
indicate which trees are proposed for removal. The tree preservation report shall stipulate a required tree protection zone (TPZ) for trees to be
retained, including street trees, protected trees and trees whose canopies are hanging over the project site from adjacent properties. The TPZ shall be
fenced as specified in section 29.10.1005: (1) T he final approved tree preservation report shall be included in the building perm it set of developm ent plans and printed on a sheet titled:
Tree Preservation Instructions (Sheet T -1). Sheet T-1 shall be referenced on all relevant sheets (civil, dem olition, utility, landscape,
irrigation) where tree im pacts from im provem ents m ay be shown to occur; (2) T he T own reviewing bod y through its site and design plan review shall endeavor to protect all trees recomm ended for preservation b y the
Town’s consulting arborist. The Town reviewing body m ay determ ine if any of the trees recommended for preservation should be removed, if
based upon the evidence subm itted the reviewing body determ ines that due to special site grading or other unusual characteristics
associated with the propert y, the preservation of the tree(s) would significantly preclude feasible developm ent of the property as described in
section 29.10.0990;
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(3) Approval of final site or landscape plans by the appropriate Town reviewing body shall com ply with the following requirem ents and conditions of
approval: a. T he applicant shall, within ninety (90) days of final approval or prior to issuance of a grading or building perm it, whichever occurs
first, secure an appraisal of the condition and value of all trees included in the tree report affected by the developm ent that are required to
rem ain within the development using the Tree Value Standard m ethodolog y as set forth in this Chapter. The appraisal of each tree shall
recognize the location of the tree in the proposed development. T he appraisal shall be performed in accordance with the current edition of
the Guide for Plant Appraisal published by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) and the Species and Group Classification
Guide published by the W estern Chapter of the International Societ y of Arboriculture. The appraisal shall be perform ed at the applicant's
expense, and the appraisal shall be subject to the Director's approval.
b. T he site or landscape plans shall indicate which trees are to be rem oved. However, the plans do not constitute approval to rem ove a
tree until a separate permit is granted. The propert y owner or applicant shall obtain a protected tree rem oval perm it, as outlined in section
29.10.0980, for each tree to be removed to satisf y the purpose of this division. (d) Prior to acceptance of proposed developm ent or subdivision im provem ents, the developer shall subm it to the Director a final tree preservation
report prepared by a certified or consulting arborist. T his report shall consider all trees that were to rem ain within the developm ent. The report shall note
the trees' health in relation to the initially reported condition of the trees and shall note any changes in the trees' num bers or physical conditions. The
applicant will then be responsible for the loss of any tree not previously approved for removal. For protected trees, which were rem oved, the
developer shall pa y a penalty in the am ount of the appraised value of such tree in addition to replacem ent requirem ents contained in section
29.10.0985 of this Code. The applicant shall rem ain responsible for the health and survival of all trees within the development for a period of five (5) years
following acceptance of the public im provem ents of the development or certificate of occupancy. (e) Prior to issuance of any dem olition, grading or building perm it, the applicant or contractor shall submit to the Building Department a written
statem ent and photographs verif ying that the required tree protection fence is installed around street trees and protected trees in accordance with the tree
preservation report. (f) If required by the Director and conditioned as part of a discretionary approval, a security guarantee shall be provided to the Town. Prior to the
issuance of any perm it allowing construction to begin, the applicant shall post cash, bond or other security satisfactory to the Director, in the penal
sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for each tree required to be preserved, or twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000.00), whichever is less. The
cash, bond or other security shall be retained for a period of one (1) year following acceptance of the public im provements for the developm ent and shall
be forfeited in an am ount equal to five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) per tree as a civil penalt y in the event that a tree or trees required to be preserved
are rem oved, destroyed or severely dam aged. (g) An applicant with a proposed developm ent which requires underground utilities shall avoid the installation of said utilities within the dripline of
existing trees whenever possible. In the event that this is unavoidable, all trenching shall be done using directional boring, air-spade excavation or b y hand,
tak ing extreme caution to avoid damage to the root structure. W ork within the dripline of existing trees shall be supervised at all times by a certified or
consulting arborist. (h) It shall be a violation of this division f or any property owner or agent of the owner to fail to com ply with any developm ent approval condition
concerning preservation, protection, and m aintenance of any protected tree. (Ord. No. 2114, §§ I, II, 8-4-03)
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
Sec. 29.10.1005. Protection of trees during construction.
(a) Protective tree fencing shall specif y the following: (1) Size and m aterials. Six (6) foot high chain link fencing, m ounted on two-inch diam eter galvanized iron posts, shall be driven into the ground
to a depth of at least two (2) feet at no m ore than 10-foot spacing. For paving area that will not be dem olished and when stipulated in a tree
preservation plan, posts m ay be supported b y a concrete base. (2) Area type to be fenced. Type I: Enclosure with chain link fencing of either the entire dripline area or at the tree protection zone (TPZ), when
specified by a certified or consulting arborist. T ype II: Enclosure for street trees located in a planter strip: chain link fence around the entire
planter strip to the outer branches. T ype III: Protection for a tree located in a sm all planter cutout only (such as downtown): orange plastic
fencing shall be wrapped around the trunk from the ground to the first branch with 2-inch wooden boards bound securely on the outside.
Caution shall be used to avoid dam aging any bark or branches. (3) Duration of T ype I, II, III fencing. Fencing shall be erected before dem olition, grading or construction permits are issued and remain in
place until the work is completed. Contractor shall first obtain the approval of the project arborist on record prior to rem oving a tree protection
fence. (4) W arning sign. Each tree fence shall have prom inently displa yed an 8.5 x 11 -inch sign stating: "W arning—Tree Protection Zone-this fence shall
not be rem oved and is subject to penalt y according to Town Code 29.10.1025". (b) All persons, shall comply with the following precautions: (1) Prior to the comm encem ent of construction, install the fence at the dripline, or tree protection zone (TPZ) when specified in an approved arborist
report, around any tree and/or vegetation to be retained which could be affected by the construction and prohibit an y storage of construction
materials or other m aterials, equipm ent cleaning, or parking of vehicles within the TPZ. The dripline shall not be altered in any wa y so as to
increase the encroachment of the construction. (2) Prohibit all construction activities within the TPZ, including but not lim ited to: excavation, grading, drainage and leveling within the dripline of
the tree unless approved by the Director. (3) Prohibit disposal or depositing of oil, gasoline, chem icals or other harmful m aterials within the dripline of or in drainage channels, swales or
areas that m ay lead to the dripline of a protected tree. (4) Prohibit the attachm ent of wires, signs or ropes to any protected tree. (5) Design utility services and irrigation lines to be located outside of the dripline when feasible. (6) Retain the services of a certified or consulting arborist who shall serve as the project arborist for periodic m onitoring of the project site and the
health of those trees to be preserved. The project arborist shall be present whenever activities occur which may pose a potential threat to the
health of the trees to be preserved and shall docum ent all site visits. (7) The Director and project arborist shall be notified of any dam age that occurs to a protected tree during construction so that proper treatm ent m ay
be adm inistered. (Ord. No. 2114, §§ I, II, 8-4-03)
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
Sec. 29.10.1010. Pruning and maintenance.
All pruning shall be in accordance with the current version of the International Societ y of Arboriculture Best Managem ent Practices—T ree Pruning
and ANSI A300-Part 1 T ree, Shrub and Other W oody Plant Managem ent—Standard Practices, (Pruning) and any special conditions as determ ined b y the
Director. For developm ents, which require a tree preservation report, a certified or consulting arborist shall be in reasonable charge of all activities involving
protected trees, including pruning, cabling and any other work if specified. (1) Any public utility installing or maintaining an y overhead wires or underground pipes or conduits in the vicinity of a protected tree shall obtain
perm ission from the Director before perform ing any work , including pruning, which m ay cause injur y to a protected tree. (e.g. cable TV/fiber optic
trenching, gas, water, sewer trench, etc.). (2) Pruning for clearance of utilit y lines and energized condu ctors shall be perform ed in com pliance with the current version of the Am erican
National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 (Part 1)- Pruning, Section 5.9 Utilit y Pruning. Using spikes or gaffs when pruning, except where no
other alternative is available, is prohibited. (3) No person shall prune, trim, cut off, or perform any work, on a single occasion or cum ulatively, over a three-year period, affecting twenty-five
percent or m ore of the crown of any protected tree without first obtaining a perm it pursuant to this division except for pollarding of fruitless
mulberry trees (Morus alba) or other species approved b y the Town Arborist. Applications for a pruning perm it shall include photographs indicating
where pruning is proposed.
(4) No person shall rem ove any Heritage tree or large protected tree branch or root through pruning or other method greater than four (4) inches in
diameter (12.5” in circumference) without first obtaining a perm it pursuant to this division. (Ord. No. 2114, §§ I, II, 8-4-03)
6.0 Tree Replacement Standards – Los Gatos Town Code
(Excerpted from Town Code 29.10.0985 and 29.10.0987)
(1) T wo (2) or more replacement trees, of a species and size designated b y the Director, shall be planted on the subject private property. Table 3-1
The Tree Canopy—Replacem ent Standard shall be used as a basis for this requirem ent. The person requesting the perm it shall pay the cost
of purchasing and planting the replacem ent trees.
(2) If a tree or trees cannot be reasonably planted on the subject property, an in-lieu paym ent in an am ount set forth by the Town Council b y
resolution shall be paid to the Town Tree Replacem ent Fund to: a. Add or replace trees on public propert y in the vicinit y of the subject propert y; or b. Add or replace trees or landscaping on other Town propert y; or c. Support the T own’s urban forestry management program. (Ord. No. 2114, §§ I, II, 8-4-03)
Table 3-1 - Tree Canop y - Replacement Standard
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Canopy Size of Removed Tree 1
(Staff is using 24” box size as
the Replacement Standard for
SFR Projects as of 2016) 2,4
Single Family
Residential
Replacement3,4
10 feet or less Two 24 inch box trees Two 15 gallon trees
More than 10 feet to 25 feet Three 24 inch box trees Three 15 gallon trees
More than 25 feet to 40 feet
Four 24 inch box
trees; or Two 36
inch box trees
Four 15 gallon trees
More than 40 feet to 55 feet
Six 24 inch box
trees; or Three
36 inch box
t
Not Available
Greater than 55 feet
Ten 24 inch box
trees; or Five 36
inch box trees
Not Available
Notes 1T o m easure an asymm etrical canopy of a tree, the widest m easurement shall be used to determ ine canopy size.
2Often, it is not possible to replace a single large, older tree with an equivalent tree(s). In this case, the tree m ay be replaced with a com bination of
both the Tree Canopy Replacem ent Standard and in-lieu paym ent in an amount set forth by Town Council resolution paid to the Town Tree
Replacement Fund.
3Single Family Residential Replacement Option is available for developed single fam ily residential lots under 10,000 square feet that are not
subject to the Town’s Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines. All 15-gallon trees must be planted on-site. An y in-lieu fees for single
fam ily residential shall be based on 24” box tree rates as adopted by Town Council.
4Replacem ent Trees shall be approved b y the Town Arborist and shall be of a species suited to the available planting location, proximity to structures,
overhead clearances, soil type, com patibilit y with surrounding canopy and other relevant factors. Replacem ent with native species shall be strongly
encouraged. Replacem ent requirements in the Hillsides shall comply with the Hillside Developm ent Standards and Guidelines Appendix A and
Section 29.10.0987 Special Provisions--Hillsides.
Sec. 29.10.0987. Special Provisions—Hillsides
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
The Town of Los Gatos recognizes its hillsides as an im portant natural resource and sensitive habitat which is also a key com ponent of the
Town’s identity, character and charm . In order to m aintain and encourage restoration of the hillside environm ent to its natural state, the Town
has established the following special provisions for tree rem oval and replacem ent in the hillsides:
(1) All protected trees located 30 or m ore feet from the prim ary residence that are rem oved shall be replaced with native trees listed in Appendix A
Recommended Native Trees for Hillside Ar eas of the Town of Los Gatos Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines (HDS&G). (2) All protected trees located within 30 feet of the primary residence that are removed shall be replaced as follows: (a) If the removed tree is a native tree listed in Appendix A of the HDS&G, it shall only be replaced with a native tree listed in Appendix A of
the HDS&G. (b) If the removed tree is not listed in Appendix A, i t m ay be replaced with a tree listed in Appendix A, or replaced with another species of
tree as approved b y the Director. (c) Replacem ent trees listed in Appendix A m ay be planted anywhere on the property. (d) Replacem ent trees not listed in Appendix A m ay only be planted within 30 feet of the primary residence. (3) Replacement requirements shall com ply with the requirem ents in Table 3-1 Tree Canopy Replacement Standard of this Code. (4) Property owners should be encouraged to retain dead or declining trees where they do not pose a safety or fire hazard, in order to foster wildlife
habitat and the natural renewal of the hillside environment.
7.0 Author’s Qualifications
• Continued education through The American Society of Consulting Arborists, The International Society of Arboriculture (Western Chapter), and
various governmental and non-governmental entities.
• Contract Town Arborist, Town of Los Gatos, California
Community Development Department / Planning Division
2015-present
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (ISA TRAQ Course Graduate, Palo Alto, California)
• Millbrae Community Preservation Commission (Tree Board)
2001-2006
• ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401
• ASCA Arboriculture Consulting Academy graduate, class of 2000
• Associate Consulting Arborist
Barrie D. Coate and Associates
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4/99-8/99
• Contract City Arborist, City of Belmont, California
Planning and Community Development Department
5/99-5/20 (21 Years)
• ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A
• Peace Corps Soil and Water Conservation Extension Agent
Chiangmai Province, Thailand 1991-1993
• B.A. Environmental Studies/Soil and Water Resources
UC Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 1990
UCSC Chancellor’s Award, 1990
(My full curriculum vitae is available upon request)
8.0 Assumptions and Limiting Conditions
Any legal description provided to the consultant/appraiser is assumed to be correct. Any titles and ownership to any property are assumed to be good and marketable. No responsibility is assumed
for matters legal in character. Any and all property is appraised and evaluated as through free and clean, under responsible ownership and competent management.
It is assumed that any property is not in violation of any applicable codes, ordinance, statutes, or other government regulations.
Care has been taken to obtain all information from reliable sources. All data has been verified insofar as possible; however, the consultant/appraiser can neither guarantee nor be responsible for
the accuracy of information provided by others.
The consultant/appraiser shall not be required to give testimony or to attend court by reason of this report unless subsequent contractual arrangements are made, including payment of an
additional fee for such services as described in the fee schedule and contract of engagement.
Unless required by law otherwise, the possession of this report or a copy thereof does not imply right of publication or use for any other purpose by any other than the person to whom it is
addressed, without the prior expressed written or verbal consent of the consultant/appraiser.
Unless required by law otherwise, neither all nor any part of the contents of this report, nor copy thereof, shall be conveyed by anyone, including the client, to the public through advertising, public
relations, news, sales, or other media, without the prior expressed conclusions, identity of the consultant/appraiser, or any reference to any professional society or institute or to any initiated
designation conferred upon the consultant/appraiser as stated in his qualifications.
This report and any values expressed herein represent the opinion of the consultant/appraiser, and the consultant’s/appraiser’s fee is in no way contingent upon the reporting of a specified value, a
stipulated result, the occurrence of a subsequent event, nor upon any finding to be reported.
Sketches, drawings, and photographs in this report, being intended for visual aids, are not necessarily to scale and should not be construed as engineering or architectural reports or surveys
unless expressed otherwise. The reproduction of any information generated by engineers, architects, or other consultants on any sketches, drawings, or photographs is for the express purpose of
coordination and ease of reference only. Inclusion of said information on any drawings or other documents does not constitute a representation by Walter Levison to the sufficiency or accuracy of
said information.
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
Unless expressed otherwise:
a. information contained in this report covers only those items that were examined and reflects the conditions of those items 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
problems or deficiencies of the plants or property in question may not arise in the future.
Loss or alteration of any part of this report invalidates the entire report.
Arborist Disclosure Statement:
Arborists are tree specialists who use their education, knowledge, training, and experience to examine trees, recommend measures to enhance the beauty and health of trees, and attempt to
reduce the risk of living near trees. Clients may choose to accept or disregard the recommendations of the arborist, or to seek additional advice.
Arborists cannot detect every condition that could possibly lead to the structural failure of a tree. Tree are living organisms that fail in ways we do not fully understand. Conditions are often hidden
within trees and below ground. Arborist cannot guarantee that a tree will be healthy or safe under all circumstances, or for a specified period of time. Likewise, remedial treatments, like any
medicine, cannot be guaranteed.
Treatment, pruning, and removal of trees may involve considerations beyond the scope of the arborist’s services such
as property boundaries, property ownership, site lines, disputes between neighbors, and other issues. Arborists cannot
take such considerations into account unless complete and accurate information is disclosed to the arborist. An
arborist should then be expected to reasonably rely upon the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.
Trees can be managed, but they cannot be controlled. To live near trees is to accept some degree of risk. The only
way to eliminate all risk associated with trees is to eliminate the trees.
9.0 Certification
I hereby certify that all the statements of fact in this report are true, complete, and correct to the best of my knowledge
and belief, and are made in good faith.
Signature of Consultant
Walter Levison, Consulting Arborist
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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10.0 Digital Images
Below: Digital Images by the CTA archived 9/21/2020:
Tag # Image Tag # Image
41
42
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43
44
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45
(#45 is coast redwood specimen at center of image)
46
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
46
This image shows how the palm #46 base elevation is situated at 3
feet above 14300 Lora surface grade elevation.
The left half of the image is 14300 Lora, as viewed from the street.
The right half of the image is 17525 Wedgewood Avenue (the owner
of tree #46), which is built over a 3 foot tall compacted fill soil pad,
upon which my field notebook is sitting. It is not clear as to why this
property is 3 feet above all other nearby neighbor residential
properties, given that their effective window, roof, and fence elevations
are all raised by 3 feet because of this fill soil pad. The benefit of this
pad is that the tree’s lateral roots are located in the pad soil itself, and
therefore there is no negative impact to the tree’s root system from
proposed new 14300 Lora Drive site work such as the joint trench and
grassy swale shown on the applicant’s plan sheets.
-- (Intentionally blank).
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
11.0 Tree Data Table
NOTE 1: Fruit and nut trees measuring less than 18” diameter (total of all mainstems), including fruiting olive trees, both on the site and on
adjacent neighbor properties are excluded from the CTA’s tree studies as “exemption trees” per the Town tree ordinance.
Tree Tag Number Genus & Species Common Name Trunk1 Diameter Trunk2 Diameter Trunk3 Diameter Sum of All Trunk Diameters Height & Canopy Spread (Ft.) Health & Structural Rating (100% Each) Overall
Condition
Rating
(0 to
100%) (R)emove Tree (S)ave Tree Lopsided Canopy (note direction) Trunk Lean (note direction) Pests and Disease Presence, and Other Notes SUGGESTED ROOT PROTECTION FENCE RADIUS (Ft.) MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION 41 Pistacia
chinensis
Chinese
pistache 5.2 -- -- 5.2 20/20 75/75 75%
Good X East East
Tree located 18 feet from
property line of the
Wedgewood property, and 13
feet from the existing
residence siding.
Some loss of vigor from soil
moisture deficit. Irrigation
could increase condition
rating drastically if tree were
to be regularly irrigated
1x/week with 50 or more
gallons of water.
8 to 15
feet
offset.
Try for
min. 10
feet offset
radius
from
trunk.
RPZ, TB,
Water
50 to 100
gallons/week
or more.
42 Phoenix
canariensis
Canary Island
palm 44 -- -- 44 20/25 85/85 85%
Exc. X
10 feet of clear stem.
Elevation of fronds is 9 feet
above grade, and extends far
over the driveway (see image
in digital images section),
which could cause an
airspace clearance problem.
May need to tie up fronds
during construction to clear
airspace for residence
construction machinery
ingress/egress.
Proposed depth of cut for
new concrete banding and
new baserock base section
is 12 inches total cut depth
per sheet C-1 side cut detail
for driveway. I suggest either
pushing out driveway farther
from trunk edge, or building
driveway up over grade as a
NO DIG system using a
geogrid underlayment
pinned over grade.
0 to 15
feet offset
radius
from
trunk.
RPZ, TB,
Water
50 to 100
gallons/week
or more.
Adjust plans
per
suggestions
noted at left.
Tie fronds
together to
provide better
airspace
clearance
during
construction.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
Tree Tag Number Genus & Species Common Name Trunk1 Diameter Trunk2 Diameter Trunk3 Diameter Sum of All Trunk Diameters Height & Canopy Spread (Ft.) Health & Structural Rating (100% Each) Overall
Condition
Rating
(0 to
100%) (R)emove Tree (S)ave Tree Lopsided Canopy (note direction) Trunk Lean (note direction) Pests and Disease Presence, and Other Notes SUGGESTED ROOT PROTECTION FENCE RADIUS (Ft.) MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION 43
Acer rubrum
NEIGHBOR
TREE
Red maple
cultivar
Est. 6”
to 7” -- -- Est. 6”
to 7” 27/12 55/55 55% Fair X
Soil moisture deficit is
reducing this tree’s vigor.
The tree is not receiving
adequate irrigation water
application by the owner.
Foliage is visibly burned
back due to this issue.
Proposed new driveway
concrete banding will be
roughly 6 feet from trunk
edge, which is outside the
tree’s critical root zone
(CRZ). Note that a minimum
of roughly 6 feet
construction offset is
recommended for general
maintenance of the tree’s
lateral woody root system
and avoidance of significant
root zone damage/loss.
n/a n/a
44
Acer rubrum
NEIGHBOR
TREE
Red maple
cultivar
Est. 6”
to 7” -- -- Est. 6”
to 7” 27/16 60/55 58% Fair X
Soil moisture deficit is
reducing this tree’s vigor.
The tree is not receiving
adequate irrigation water
application by the owner.
Foliage is visibly burned
back due to this issue.
Proposed new driveway
concrete banding will be
roughly 6 feet from trunk
edge, which is outside the
tree’s critical root zone (CRZ)
of 3.5 feet. Note that a
minimum of roughly 6 feet
construction offset is
recommended for general
maintenance of the tree’s
lateral woody root system
and avoidance of significant
root zone damage/loss.
n/a n/a
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
Tree Tag Number Genus & Species Common Name Trunk1 Diameter Trunk2 Diameter Trunk3 Diameter Sum of All Trunk Diameters Height & Canopy Spread (Ft.) Health & Structural Rating (100% Each) Overall
Condition
Rating
(0 to
100%) (R)emove Tree (S)ave Tree Lopsided Canopy (note direction) Trunk Lean (note direction) Pests and Disease Presence, and Other Notes SUGGESTED ROOT PROTECTION FENCE RADIUS (Ft.) MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION 45
Sequoia
sempervirens
NEIGHBOR
TREE
Coast
redwood Est. 8 -- -- Est. 8 35/16 75/70 73%
Good X
Mod to good live twig
density. Overhangs the
14300 Lora property a few
feet horizontal.
Location of tree is 25 feet
from proposed residence.
Suggest use a chain link root
protection zone fence set at
5 to 10 feet offset from
property line fence, in order
to protect and preserve the
root system which had
extended into the 14300 Lora
property, and does not
respect boundary lines. This
will also allow for easy
periodic irrigation of the tree
using a hose within the
fenced off root zone area.
8 feet X
25 feet
enclosure
per the
CTA’s
tree map
markup.
RPZ, and
Water 1x/week
heavy 50 to
100 gallons or
more, within
the fenced
enclosure.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
Tree Tag Number Genus & Species Common Name Trunk1 Diameter Trunk2 Diameter Trunk3 Diameter Sum of All Trunk Diameters Height & Canopy Spread (Ft.) Health & Structural Rating (100% Each) Overall
Condition
Rating
(0 to
100%) (R)emove Tree (S)ave Tree Lopsided Canopy (note direction) Trunk Lean (note direction) Pests and Disease Presence, and Other Notes SUGGESTED ROOT PROTECTION FENCE RADIUS (Ft.) MAINTENANCE AND PROTECTION 46
Phoenix
canariensis
NEIGHBOR
TREE
OWNER:
17525
WEDGEWOOD
AVE.
Canary Island
palm Est. 40 -- -- Est. 40 40/25 75/75 75%
Good X
Tree trunk edge estimated to
be at roughly 4 feet or more
offset from the property line
wall (not verified).
Canopy extends into the
airspace of the 14300 Lora
Drive property, but will not
conflict with any proposed
site work because of its
height above grade.
Given that the 17525
Wedgewood property has
been built entirely over a 3
foot height fill soil “pad”, the
root system of this tree is
assumed to be contained
mainly within the fill soil pad
volume, which means that
proposed new work
occurring at 14300 Lora
Drive will be occurring below
the elevation of the lateral
root system of this palm,
with zero negative impact on
the root system of tree #46.
n/a n/a
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
Overall Tree Condition Ratings / Breakdown of Numeric Ranges
(New, Per Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition):
00 - 05% = Dead
06 - 20% = Very Poor
21 – 40% = Poor
41 – 60% = Fair
61 – 80% = Good
81 – 100% = Exceptional
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
Tree Conservation Suitability (TCS) Ratings 2
A tree’s suitability for conservation is determined based on its health, structure, age, species and disturbance tolerances, proximity to proposed cutting and
filling, proximity to proposed construction or demolition, and potential longevity, using a scale of good, fair, or poor (Fite, K, and Smiley, E. T., 2016). The
following list defines the rating scale.
Note that if the applicant’s proposed site work can be offset to relatively far linear offset distances from a tree’s trunk edge, a tree’s Tree Conservation
Suitability (TCS) rating may be elevated by one rating tier, given that there would be a corresponding reduction in expected future root zone impacts. Thus,
specific adjustments to the applicant’s proposed plans (as itemized by the CTA in Summary Table 1.0(a) above in this report) could boost the TCS ratings from
“Poor” to ‘Moderate’ or ‘Good’.
TPS Ratings Range of values
Good 80-100 Trees with good health, good structural stability and good expected longevity after construction.
Moderate 60-79
Trees with fair health and/or structural defects that may be mitigated through treatment. These trees
require more intense management and monitoring, before, during, and after construction, and may have
shorter life expectancy after development.
Poor <59
Trees are expected to decline during or after construction regardless of management. The species or
individual may possess characteristics that are incompatible or undesirable in landscape settings or
unsuited for the intended use of the site.
TCS Ratings Worksheet Factors (Total Possible: 100 Points)
Health (1-15)
Root Cut/Fill Distance from Trunk (1-15)
Structure Defects (1-15)
Construction Tolerance of the tree species (1-15)
Age relative to typical species lifespan (1-10)
Location of construction activity (1-10)
Soil quality/characteristics (1-10)
Species desirability (1-10)
2 Derived from Fite and Smiley, 2016. Best Management Practices: Managing Trees During Construction, 2nd Edition. International Society of Arboriculture.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
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Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
Tree Maintenance and Protection Codes Used in Data Table:
RPZ: Root protection zone fence, chain link, with 2" diameter iron posts driven 24" into the ground, 6 to 8 feet on center max. spacing. Alternative material:
chain link fence panels set over concrete block-type footings, with the fence panels wired to steel pins pounded 24 inches into the ground at both ends of each
panel.
RB: Root buffer consisting of wood chip mulch lain over existing soil as a 12 inch thick layer, overlain with 1 inch or greater plywood strapped together with
metal plates. This root buffer or soil buffer should be placed over the entire width of the construction corridor between tree trunks and construction.
RP: Root pruning. Prune woody roots measuring greater than or equal to 1 inch diameter by carefully back -digging into the soil around each root using small
hand tools until an area is reached where the root is undamaged. Cleanly cut through the root at right angle to the root growth direction, using professional
grade pruning equipment and/or a Sawzall with wood pruning blade. Backfill around the cut root immediately (same day), and thoroughly irrigate the area to
saturate the uppermost 24 inches of the soil profile.
BDRP: Back-dig root pruning: Hand-dig around the broken root, digging horizontally into the open soil root zone until a clean, unbroken, unshattered section of
the root is visible. Proceed as per ‘root pruning’.
RCX: Root crown excavation. Retain an experienced ISA-Certified arborist to perform careful hand-digging using small trowels or other dull digging tools to
uncover currently-buried buttress root flares. Digging shall occur between trunk edge and at least two (2) feet horizontal from trunk edge. The final soil
elevation will be at a level such that the tree’s buttress roots visibly flare out from the vertical trunk.
TB: Trunk buffer consists of 20-40 wraps of orange plastic snow fencing to create a 2 inch thick buffer over the lowest 8 feet of tree trunk (usually takes at least
an entire roll of orange fencing per each tree). Lay 2X4 wood boards vertically, side by side, around the entire circumference of the trunk. Secure buffer using
duct tape (not wires).
F: Fertilization with slow-release Greenbelt 22-14-14 tree formula, as a soil injection application using a fertilizer injection gun. This brand and formulation is
commonly used by reputable tree care companies in the Bay Area. Apply at label rate and injection hole spacing.
M: 4-inch thick layer of chipper truck type natural wood chips (example source: Lyngso Garden Supply, self pick-up). Do not use bark chips or shredded
redwood bark.
W: Irrigate using various methods to be determined through discussion with General Contractor. Irrigation frequency and durat ion to be determined through
discussion and/or per directions in this report. Native oak species typically require 1x/month irrigation, while other tree species tend to prefer 2x/month or
4x/month moderate to heavy irrigation during construction.
P: Pruning per specifications noted elsewhere. All pruning must be performed only under direct site supervision of an ISA Certified Arborist, or performed
directly by an ISA Certified Arborist, and shall conform to all current ANSI A300 standards.
MON: A Project Arborist must be present to monitor specific work as noted for each tree.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
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Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
12.0 Tree Location & Protection Fence Map Mark-up by the CTA
The CTA marked up the applicant’s grading and utility plan sheet C-1 as the background for the tree map markup.
The CTA added the following items to this sheet for reference purposes:
a. Tree tag numbers are noted in black numeric oversized type. Important Note: The numbers on the CTA’s map refer to new racetrack shaped professional
grade aluminum tags affixed to the trees or on the fencing in front of each tree, by the CTA. They are affixed to the mainstem of each tree at between 4
and 6 feet above grade.
b. Tree plot dots are in some cases added as new, or blackened, for clarity. Most of the CTA’s survey trees were not plotted by the applicant’s civil surveyor.
c. Canopy driplines of most of the trees were drawn out by the CTA to approximate scale, using black clouding.
d. Red dashing indicates suggested chain link root protection zone (RPZ) fencing routes, drawn to approximate true scale to indicate optimal placement in
terms of root protection and preservation for trees #41, 42, and #45.
e. Yellow highlight along the south boundary of the map (bottom edge of map markup) indicates the applicant’s proposed joint trench (JT) and grassy swale
grading location.
f. Yellow highlighting along the driveway indicates the location suggested by the CTA for use of biaxial geogrid or triaxial geogrid as an underlayment that
would be pinned down directly over the existing soil at grade, over which the class II baserock base section would be tamped down. This would raise the
elevation of the driveway significantly. This is an item for further discussion, since use of robust versions of biaxial or triaxial geogrid can allow for
reduction of baserock base section thickness by as much as 50%. The goal here is to avoid all excavation cuts below grade elevation, such that the root
system of tree #42 can be retained as-is without damages from the applicant’s current proposed plan to excavate 12 inches below grade for baserock
base installation and concrete banding installation.
g. Blue highlight indicates areas where 1x/week heavy irrigation would be helpful in increasing tree growth (vigor) by boosting soil moisture in the root zone to
field capacity.
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
36 of 37
Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #401 / ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified / ISA Certified Arborist #WE-3172A Cell: (415) 203-0990 / Email: walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com
37 of 37
Site Address: 14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA Version: 9/25/2020
Registered Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists and Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
Walter Levison 2020 All Rights Reserved
13.0 Attached: Appraisal Worksheet by the CTA
This appraisal worksheet was prepared using the 10th edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal, 2nd Printing (2019). The dollar values of each survey tree
derived from these calculations are useful in helping determine the monetary fines for construction team violations of the Town of Los Gatos tree ordinance,
and for other Town Staff purposes. For instance, if a tree is found by an ISA Certified Arborist (e.g. the Project Arborist, or the Contract Town Arborist) to be
“50% damaged” in terms of below and/or above-ground losses to structure and/or health (vigor), the fine assessed on the construction team might be
calculated as 50% of the tree’s appraised dollar value.
Walter Levison, Consulting Arborist <walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com> Cell: (415) 203-0990 1 of 2
Line 9 Line 10 Line 11 Tree Tag #Name (Initials)WCISA Speces Group Classification Booklet PageHealth (Weighted 0.15)Structure (Weighted 0.70)Form (Weighted 0.15)Overall Condition Rating (OCR) "Weighted Method" Diameter Inches at 4.5 ft. Above GradeFunctional LimitationsExternal LimitationsWCISA Species Group NumberTrunk Square Inches for Replacement-Size Specimen of This SpeciesAverage SF Bay Area Cost of 24 Inch Box Tree (2019)(UTC) Unit Tree Cost per Sq Inch (M Divided by L)Trunk Area (TA) ((dia. x dia.) x 0.785)Basic Functional Replacement Cost (BFRC) = (OxN)Depreciated Functional Replacement Cost (DFRC) = PxGxIxJRounded-off Appraised Values41 Pc 25 0.75 0.75 0.8 76%5.2 80%90%2 2.24 $250.00 $111.61 21.23 2,369$ 1,292$ $1,290
42 Pc 23 0.85 0.85 0.85 85%$7,200
43 Ar 3 0.55 0.55 0.65 57%7 40%90%4 4.75 $250.00 $52.63 38.47 2,024$ 412$ $410
44 Ar 3 0.6 0.55 0.75 59%7 40%90%4 4.75 $250.00 $52.63 38.47 2,024$ 428$ $430
45 Ss 34 0.75 0.7 0.75 72%8 60%90%4 4.75 $250.00 $52.63 50.24 2,644$ 1,021$ $1,020
46 Pc 23 0.75 0.75 0.8 76%$20,300
Valuation Appraisal Worksheet Based on Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition , 2nd Printing (2019)
"Functional Replacement Method / Trunk Formula Technique"
9/25/2020
14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA
Depreciation Factors
Replacement Cost = 3x cost calc = 3 X (clear feet X $375 per vert. foot) = 3 x ($375 X 10) = $11,250.
$11,250 X condition rating = $11,250 X $9,562.
$9,562 X functional limitations = $9,562 X .75 = $7,171. Rounded off = $7,200.
Replacement Cost = 3x cost calc = 3 X (clear feet X $375 per vert. foot) = 3 x ($375 X 30) = $33,750.
$33,750 X condition rating = $33,750 X .75 = $25,312.
$25,312 X functional limitations = $25,312 X .80 = $20,250. Rounded off = $20,300.
Walter Levison, Consulting Arborist <walterslevisonjr@yahoo.com> Cell: (415) 203-0990 2 of 2
Line 9 Line 10 Line 11 Tree Tag #Name (Initials)WCISA Speces Group Classification Booklet PageHealth (Weighted 0.15)Structure (Weighted 0.70)Form (Weighted 0.15)Overall Condition Rating (OCR) "Weighted Method" Diameter Inches at 4.5 ft. Above GradeFunctional LimitationsExternal LimitationsWCISA Species Group NumberTrunk Square Inches for Replacement-Size Specimen of This SpeciesAverage SF Bay Area Cost of 24 Inch Box Tree (2019)(UTC) Unit Tree Cost per Sq Inch (M Divided by L)Trunk Area (TA) ((dia. x dia.) x 0.785)Basic Functional Replacement Cost (BFRC) = (OxN)Depreciated Functional Replacement Cost (DFRC) = PxGxIxJRounded-off Appraised Values
Valuation Appraisal Worksheet Based on Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th Edition , 2nd Printing (2019)
"Functional Replacement Method / Trunk Formula Technique"
9/25/2020
14300 Lora Drive, Los Gatos, CA
Depreciation Factors
Total Appraised
Value of All
Study Trees
$30,650
Notes:
1. OVERALL CONDITION RATING RANGE per the new 10th edition, 2nd Printing, of Guide for Plant Appraisal (2019):
Excellent: 81-100%
Good: 61-80%
Fair: 41-60%
Poor: 21-40%
Very Poor: 6-20%
Dead: 0-5%
2. MULTI STEM TREES: For trees with multiple mainstems, the total of all mainstem cross sectional areas was used as the "trunk area" calculation. For trees with mainstems larger than
30 inches diameter each, an "adjusted trunk area" or "ATA" value is used, from a table of values in the older 9th edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal.The ATA value is smaller than the actual
trunk diameter, and brings the tree's appraised dollar value down to a more "reasonable" level.
3. NEIGHBOR TREES: For neighbor-owned trees that were not accessible by the CTA, the trunk diameter was estimated from a distance to the best of the CTA's ability.
4. CONDITION RATINGS / APPRAISAL TABLE VS. DATA TABLE: Because of the new appraisal methods outlined in the 2019 edition of the Guide for Plant Appraisal, 10th edition 2nd printing,
the condition ratings calculated in the "Overall Condition Rating / Weighted Method" column, and the data noted in the health and structure columns of this spreadsheet (with calculations
embedded), may in some cases be slightly different from data in the CTA's arborist report tree data table. The CTA attempted to keep overall condition rating values as consistent as possible
between the two data tables (i.e. the appraisal data table and the tree data table in the arborist report).
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