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Attachment 1 Exhibit 8s+' fly r b y f) � v7 w 0 V FINAL A,RBORIST REPORT Highlands Lot 7 Los Gatos, California Prepared for. Jessica Vaughn Town of Los Gatos Community Planning Department 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95031 Prepared by. Deborah Ellis, MS. Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Registered Consulting Arborist #305, American Society of Consulting Arborists Board Certified Master Arborist WE- 04578, International Society of Arboriculture Certified Professional Horticulturist #30022, American Society for Horticultural Science Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 DECEMBER 10, 2014 (DDeborah Ellis, 2014. This report may be reproduced in whole or in part by only the client and the client's authorized representatives and only for use with the subject project and /or property. All other reproduction requires the expressed written or verbal consent of Deborah Ellis prior to reproduction, I PO Box 3714 Saratoga CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357, decah@l)acbell not A, a --- L -- Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arbonst & Horticulturist im, Service since 1984 Table of Contents TREEMAP ..................................................................................................................................................................... .. ............................3 SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Table 1 Tree Summary .............................................................................................................................................................................. .............................. 5 RECOMMENDATIONS............................................................................................................................................................................ .............................. APPENDIX .............................. 7 ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Table 2 Complete Tree Table ................................................................................................................................................................ .. .............................. TreeTable Data Column Explanation ................................................................................................................................................ .............................13 TreeProtection Distances ........................................................................................................................................................................ .............................17 3to5xDBH............................................................................................................................................................................................. .............................17 OTPZ(Optimum Tree Protection Zone) ..................................................................................................................- ........................... .............................17 Los Gatos General Tree Protection Directions ..................................................................................................................................... .............................18 .............................21 TreePhotos ................................................................................................................................................................................................. Assumptions& limitations ........................................................................................................................................................................ .............................23 .............................25 Glossary....................................................................................................................................................................................................... Cover photo: Lot 7 viewed from Santella Court with coast live oak tt 619 labeled. All photos in this report were taken by D. Ellis on December 8, 2014. PO Box 3714, 5aratogo, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah@pacbell.net. http: / /www.decah.com, I Deborah Ellis, MS consulting Arborist 8, Horticulturist Service since 1984 TREE MAP Legend ! Save Tree Debatable - ._ - 1Read about tree) "' g I X Remove Tree � I�.w,•- .._. -_• -• ........ 626 M• 607" —_ TMM =74 I 625' - I�+7 ..,. >rl. 62A! � _ _ "a r 606 —�I °""��.. 1 6i05 I 623 622 509 IL ,;.,1618 .; 6� X621 610 603 i1620! X a �� ate; f 6- 1611 16159! I - - - -- _ 61 602I*601 -- -- —4614 613 \ z: ISANTELLA COURT / PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah @pacbell.net, http: / /WWW,decah.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 2 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS T Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist _j" Service since 1984 SUMMARY I initially prepared a Preliminary Arborist Report for this project, dated January 16, 2013. No construction plans were available at that time, so that first report provided only descriptions of the subject gees #601- 626. Please refer back to that 2013 report for background information and my involvement in this project. This is my Final Arborist Report for this site', after review of the following preliminary construction plans provided to me in late November of 2014: Grading & Drainage, sheets C -1 and 2, HMH Engineers, November 2014. • Concept Planting Plan, sheet L -1, no date, Davidon Homes, received in plan set with above plan. • Elevations, sheets A1.1, 1.4, 1.5, Bassenian /Lagoni Architects. November 3, 2014. Roof Plan; sheet A1.6, same as above. • Sections, sheets A1.7, 1.8, same as above. I also visited the site again on December 8, 2014 to check the condition of the existing trees, and to review the construction plans and potential impacts to the trees. A revised Tree Summary Table is on the next page, and a Complete Tree Table containing all tree information is on pages 7 through 12. The Town of Los Gatos General Tree Protection Directions are included on pages 18 through 19. Tree Protection could use improvement on this site (even though construction has not yet begun) as well as other Highlands lots. For example, there is a lot of equipment, and material storage close to trees on many lots, including lot 7, where no tree protection fencing has been installed around the trees yet. PO Box 3714 Saratoga CA 95070 408- 725 -1357. decah@pacbell.net. http: / /www.decoh.com. I Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 3 of 26 TABLE 1 TREE SUMMARY ree # Common Trunk reservation Expected - Name Dlam, Suitability" Constructlon' Action: Reason Impact 601�c cast live oak22_- live -- Fair /Poor .Moderate Save 602 coast s Fair /Good Moderate /Severe Debatable Construction - -- 603 blue oak 76 Fair/Good _ -- Lowl Mod erate Sa_v_e_ 604 blue oak - - -- 18 -. - -.- .Fair /Good ':Severe emove Construction 605 -_._ _._._ blue oak 13 _..,._ Fair _ _ __�, Moderate _ - - -- - -- 'Save 606 blue oak 13 :Fair /Good Moderate_ _ Save 607 blue oak 113 'Fair /Poor 'Moderate _ - - --- -- 609 coast live oak. 25 Poor -_ Severe .Remove Construction, Structure 609 coast live oak 20, 10 Fa rzlPOOr Severe '.Remove - — — - -- ConsWction 610 - coast live oak'21 - - .- 11 1111/13,10d !Severe _611 coast live oak 18,19 Poor 'Sever e 'Remove !Construction. Overall Condition 612 coast live oak .20 (2) Fair /Poor Severe - Remove Construction 613 coast live oak l7 ,Fair /Poor Moderate/ Severe' Debatable Construction, Overall Condition 614 coast live oak. 45 Poor : Moderate/Severe, - - -- __ Debatable Overall Condition, Construction 515 coast live as 14,16,191 Fair/Good_ ISevere Debatable. Construction _6.16 coast live oak -.— 13 —. Fair /Poor /Moderate 'Save -- - 617 coast live oak 17,20 _'.Low Fav /Poor: Uncertain Debatable': Construction, Overall Condi_tio_n 618 coast live oaks 12,18 ;Fair /Poor Low/Mod_erate Save - - /Good _ MOtlerate /Severe abl-: - e •Consfruction 620 - coast live. oak .1320 - -Save Fair _.; Low I - - - save 621 coast Irve oak 15 Fair Low/Moderate _ Save l I i Severe !Remove 7 623 coast live oak 20 Fair /Good _ Moderate 11 abatable 624 coast live oak113 _ Fair/Poor Low /Mode_rateSave - -- 625 - coast live oak 24 - _..__. Fair /Poor _ _ - ____._ Moderate - - - - -- Debatable'Construction 626 blue oak 12 Fair/Poor Moderate ___ - -- Save _..___ - - --- - PO Sox 3714, 50ratoga,CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10. 2014. Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist I % V, .; Service .rface 1984 Page 4 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Seruice since 1984 RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Which trees to retain? For those trees with a "Debatable" designation, I would not make any effort to save trees with a "Fair /Poor" or "Poor" Preservation Suitability rating. These are trees #613, 614, 617 and 625. If any design change recommendations made for these trees cannot be implemented, consider removing the trees. See the "Notes" column of the Complete Tree Table for design change recommendations. Trees with "Poor" preservation suitability ( #614) should definitely be removed, regardless of expected construction impact. 2. The following trees with "Fair" or' Fair /Good" preservation suitability ratings have design changes recommended, in order to reduce construction damage. These are trees #602, 605, 606, 615, 619 and 623. See the "Notes" column of the Complete Tree Table for the specific design change recommendations. 3. The deciduous trees (blue oaks) are best evaluated by the arborist offer full leaf -out, around mid -June. Several of these trees had some dead branches but it is difficult to accurately assess the percentage of dead branches, thus the true condition of these trees while they are leafless during the winter. 4. As a part of the design process, try to keep improvements (and any additional over - excavation or work area beyond the improvement) as far from tree trunks as possible. 3xDBH3 should be considered the absolute minimum distance from any disturbance to the tree trunk on one side of the trunk, for root protection. If there will be disturbances on multiple sides of the trunk, then 5xDBH or greater should be used. Tree canopies must also be taken into consideration when designing around trees. 5. Please submit any revised site plans and all forthcoming site -based construction plans to me for review of construction Impacts to trees, when these plans become available. 6. The Los Gatos Tree Protection Directions are included on pages 17 through 19. 7. Tree Protection needs Improvement on this site (even though construction has not begun) as well as other Highlands lots. For example, there is a lot of equipment, and material storage close to trees on many lots, including lot 7, where there is no tree protection fencing around the trees. There should be no equipment, vehicle or supply storage around unfenced trees. x3 DBH: See page 16 for an explanation of 3 and 5xDBH which are used to calculate root protection distances for trees. PO Box 3714 Saratoga CA 95070 408 - 725 -1357 decah@pacbell.net. http: / /www.decoh.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 5 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist 8. This site contains oaks that are native to the immediate area (coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia and blue oak, Q. douglosi All of these oaks are of natural growth. This tree species fares best with no irrigation during the normal dry months of the year. The best treatment of the ground beneath the canopies of native oaks is nothing but their own natural leaf and twig litter mulch. Exceptions to the general rule of irrigation restriction include during the winter in extended drought periods, as temporary compensation for root loss due to construction, and for newly planted trees during their 2 to 3 year establishment period after installation. Native oak species are often killed due to inappropriate landscaping that is installed around them; mostly commonly landscaping that requires frequent irrigation such as lawns or other high water -use plants. Large drought tolerant trees such as native oaks can become dangerous when exposed to frequent irrigation, especially close to their trunks. California native oaks that are treated in this manner may contract root rot diseases and fall over at the roots; often causing great damage and personal injury _I there are targets in their vicinity such as homes, cars and people. It is important to landscape correctly around our native oaks; e.g. summer dry. I have attached a publication entitled Keeping Native California Oaks Healthy, to assist in best managing the oaks on the property. 9. Remaining trees on site should be re- evaluated after surrounding trees are removed. 10. General Tree Maintenance: do no unnecessary pruning, fertilization or other tree work. Pre- construction pruning should be limited to the absolute minimum required for construction clearance. A qualified free service should be hired to provide such pruning. I PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070 408- 725 -1357 decah@pacbell.net. http://www.decah.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7 becernber 10, 2014. Page 6 of 26 APPENDIX TABLE 2 COMPLETE TREE TABLE .1_ R.. W. h +k- T ki- ry ovnlninorl nn Deborah Ellis, MS mmmmmmmmmiii 1AU Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist 12 fo 15 Service since 1984 This table is COnrinuea rnrau n puyc Ic, uuiu uo�w n, ,, ,.. ,........, ....,. v • --- _. _�__ - EE ROOT, TECT ONDITIOt� TANCES Species Expected m Tree & Trunk Size Preservation onstruction Action' Reason : Notes FD # Common - Dlam. Suitability Impact m N a Name orn 2 0 ,X rn 601 Quercus 22 30'20 50 50Fair /Poor Moderate Save Construction :7 feet from limit ofgrading. 5 9 16 This tree is on the adjacent lot to the North. agdfolia, Condition: could remove this tree and keep coast live better adjacent tree (#602) instead. See oak below. 602 coast live 12`10 75 70 Fair/Good Moderate/ Debatable __1#602 Construction '. - _ --- Construction: this tree is on the adjacent lot 3 4 5 Severe to the North. Trunk is 5 feet from limit of oak grading. Although this may work from a root damage standpoint, it is still dangerously close to the tree from an equipment trampling standpoint unless work is done very carefully. May be best to transplant tree. Condition: 10 inches from tree #601 -may be a sucker of 601. Could remove 601 and keep this tree (602) instead - 602 is a better tree with a longer life ahead of it, and ;its growth is impeded by 601. 16 603 Quercus 16 0'30 70 70 Low/ Save Construction: 9 to 10 feet from limit of 4 6 Fair /Good douglasii, Moderate grading. This tree is on the adjacent lot to blue oak the North. PO Box 3714 5aratoga CA 95070 408 - 725 -1357 decah @pacbell.net. http: / /www.decoh.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 7 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Page 8 of 26 3erWe mce 1984 F CONDITION E ROOT Species < OTl GT1ON. Tree & Trunk Size Preservation Expected DISTANCES' # CNamen Diann. 2 Suitability onstruction Action Reason Notes 0 8 Impact _ _ = N M N N 0 0 604 blue oak I 18 45`35 75 60 Fair /Good - {Severe Remove Construction 1 Construction: within graded zone near q - -_ -- — - - � (house. 7 18 605 blue oak 13 35`25' 60. —65 Fair - Moderate Save - Construction: 5 feet from back of 3 foot -- - -8 3 5 high retaining wall. Over -excavation will be ! 13 closer than 5 feet from tree. Wall should be moved farther from tree so that there 11 be no soil disturbance within a minimum distance of 4 feet from nearest 606 blue oak 13 38`251 70 60 -- - Fair /Good -- Moderate - _ �: edge of trunk - farther would be better. Save - Construction: 5 and 7 feet from retaining 3 5 13 all with 6 foot cut, and limit of grading. Make sure that there is no soil disturbance closer than 5 feet from the trunk of the tree; farther would be better. Erect story posts 0 make sure this will work relative to the 607 blue oak 13 I45 35 50 50 Fair/Poor Moderate Save : ConsW ion: 6.5 to 9 feet from retaining _37 1 5 13 II with 3-5 foot cut grade cut. Make sure hat there is no soil disturbance closer than 5 feet from the trunk of the tree; farther ould be better. Condition: Large mechanically - caused ounds to trunk. Some branches of this ree are obviously dead, but can't tell what percentage, so can't judge condition very II. This and all of the other deciduous trees (blue oaks on this lot) should be rechecked in early summer (e.g. June) to better assess their condition. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah @pacbell.net. http: / /www.decoh.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. nP.remhor to MIA Page 8 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS _'Aa Consulting Arborist R Horticulturist ,Service since 1984 PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah@pocbell.net. http: / /www.decah.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 9 of 26 IM ROOt ONDITION PROTECTION~ DISTANCES Species Expected Tree $ Trunk Site 'Preservation olmpaetfon Action Reason Notes # Common Olam. ,. Suitability ro m a Name o X ~O ; o N 608 coast live 25 30'30 60 20 Poor Severe Remove Construction, Construction: within proposed house. 6 10 18 oak Structure Condition: lower trunk hollow with cavity opening to outside — can see wood decay cOtiks inside cavity, and cavity is filled with wood rat droppings which are pouring out. 609 coast live 20,10 35'30 60 50 Fair /Poor Severe Remove Construction Construction: within proposed house. 6 10 1 18 oak 610 coast live 21 5`40. 70 60, Fair /Good Severe Remove Construction !Construction: within proposed house. 5 9 15 oak __ 40' P oor Severe Remove Construction, Construction: very dose to the proposed 7 12 21 611 coast li;;; 18,19 i -35 40 oak Overall !house. Condition Condition: canopy very sparse and a cavity in the lower trunk. 612 coast live 20 (2) 35'25 60 50 Fair /Poor Severe Remove Construct ion ,Construct on: within proposed driveway, 5 8 14 oak ! Condition: 8- inch diameter sraffoId branch cul-de -sac is hollow and has several (over ,bird nest holes in A. 613 coast live 17 35'25 50 50 Fair /Poor Moderate/ Debatable Construction, !Construction 5 feet from proposed sewer 4 7 ! 8 oak Severe Overall line center line, meaning excavation will be Condition 1 -2 feet closer to the trunk (3-4 feet). Move sewer line so that there is no soil disturbance closer than 4 feet from trunk; farther would be better. If this is not possible, then remove this tree — it is not in :.good condition. Trunk is 12 feet from limit of grading; this should be alright. Condition: bark falling off trunk at 4-6 feet above the ground — investigate further. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah@pocbell.net. http: / /www.decah.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 9 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist nttp;//www.decah.com. , .. pai .. www.decah.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. cn.ne�. Page 10 of 26 Se�'vice s since 1984 ONDITION T TREE ROOT j Species P PROTECTION> Tree & & T Trunk , ,S�® r Preservation E Expected D DISTANCES # C Common D Diam, r ro P ty onstruction A Action R Reason N Notes Name I Impact = = = = N N > m m m m F Fa N X X N N O O 614 c coast live 4 45 4 40'45. 40 — —20 P Poor M Moderate/ DebatableOverall C Constructi n:9 feet from proposed sewer 1 11 1 Severe ' 'Condition, ' 'line center line, meaning excavation will be 19 4 45 Construction 1 1 -2 feet closer to the trunk (7 -8 feet). But it I is not worth moving the line to save this ree — instead remove it. Condition: Three trunks at 4 feet (22 & 18 inch diameters). The 22 inch trunk is 615 o live 1 14,16,19 5 50.501 7 70 6 60'�Fair/Good S Severe D _ ' ' hollowandicanseedaylightthroughit. oast l Debatable _ Construction I I Construction: trunk is 4 feet from retaining 8 8 1 14 2 25 all with 3 foot cut; comer of house at 10.5 feet. This is one of the best trees on the site (and there are not many of these) so !please m move improvements so that there is no single disturbance closer than 8 feet m the trunk; 14 feet for disturbances on 616 c coast live 1 13 0 015', 60 4 -- _ Fair /Poor L __ _ __ _ _ _ m multiple sides of the trunk. ak C Moderate r Co structi :trunk is 104 feet from 3 3 5 5 6 6 retaining wall, 21 feet from house. Canopy orientation is OK relative to house. C ndifi n: Severe trunk crook because the 1 l ree very is ONW- affected. OK to keep if ladjacent s shelt_e_ring oak #615 remains. _ 617 o oast live 1 17,20 5 5'451 4 45 6 601 1 Fair /Poor U Uncertain D Debatable C 4 feet from centerline of 7 7 1 12 2 21 Overall s sewer line. But line is shown in street, so I Condition o onder if this is already in place. In any case there should be no soil disturbance 'closer t than 7 feet from the trunk. The condition of this tree is not goad, so removal is an option in my opinion. PO B Box 3714, S Sarafoaa. C CA 95070 4 4nR_79q_1ar7 A A--- L LLl___�_u n www.decah.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. cn.ne�. Page 10 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturis Service rime 1984 PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page I I of 26 PROTECTION ONDITION DISTANCES' Species Expected - Tree & Trunk onstruction Action Reason - Notes # Common Warn. ,Size. `o PPreaerva0on � Suitability Impact CO m m r1 Name m X p in Condition: canopy very sparse. Two trunks joined at the back. Some basal decay in one trunk. _. 618 live 12,18 35.30 50 40: Low/ Save !Construction: nearest improvement is drain 6 10 18 coast Moderate pipe around house perimeter, at 17 feet. oak Condition: lower trunk sweeps and has a significant crook — tree is very grove ,affected. - Construction Construction: retaining wall is 5 feet from 7 12 22 619 live 19,20 5.50. 70 60 Fair /Good Moderate/ Debatable coast Severe tank; excavation will bring actual soil oak i disturbance closer. There must be no soil disturbance closer than 7 feet from the trunk of this large tree. This is a tree worth saving.- 2.20 60 60 Fair , Low .Save Construction: retaining wall is 16 feet from 3 5 6 620 .coast live 13 'sunk. oak 5.22 60 60 Fair Low/ Save Construction: retammg wall is 11.5 feet 4 6 7 621 coast live 15 Moderate from trunk; house is 13.5 feet. _ 622 oak coast live 5,4,3,2 0.18' 60. 50, Severe _ Remove Construction: m grading is probably 3 4 5 about 2 feet from trunk, drain pipe oak centerline estimated at 4 feet from trunk; house at about 6 feet. This is too close in !terms of construction practicality. Tree is ;also in wrong location on plan; see the approximate location I have drawn in. Condition: stump sprout tree. Could be transplanted, but not a great specimen. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page I I of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Serc'icc since M4 ONDITION TREE ROOT Species PROTECTION Tree & Trunk Size m Expected DISTANCES # - 'Common : Diem. `Preservation onstruction Action Reason Name g 3 Suitability Notes a u Impact S m m a N F O N O 623 coast live 20 50'25 65 60Fair /Good Moderate Debatable Construction 'Construction: limit of radio at 5.5 feet oak grading 5 8 15 from trunk; drain pipe Centerline at 7.5 feet, house at 9 feet. Over- excavation will bring ese improvements closer. I advise moving both improvements at least 2 feet farther from the tree if possible. Also use story posts to see if this will work from a oak – canopy disturbance perspective. 624 coast live 13 '28'25 50 40, Fair /Poor Low/ Save Mode t ConsWCtio : limit of grading at 8.5 feet 3 5 6 rae from trunk, drain pipe centerline at 16 feet, house at 18 feet. 625 okstlive 24 30'30 70 50•Fair /Poor Moderate Debatable . Construction, C�k ,dranoppelcenterlineat8.5feetm 6 1D� 18 house 9.5 feet. All of this is closer than advisable from a root damage perspective, and it will be difficult to construct it so close o the tree. Preservation suitability is not good, so consider removing the tree if damage does indeed turn out to be too severe. Condition: lower trunk hollow and with a cavity opening to the outside – should be 326 lue oak 12 50'30' 70 50 Fair /Poor Moderate Save — ! investigated further if tree may be retained. Construction: limit of grading at 6.5 feet 3 5 ! 12 om trunk; retaining wall at 8.5 feet, house at 22 feet. Condition: small lowertrunkwound has _ - _- __ apwotid fungal wood decay conks – 'preferably investigate further (December PO Box 3714, 5oratogo,CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357, decah@pacbell.net. Arborvst Report for Highlands Lot 7 December 10 2014. e° Pacbell net hitp / /www decah com Page 12 of 26 Species Expected ree & Trunk m Preservation onstructla # Common Diam. �She� Suitability Impact Name a/ Deborah Ellis, M5 _� J& Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 TffIW OW PROVECTM Action Reason Notes � � O 2014: wound is larger with bark above wghing off. Structure rating reduced im 60 to 5o and Preservation Suitability im Fair to Fair /Poor). TREE TABLE DATA COLUMN EXPLANATION 1) Tree Number (the field tag number of the existing tree). Each existing tree in the field is tagged with a 1.25 inch round aluminum number tag that corresponds to its tree number referenced in the arborist report, Tree Map, Tree Protection Specifications and any other project plans where existing trees must be shown and referenced. 2) Tree Name and Type: Species: The Genus and species of each tree. This is the unique scientific name of the plant, for example Quercus agrifolia where Quercus is the Genus and agrifolia is the species. The scientific names of plants can be changed from time to time, but those used in this report are from the most current edition of the Sunset western Garden Book (2012) Sunset Publishing Corporation. The scientific name is presented at its first occurrence in the Tree Table, along with the regional common name. After that only the common name is used. 3) Trunk diameter (at 3 feet above the ground). This is the trunk diameter measurement height required by the Town of Los Gatos, in lieu of DBW. For multi -trunk trees, trunk diameter is measured for the largest trunk and estimated for all smaller trunks. A number in parentheses (e.g. 2) after the trunk diameter(s) indicates that it was not possible to measure the trunk at 3 feet (due to tree architecture) and so the diameter was measured at this alternate height (in feet), which reflects a more realistic trunk diameter for the tree. 4 DBH is tree trunk diameter in inches "at breast height ", measured at 4.5 feet above ground level. This is the forestry and arboricultural standard measurement PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah(V-pacbell.neT. nTTP:i i www.uc1.1 Page 13 of 26 Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Examples: an 018" in the Diameter column means that the tree has a diameter of 18 inches at 3 feet above the ground. An "I8 (2)" eans thativaa trunk diameter was 18 inches measured at 2 feet above the ground. 18, 7, 5" means that this is a multi -trunk tree with trunk diameters of 38, 7 and 5 inches at 3 feet above the ground. 4) Size: tree size is listed as height x width in feet, estimated and approximate and intended for comparison purposes. 5) Condition Ratings: Trees are rated for their condition on a scale of zero to 100 with zero being a dead tree and 100 being a perfect tree (which is rare — like a supermodel in human terms). A 60 is "average" (not great but not terrible either). There are two components to tree condition — vigor and structure, and each component is rated separately. Averaging the two components is not useful because a very low rating for either one could be a valid reason to remove a tree from a site -- even if the other component has a high rating. Numerically speaking for each separate component: 100 is equivalent to Excellent (an 'A' academic grade), 80 is Good (B), 60 is Fair (C), 40 is Poor (D), 20 is Unacceptable (F) and 0 is Dead. 6) Relative to the scone of work for this report tree Condition has been rated but not explained in detail and recommendations for the management of tree condition have not been included. The tree owner may contact Deborah Ellis for additional information on tree condition and specific recommendations for the general care of individual trees relative to their condition. 7) The Condition of the tree is considered relative to the tree species and present or future intended use of the site to provide an opinion on the tree's Preservation Suitability Rating (i.e. "Is this tree worth keeping on this site, in this location, as explained in Table 3 below and on the next page. This is based upon the scenario that the tree is given enough above and below - ground space to survive and live a long life on the site. Ratings such as "Fair /Good" and "Fair /Poor" are intermediate in nature. The Preservation Suitability rating is not always the same as the Condition Rating because (for example) some trees with poor condition or structure can be significantly improved with just a small amount of work — and it would be worthwhile to keep the tree if this were done. Final Arborist Excellent Good bucn trees are rare but they have unw functional and aesthetic benefits to the N and the users of the site. These are great trees i nese trees may have some minor to moderate structural or condition flaws that can be improvec with treatment They are not perfect but they are in relatively good condition and provide at least one significant functional or aesthetic benefit to the environment and the users of the site. These are better than avamna /ron" ry 6ox 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 14 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist tnhta a preservation Suitability Rating Explanafion (continued from the previous page) Service since 1984 8) Action (Disposition): a) Save: it should be no problem save this tree utilizing standard tree protection measures. b) Remove: this recommendation is based upon tree condition, preservation suitability, expected impact of construction, poor species for the site or any combination of these factors. c) Debatable: there is a problem with potentially retaining this tree. Find out why in the Reason and Notes columns of the Complete Tree Table. Examples are: • The tree is shown to bg saved land maybe a desirable tree to save) but Proposed construction is too close or is uncertain and may cause too much damage to retain the tree. Design changes may be recommended to reduce damage to the tree so that it can be saved. • Further evaluation of the tree is necessary (e.g. the tree requires further, more detailed evaluation that is beyond the scope of this tree survey and report. Examples are advanced internal decay detection and quantification with resistance drilling or tomography, a "pull test" to assess tree stability from the roots, or tissue samples sent to a plant pathology laboratory for disease diagnosis. • Condition: the tree is in "so -so" or lesser condition and an argument could be made to either save or remove the tree as it stands now. In some cases the owner will make the decision to save or remove the tree based upon the information provided in this report as well as the owners own preferences. • Species: the tree may be a poor species for the area or the intended use of the developed site. • Uncertain construction impact • Other (as explained for the individual tree) FPO Box 3714 Saratoga CA 95070 408- 725 -1357. decaWpacbell.net. http:rrwww.aecan.com. 1 Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 15 of 26 These trees have moderate or greater health and /or structural defects that it may or may not be possible to improve with treatment. These are "average" trees — not great but not so terrible that they absolutely should be removed. The majority of trees on most sites tend to fall into this Fair category. These trees will require more intensive management and monitoring, and may also have shorter life spans than trees in the "Good" category. Retention of trees with moderate suitability for 'C'. reservation depends upon the degree of proposed site changes. Equivalent to academic grade These trees have significant structural defects or poor health that cannot be reasonably improved with treatment. These trees can be expected to decline regardless of management. The tree Poor species themselves may have characteristics that are undesirable in landscape settings or may be unsuitable for high use areas. I do not recommend retention of trees with low suitability for 'D'. reservation in areas where people or prop2rtywrill be present. E uivalent to academic grade These trees are dead and /or are not suttable for retention in their location due to risk or other issues. None In certain settings however, (such as wilderness areas, dead trees are beneficial as food and shelter 'F'. for certain animals and plants including decomposers. Equivalent to academic grade 8) Action (Disposition): a) Save: it should be no problem save this tree utilizing standard tree protection measures. b) Remove: this recommendation is based upon tree condition, preservation suitability, expected impact of construction, poor species for the site or any combination of these factors. c) Debatable: there is a problem with potentially retaining this tree. Find out why in the Reason and Notes columns of the Complete Tree Table. Examples are: • The tree is shown to bg saved land maybe a desirable tree to save) but Proposed construction is too close or is uncertain and may cause too much damage to retain the tree. Design changes may be recommended to reduce damage to the tree so that it can be saved. • Further evaluation of the tree is necessary (e.g. the tree requires further, more detailed evaluation that is beyond the scope of this tree survey and report. Examples are advanced internal decay detection and quantification with resistance drilling or tomography, a "pull test" to assess tree stability from the roots, or tissue samples sent to a plant pathology laboratory for disease diagnosis. • Condition: the tree is in "so -so" or lesser condition and an argument could be made to either save or remove the tree as it stands now. In some cases the owner will make the decision to save or remove the tree based upon the information provided in this report as well as the owners own preferences. • Species: the tree may be a poor species for the area or the intended use of the developed site. • Uncertain construction impact • Other (as explained for the individual tree) FPO Box 3714 Saratoga CA 95070 408- 725 -1357. decaWpacbell.net. http:rrwww.aecan.com. 1 Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 15 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist 8, Horticulturist 9) Reason (for tree removal or to explain why a tree is listed as "Debatable" or "Uncertain "). Multiple reasons may be provided, with the most 1984 reason listed first. Reasons can include but are not limited to: • Construction (excessive construction impact is unavoidable and it is not worthwhile to try and save the tree) • Condition (e.g. poor tree condition — either vigor, structure or both) • landscaping (the tree is being removed because it does not fit in with or conflicts with proposed new landscaping) • Owner's Decision (for some reason the owner has decided to remove this tree) • species (the tree is a poor species for the use of the site) • Risk (the tree presents moderate to excessive risk to people or property that cannot be sufficiently mitigated) 10) Notes: This may include any other information that would be helpful to the client and their architects and contractors within the scope of work for this report, such as a more detailed explanation of tree condition or expected construction impact. 11) Tree Protection Distances (see page 16). a) Root Protection: 1) 3 and S%DBH: Both the 3 and 5xDBH distances are listed for each tree. For multi -trunk trees 100% of the DOH of the largest trunk is added to 50% of the D8H for all other trunks in order to compute the operational DBH to use for these the Tree Protection Distance calculations. For practical purposes, the minimum 3xDBH distance is 3 feet and the minimum 5xDBH distance is 4 feet. If disturbance cannot be kept at least 3 feet from the trunk of a tree, the tree should normally be removed. ill OTPZ (Optimum Tree Protection Zone): This is calculated as per the text, Trees & Development Matheny et al., International Society of Arboriculture, 1998. This method takes into account tree age and the particular tree species tolerance of root disturbance. Because it may not be possible to maintain the OPTZ distance recommended for trees on many projects due to crowded site conditions, the Arborist may omit this requirement and list only the 3 and 5xDBH distances. b) Canopy Protection: Additional space beyond root zone protection distances maybe necessary for canopy protection. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357 decoh@pacbell.net. http://www.decc1h.Com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7 December 10, 2014. 16 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist .Service since 1984 TREE PROTECTION DISTANCES 3TO5X DBH No one can estimate and predict with absolute certainty how far a soil disturbance such as an excavation must be from the edge of the trunk of an individual tree to affect tree stability or health at a low, moderate or severe degree -- there are simply too many variable involved that we cannot see or anticipate. 3XDBH however, is a reasonable "rule of thumb" minimum distance (in feet) any excavation should be from the edge of the trunk on one side of the trunk. This is supported by several separate research studies including (Smiley, Friedrich, & Hendrickson 2002, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories. DRHis trunk "diameter at breast height" (4.5 feet above the ground). This distance is often used during the design and planning phases of a construction project in order to estimate root damage to a tree due to the proposed construction. It tends to correlate reasonably well with the zone of rapid taper, which is the area in which the large buttress roots (main support roots close to the trunk) rapidly decrease in diameter with increasing distance from the trunk. For example, using the 3X DBH guideline an excavation should be no closer than 4.5 feet from the trunk of an 18 -inch DBH tree. Such distances are guidelines only, and should be increased for trees with heavy canopies, significant leans, decay, structural problems, etc. It is also important to understand that in actual field conditions we often find that much less root damage occurs than was anticipated by the guidelines. 3xDBH may be more of an aid in preserving tree stability and not necessarily long -term tree health. 5X DBH or greater is the "preferred" minimum distance which should be strived for, and this distance or greater should probably be used when there are multiple trenches on more than one side of the trunk. The roots beyond the zone of rapid taper form an extensive network of long, rope -like roots one to two inches in diameter. These woody perennial roots are referred to as transport roots because they function primarily to transport water and minerals. Maintaining a 5XDBH tree protection zone or greater around a tree will preserve more of these transport roots, which will have less of an impact on tree health than if the excavation were closer to the trunk. OTPZ (OPTIMUM TREE PROTECTION ZONE) OTPZ is the distance in feet from the trunk of the tree, all around the tree, that construction or other disturbance should not encroach within. If this zone is respected, then chances of the tree surviving construction disturbance are very good. This method takes into account tree age, DBH and the particular species tolerance to root disturbance. Although there are no scientifically based methods to determine the minimum distance for construction (for example, root severance) from trees to assure their survival and stability, there are some guidelines that are often used in the arboricultural industry. The most current guideline comes from the text, Trees & Development, Matheny et al., International Society of Arboriculture, 1998. The tree protection zone calculation method in this text was used to obtain the OTPZ's provided in this report. Due to the crowded, constrained nature of many building sites it is often not be possible to maintain the OPTZ distance recommended for many of the trees -- therefore I have also listed alternate distances of 3 and 5X DBH (see paragraph above). PO Box 3714 Saratoga CA 95070 406- 725 -1357 decah @pacbell.net. http: / /www.deccih.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 17 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist RAL TREE PROTECTION DIRECTION Service since 1984 Note that the following is excerpted from Division 2 (Tree Protection) of the Los Gatos Town Code and does not constitute the complete Division 2 text. The owner /applicant is responsible for implementing all pertinent requirements of the Code relative to tree protection. August 7, 2014 Sec. 29.10.1000 New Property Development .r.rrucnon i3ne -T 1 -1 r -2 etc.. These Sheets shall be referenced on all relevant sheets (c utility, landscape, irrigation) where tree impacts from improvements may be shown to occur. ivil, demolition, ror r rumy a free unrir a se arate permit is aranted The property owner or applicant shall obtain a protected tree removal permit, as outlined in section 29.10.0980 for each tree to be removed to satisfy the purpose of this definition. (3.g.) Protective fencing inspection: Prior to issuance of any demolition, grading or building permit, the applicant or contractor shall submit to the building department a written statement verifying that the required tree protection fence is installed around street trees and protected trees in accordance with the Tree Preservation Report. 21 1� u ro ur tlAisuna trees wnenever possible In the event that this is unavoidable, all trenching shall be done using directional boring, air -spade excavation or by hand, taking extreme caution to avoid damage to the root structure. Work within the dripline of existing trees shall be supervised at all times by a certified or consulting arboist. Section 29.10.1005 Protection of Trees during Construction a) Protective tree fencing shall specify the following- 1) Size and materials: A five (5) or six (6) foot high chain link fencing, mounted on two -inch diameter galvanized iron posts, shall be driven into the ground to a depth of at least two (2) feet at no more than 10 -foot spacing. For paving area that will not be demolished and when stipulated in a tree preservation plan, posts may be supported by a concrete base. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah @pacbell.net. http: / /www.decoh.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 18 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS — A Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service sins 1984 2) Area type to be fenced. Tvoe 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 arborist6. Type II: Enclosure for street trees located in a planter strip: chain link fence around the entire planter strip to the outer branches. Tvoe III: Protection for a tree located in a small planter cutout only (such as downtown): orange plastic fencing shall be wrapped around the trunk from the ground to the first branch with 24nch wooden boards bound securely on the outside. Caution shall be used to avoid damaging any bark or branches. 3) Duration of Type I, 11, III fencing. Fencing shall be erected before demolition, grading or construction begins and remain in place until final landscaping is required. Contractor shall first obtain the approval of the project arborist on record prior to removing a tree protection fence. 4) Warning sign. Each tree fence shall have prominently displayed an 8.5 x 11 -inch sign stating: 'Warning—Tree Protection Zone -this fence shall not be removed and is subject to penalty according to Town Code 29.10.1025 ". A template sign has been provided to be used on the project site. b) All persons shall comply with the following precautions: 1) Prior to the commencement 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 any storage of construction materials or other materials or vehicles inside the fence. The dripline shall not be altered in any way so as to increase the encroachment of the construction. 2) Prohibit excavation, grading, drainage and leveling within the dripline of the tree unless approved by the director. 3) Prohibit disposal or depositing of oil, gasoline, chemicals or other harmful materials within the dripline of or in drainage channels, swales or areas that may lead to the dripline of a protected tree 4) Prohibit the attachment 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 the certified or consulting arborist for periodic monitoring of the project site and the health of those trees to be preserved. The certified or consulting arborist shall be present whenever activities occur that pose a potential threat to the health of the trees to be preserved. 7) The director and project arborist shall be notified of any damage that occurs to a protected tree during construction so that proper treatment may be administered. 6 If it is not possible to place Type 1 or Type 2 tree protection fencing at the dripline due to the construction, then place the fencing as far from the trunk as possible, including as much of the dripline as possible, while still allowing for enough room to build improvements. If this happens to be within all or some of the dripline, then PO Box 3714 Saratoga CA 95070 408- 725 -1357. decah( pacbeu.net, nTTPWwww.aecon.com. I Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 19 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturis Section 29.10.1010 Pruning and Maintenance Service since 1984 All pruning of protected trees shall be consistent with the current edition of Best Management Practices - Tree Pruning, established by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and any special conditions as determined by the Director. For developments, which require a tree preservation report, a certified or consulting arboist shall be in reasonable charge of all activities involving protected trees including cabling, and fertilizing if specified. 1) Any public utility installing or maintaining any overhead wires or underground pies or conduits in the vicinity of a protected tree shall obtain permission from the Director before performing any work, including pruning, which may cause injury to a protected tree (e.g. cable TV /fiber optic trenching, gas, water, sewer trench, etc.) 2) Pruning for clearance of utility lines and energized conductors shall be performed in compliance with the current version of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 (Part 1) - Pruning, Section 5.9 Utility Pruning. Using spikes or gaffs when pruning is prohibited. ( PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408- 725 -1357 decah@pacbell.net. http://www.decoh.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7 December 10, 2014. Page 20 of 26 TREE PHOTOS Deborah Ellis, MS il Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 Upper left: coast live oaks #613, 614 and 615 are labeled. Oak #614 has extensive trunk decay, as can be partially seen in the lower right photo where you can see through the trunk (arrow). Oak #614 should be removed regardless of expected construction damage. This tree also has very poor vigor and an overall "Poor" preservation suitability rating. Note the equipment including outhouse that is stored near the trees on this lot, with no tree protection for the trees. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, LA 95070. 408- 725 -1357. decaWpacbell.ret. http: / /www.clecah.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 21 of 26 Upper left: coast live oak #625, where limit of grading is shown at 2 feet from trunk, drainpipe centerline at 8.5 feet, house 9.5 feet. All of this is closer than advisable from a root damage perspective, and it will be difficult to construct it so close to the tree. Preservation suitability is not good, so consider removing the tree if damage does indeed turn out to be too severe. Lower right: Large coast live oak #615 has an estimated construction impact as "severe ", yet this tree shown to be retained on the plans. Therefore it is listed as "Debatable" in the Action column of the Tree Tables coast live oak #611 is within the proposed house, and therefore is listed on both the plans and in the Tree Tables to be removed. Note the road that has been driven repeatedly through the site, with no tree protection for the trees. Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist 8, Horticulturist Semce since 1984 Page 22 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturis Service since 1984 ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITATIONS 1) Tree locations were provided by HMH Engineers and are shown on the Tree Mao on page I of this report. The tree map is a reduced partial copy of the Lot 7 Tree Grading & Drainage Plan that I was given. Tree locations are assumed to be accurate but should be verified in the field. 2) The information contained in this report covers only those Items that were examined and reflects the condition of those items at the time of inspection. 3) Loss or removal of any part of this report invalidates the entire report. 4) Possession of this report, or any copy thereof, does not imply right of publication for use for any purpose by any person other than to whom this report is addressed without my written consent beforehand. 5) This report and the values represented herein represent my opinion. My fee is in no way contingent upon the reporting of a specified value or upon any finding or recommendation reported. 6) This report has been prepared in conformity with generally acceptable appraisal /diagnostic /reporting methods and procedures and is consistent with practices recommended by the International Society of Arboriculture and the American Society of Consulting Arborists. 7) My evaluation of the trees that are the subject of this report 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. 8) 1 take no responsibility for any defects In any tree's structure. No tree described in this report has been climbed and examined from above the ground, and as such, structural defects that could only have been discovered have not been reported, unless otherwise stated. Structural defects may also be hidden within a tree, in any portion of a tree. Likewise, root collar excavations and evaluations have not been performed unless otherwise stated. 9) The measures noted within this report are designed to assist in the protection and preservation of the trees mentioned herein, should some or all of those trees remain, and to help in their short and long term health and longevity. This is not however; a guarantee that any of these trees may not suddenly or eventually decline, fail, or die, for whatever reason. Because a significant portion of a tree's roots are usually for beyond its dripline, even trees that are well protected during construction often decline, fail or die. Because there may be hidden defects within the root system, trunk or branches of trees, it is possible that trees with no obvious defects can be subject to failure without warning. The current state of arboricultural science does not guarantee the accurate detection and prediction of tree defects and the risks associated with trees. There will always be some level of risk associated with trees, particularly large trees. It is impossible to guarantee the safety of any tree. Trees are unpredictable. I PO Box 3714 5aratoga LA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah @pacbell.net. http: / /www.cleCoh.COM. I Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 23 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist jr Service since 1984 I certify that the information contained in this report is correct to the best of my knowledge, and that this report was prepared in good faith. Thank you for the opportunity to provide service again. Please call me if you have questions or if I can be of further assistance. Sincerely, L104L Deborah Ellis, MS. yry Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Certified Professional Horticulturist #30022 ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #305 I.S.A. Board Certified Master Arborist WE -457B Enclosures: • Town of Los Gatos General Tree Protection Directions (to be included in the final project plan set) • Los Gatos Tree Protection Sign template (to be placed on tree protection fencing) • Living among the Oaks —a Management Guide for Landowners. Johnson. University of California Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Program. No date. For the future owners of Lot 7. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 24 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 GLOSSARY 1. Conk: the fruiting body (reproductive structure) of a wood decay fungus, from which spores are released. It usually assumes a "shelf -like" orientation when growing from the side of a trunk or branch. On top of roots, conks often assume a flat or "tabletop" shape. Conks are often a sign that extensive decay has already occurred within the wood. 2. Crooks are unnatural bends or sharp angles in branches or trunks caused by the removal of other attached branches or trunks, often with a vertical growing side branch at the end. This concentrates weight at the end of the branch, and also over some inevitable decay from a pruning wound. 3. Deciduous: a plant that sheds all its leaves at a specific time of the year, usually during the winter when the weather is cold. As opposed to "evergreen" which are plants that retain their leaves in living condition all year long, never dropping all their leaves at once. 4. Driuline: the area under the total branch spread of the tree, all around the tree. Although tree roots may extend out 2 to 3 times the radius of the dripline, a great concentration of active roots is often in the soil directly beneath this area. The dripline is often used as an arbitrary "tree protection zone ". 5. Grove: is a group of trees that located close together that shelter each other from wind and the elements, having "knit" canopies. If of the same species, there is usually root grafting between trees, which lends support from the ground, as well as water and mineral sharing. Removal of one or some grove members could cause remaining members to be unstable due to a reduction of previous shelter. Grove trees often have asymmetrical canopies when viewed as individuals. 6. Qualified Tree Service: A tree service is a company that performs tree pruning and tree removals as their main business. A Qualified Tree Service is a tree service with a supervising arborist who has the minimum certification level of ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist and acts in a supervisory position on the job site during execution of the tree work. The tree service shall have a State of California Contractor's license for Tree Service (C61 -D49) and provide proof of Workman's Compensation and General Liability Insurance. The person(s) performing the tree work must adhere to the most current of the following arboricultural industry tree care standards: • Best Management Practices, Tree Pruning, 2008. International Society of Arboriculture, PO Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826 -3129. 217- 355 -9411 • ANSI A300 Pruning Standards. 2008 Edition. Ibid. (Covers tree care methodology). • ANSI Z133.1 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations. 2006 Edition. Ibid. (Covers safety). 7. Root collar excavation and examination: The root collar Qunction between trunk and roots) is critical to whole -tree health and stability. A root collar excavation carefully uncovers this area (with hand digging tools, water or pressurized air). The area is then examined to assess its health and structural stability. Buttress roots may be traced outward from the trunk several feet. 8. Root rot disease is caused by wet, poorly aerated soil conditions. Degradation of roots (root rot) and sometimes the lower trunk (crown rot) ensues on weakened, susceptible plant species not adapted to such a soil environment. Opportunistic plant root pathogens (such as watermold fungi) are often the secondary cause of the problem. Root rot is a particular problem among drought tolerant plants that are not adapted to frequent irrigation during our normally rain -free months, such as many of our California native plants. The problem is often worsened in fine - textured heavy clay soils that retain water more than do the coarser, fast - draining soils such as occur in the natural environment of many of our native plants. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah@pacbell.net. http: / /www.deccih.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 25 of 26 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Smlic,e 1984 9. Sapwood: the young, outer rings of wood that conduct the water and food for the tree. Sapwood is lighter in color than the underlying heacrtwood (non- conducting wood). 10. Scaffold branch: a primary structural branch arising from the trunk of a tree. Usually the largest and often the lowest branches of the tree. 11. Stump sprout trees are the result of a tree trunk being cut down to a short stump close to the ground. If the tree survives, it sends out many small shoots (suckers) from around the cut stump. Some of these suckers may survive and grow to become significant trunks. These trunks are spaced very close together and usually have included bark between them, which reduces the strength of their union. Such trunks are prone to failure. Stump sprout trees can be very structurally unsound, particularly as they become large and old. There is often a great deal of decay associated with the mother stump, which can also reduce mechanical stability. 12. Suckers are secondary upright shoots arising from the roots or root collar Qunction between roots and trunk) of a tree, or below the graft union. On a grafted tree the suckers (originating from the stock which includes the roots), are often not the same plant species as the scion (the grafted, desirable aboveground part). Suckers can be a nuisance in landscape situations. In nature however, suckers can serve to keep a tree alive after fire or mechanical damage that kills or removes the aboveground part of the tree. 13. Summer Drv: Our native oak species are adapted to our "summer dry" climate. When the soil in their root system is kept moist during our normally dry months, these oaks are predisposed to attack by fungal root rot pathogens that are usually present in our soils. Therefore it is important to keep irrigation as far from the tree trunk (preferably beyond the mature dripline) as possible. The best landscape treatment underneath native oaks is non - compacted soil covered with a 3 to 4 -inch depth of oak wood, leaf and twig litter (the tree's natural litter). Keep this mulch 6 to 12 inches away from the root collar (junction of trunk and roots). An exception to the no summer water rule would be newly planted oaks (for the first 2 to 3 years after planting, until they are "established ") and also during droughts that occur during the normal rainy season. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 -725 -1357 . decah @pacbell. net. http: / /vdww,decah.com. Final Arborist Report for Highlands Lot 7. December 10, 2014. Page 26 of 26 h� � co �.��. A � A � � �