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Attachment 1 Exhibit 9w ro n y R w rfi rn b � rt � ,A►RBORIS. T REPORT 240 El Cajon Way Los Gatos, California Prepared for: Jennifer Savage Town of Los Gatos Community Planning Department 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95031 Prepared by. Deborah Ellis, MS. Consulting Arborlst 8 Horticulturist Registered Consulting Arborisf #305, American Society of Consulting Arborists Board Certified Master Arborist WE -0457B, International Society of Arboriculture Certified Professional Horticulturist #30022, American Society for Horticultural Science Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborlst 8 Horticulturist ID Service since 1984 JUNE 24, 2014 RECEIVED JUN 2 4 2014 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION ©Deborah Ellis, 2014. This report may be reproduced in whole or in part by only the client and the client's authorized representatives and airy 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. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist ki Service since 1984 Table of Contents TREEMAP ................................................................................................................ ............................... - ...............................................2 S UMMARY ............................................................ ................................................................................................... ... 2 Descriptionof Project:....................................................................................... ........ ........................... ..............................3 Description of Existing Trees: .......................................................... . ........................................................................................................ ............................... ........................................................ Table1 Tree Summary ..................................................................................................................... .......................................................... ..............................4 RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................ ............................... 7 APPENDIX.............................................................................................................................................................................................. ..............................7 Table3 Complete Tree Table ........................................................................................................................ ............................... .. .8 Explanation of Tree Table Data columns: ........................................................................................................................................ ............................. .............................12 Supporting Information .................................................................................................................................................................... . .............................12 Purpose & Use of Report ....................................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................... .............................12 Methodology.......................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................13 Observations..................................................................................... ............................... .............................13 TreeProtection Distances .................................................................................................................................................................... ........ .............................13 3to5xDBH................................................................................................................................................................................. OTPZ (Optimum Tree Protection Zone) ......................................................................................................................................... . .............................14 .............................14 Los Gatos General Tree Protection Directions ................................................................................................................................. . .............................17 Tree Photos ............................................................................................................................................................................................ ............................. 19 Assumptions& Limitations .................................................................................................................................................................... .............................21 ... Glossary ................................................................................................................................................................................................ Cover photo: subject trees #1 through #5, taken from across the street from the front of the existing house at 240 El Cajon Way. All photos in this report were taken by D. Ellis on June 18, 2014. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 725 -1357 decohCpacbeli ner nrrp✓iwww.new11 . TREE MAP PO Box .-- Deborah Ellis, M8 consulting Arborist & Horticulturis4tJ TREE PRO*rFCrtON FENCING (TYP 62 4- — ---------- Service since 1984 A Save Tree Debatable p o ED SITE (Read about tree) Flop X Remove Tree ' Arbon Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, Page 1 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: The existing one -story, single - family house will be demolished and replaced with a new two -story, single family house including a basement. Minor new landscaping is included as well. DESCRIPTION OF EXISTING TREES: There are five protected frees' on the project site or as Town Street Trees in front of the project site. These trees are described briefly the Summary Tree Table (Table 1) on page 3 and in greater detail in the Complete Tree Table (Table 3) beginning on page 7. For those trees that will be copy retained these Directions is also al o enclosed so that they can be incorporated into 'rthei proj(included ct Ifindal plans. 14 through 16) the Los Gatos General Tree Protection is required. A copy Based upon the plans that I have reviewed for this project: No live trees are proposed to be removed, but Monterey Cypress #1 (a street tree) is dead and should be removed. Coast live oak #7: some pruning of the canopy toward the proposed house will be necessary in order to construction se rf house. I recommend erecting story posts to obtain a more accurate estimate of the extent of canopy pruning. tr should be possible to construct the new house adjacent to this oak, without severe damage to the tree. I have also included some information for the owner Mr. Lebdenko, who I met on site, regarding the care of California native oaks. For the purpose of this project, a protected tree in Los Gatos as defined in the Los Gatos Town Code Division 2 Tree Protection Section 29 10 0960. 12/3/2010 the Scope of Protected Trees is any tree ^with a 4-inch or greater dm n trees less n_ ter k, when removal relates e diameter are exempt. ch zonin approval or subdivision e PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Page 2 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist o It will be difficult to construct the house 6 feet away from the trunk of Hollywood rwould race Jvaa reasonable to remove this tree /shrub prior to construction. In addition a paver patio i panned within a olot from the trunk, which the tree may not tolerate well and which would cause the removal or shortening of many of the naturally wide- spreading branches of this plant. TABLE 1 TREE SUMMARY ree Common Name # rank Diamu, Preservation Suitability Con Expected uct on Action ' " Reason ' @3ft. Im act P 9 Montere Cypress- y � 15 -- Unacceptable — None Remove Dead 2 European white birch 7,9 Fair /Good Low/ Save Moderate 3 coast live oak 58 Fair /Good Low/ ave Moderate 4 Hollywood juniper 14,9 Fair Moderate/ Debatable Construction, Severe Location 5 Chinese pistache 16 Fair /Good Low/ Save Moderate PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357, Arborist Report for 240 EI Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Page 3 of 22 Deborah Ellis, M$ consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Semite since 1984 RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Remove dead tree: Monterey cypress #L. 2. Hirch #2: regarding driveway construction materials, there is no advantage for the tree in using interlocking pavers instead of regular concrete: as both require the same subgrade preparation. Truly porous pavers require a deeper subgrade excavation, which would cause additional root damage, and so these are not recommended for the driveway material. My advice is to perform as little excavation as possible (while still constructing a sturdy driveway) and to re -use existing base rock underneath, if possible. Existing tree roots are often within this base rock. Irrigating the tree thoroughly a week or so prior to demo and construction of the new driveway will be helpful; as will cleanly cutting roots that need to be removed instead of tearing them with heavy equipment. The tree should be kept well watered its first dry season (usually late Spring through early Fall) during and after the construction. 3. 1 recommend removing Hollywood juniper #4. It will be in the way of construction and also block the access path from front to backyard at the southwest corner of the house. This species also does not tolerate root damage and severe pruning. 4. coast live oak #3: erect story posts to better estimate the actual impact of construction of the above - ground portion of the house on canopy of this tree. Also move the patio a few feet farther away from the trunk of the tree, in order to maintain a minimum 14 foot root protection distance from the trunk. 5. The Arborist should review all site -based plans for this project: Additional improvements not shown on the plans that I have reviewed (e.g. grading, drainage, specific types and methods of construction, landscaping and irrigation, etc.) will likely impact trees and cause additional trees to be impacted and /or removed. Therefore the tree dispositions (Save, Remove, Debatable) listed in this report may change if and when additional plans for this project are reviewed, or if plans that I have reviewed are revised. Review of these additional plans and /or revised plans is recommended, but is not a part of my current scope of work for this project. Plans reviewed by the arboist should be full -size, to -scale and with accurately located tree trunks and canopy driplinesz relative to proposed improvements. Scale should be 1:20 or 1:10. 6. Asa part of the design process, try to keep Improvements (and any additional over - excavation or work area beyond the Improvement) as for from tree trunks and canopies as possible. SxDBH3 or the dripline of the tree, whichever is greater, should be 3 Terms highlighted at their first occurrence in this report are explained in the G/ossaryon page 21. 3 3 & xDBH: See a 13 for an explanation of these calculations which are used to estimate root protection distances for trees. PO Box 3714 Saratoga CA 95070 408-725-1357- decoh@pacbell net http://www.decoh.com. Page 4 of 22 Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Deborah Ellis, MIS Consulting Arborist 8 Horticulturist used as the minimum distance for any soil disturbance to the edge of the trunk. 3xDBH should be considered the absolute minimum distance from any disturbance to the tree trunk on one side of the trunk only for root protection. Farther is better, of course. For disturbances on multiple sides of the trunk, then 5xDBH or greater should be used, and farther is also better here. Tree canopies must also be taken into consideration when designing around trees. Don't forget the minimum necessary working margin around improvements as you locate those improvements. Disturbance usually comes much closer to trees than the lines shown on the plans! 7. New landscaping can be as or more damaging to existing frees than any other type of construction. The same tree root protection distances recommended for general construction should also be observed for new landscaping. Within the root protection zone it is usually best to limit landscape changes to a 3 to 4 -inch depth of coarse organic mulch such as wood or bark chips or tree trimming chippings spread over the soil surface. The environment around existing trees should be changed very carefully or not at all - please consult with me regarding changes in the landscape around existing trees and /or have me review the landscape plans for this project. 8. Coast live Oak #3 Is a native California oak species. 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 the owner in best managing coast live oak #3. Future landscaping around this tree will be critical for its long -term survival. 9. For those trees that will be retained on the site, Follow the Town of Los Gatos General bee Profectlon Directions, included in this report on pages 14 through 16. A separate copy of these Directions is enclosed and must be incorporated into the project final plans. Additional tree protection information is also available from Deborah Ellis if necessary. 10. Construction or landscaping work done underneath the dripline of existing trees should preferably be done by hand, taking care to preserve existing roots in undamaged condition as much as possible and cutting roots cleanly by hand when first encountered, when those roots must be removed. A qualified consulting arbodst (the project arborist) should be hired to monitor tree protection and PO Box 3714 Saratoga CA 95070 408-725-1357. decah@pacbell net http://www.decoh.com. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Page 5 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 supervise all work underneath the dripiine of trees. This also applies to trees on neighboring properties whose canopies overhang the work site. 11. 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 tree service should be hired to provide such pruning. Additional instructions for pruning are included in the Tree Protection Specifications /Directions. 12. The following plans listed in Table 2 below have or have not been reviewed prior to the development of this Arboist Report. Those plans not reviewed should be reviewed by me; otherwise potential construction impacts to trees may be missed and trees will be exposed to additional damage. Table 2 Plans Reviewea or nor nevieweu SHOULD NOTES PLAN DATE SHEET REVIEWED EW. No topo map, but tree trunk and canopy Existing Site Topographic Map X outlines look reasonably accurate relative including existing tree trunk locations 5I30/14 A -2 to existing improvements. Demolition Proposed Site La out 5/30114 A2.1 X °Grading Notes" on A-7 says, "There is no Grading /Drainage grading. There are no changes to contours. Finished grade = existing grade on all sections and elevations. Underground Utility X X Site & Building Sections 5/30/14 A8, 11 X Building Exterior Elevations 5130/14 A7 X Roof Shadow Stud 5/30/14 A -9 X Construction Details that would affect trees (for example building X foundations, pavement installation including sub -grade preparation, undo round utility installation X Landsca a Plantin 5/30/14 L -1 X Irrigation Plan X Landscape & IM 98110n Details 25 1357 d cahC� acbell net http: / /www.decah.com. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 -7 - ¢ P Page 6 of 22 Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Deborah Ellis, MIS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist APPENDIX Service since 1984 TABLE 3 COMPLETE TREE TABLE This Table is continued through page 8. Data fields in the Table a in . ree # Species & Common runk Diam. @aft, Size Preservation Suitability Expected Construction Action c w o Name v Impact p a W ' 1 Cupressus 15 35`22 0 0 lJnaccentnhip Naap 7,9 130'201 80 birch 58 150.701 80 live oak PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408- 725 -1357. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014 on pages 8 to 11. Reason I Notes I � I X ndition: unusual species for a street tree N/A N/A his area. Perhaps Town will remove I replant with another Chinese pistache rin street tree used on this street). istruction: the proposed Tdone looks 3 5 it will be about feet frounks of tree, which means excaill bably come within 3 to 3om the ik. This is acceptable, ahe k (old driveway demo /neay struction) still needs to b?fully, as explained in the ommendations section oort. struction; story posts recommended to 14 24 nate pruning requirements for Aruction clearance. Proposed paver should be moved a few feet farther y from the tree so that there will be no disturbance or new coverage within 14 of the trunk. dition: lion -tail pruned, many old flush (some with visible decay), A qualified ulting arborist should evaluate this Page 7 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS ii Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 EXPLANATION OF TREE TABLE DATA COLUMNS: 1) Tree Number: since there are only 5 trees, they were not identified with number tags in the field. 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 ogrifofio where Quercus is the Genus and ogrifofio 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. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah @pacbell.net. http: / /www.decoh.com. Page 8 of 22 Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. 1REE ROOT: PROTECTION ONDITION DISTANCES' -, Tree Species & Trunk Preservation Expected Construction Action Reason Notes # Common Diam.Size. 9 Suitability Impact 0° p 0 a h Name 31t o 0 3 in uxi J N 7 ree in greater detail for pruning and other ree management recommendations. i Moderate/ Debatable ion. 5 8 28 4 Juniperus 14,9 20'20 70 60 Fair Severe Location on the plans that Ihaveoreviewed,rbutl t will chinensis be difficult to construct the new house only 'Torulosa', 5 feet from the trunk of this tree. A new Hollywood paver patio is also planned as close as 1 'uniper foot from the trunk. The tree will block access around the house during construction and afterward. Recommend i removal 5 Pistacia 16 30'30 90 60 Fair /Good Save Construction: Town Street Tree; requires ype 2 Tree Protection Fenc ng around 4 7 12 chinensis, Moderate parkstrip planter undern eath d6 line of Chinese tree. pistache Condition: vegetation obstructs lower trunk from view. EXPLANATION OF TREE TABLE DATA COLUMNS: 1) Tree Number: since there are only 5 trees, they were not identified with number tags in the field. 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 ogrifofio where Quercus is the Genus and ogrifofio 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. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah @pacbell.net. http: / /www.decoh.com. Page 8 of 22 Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 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 DBM. For multi -trunk trees, trunk diameter is measured for the largest trunk and estimated for all smaller trunks. 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. Relative to the scope 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. 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 4 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. - 1, 11 _11 tanauon Gononueo on the next Pa 2e) Such trees are rare but they have unusually good health and structure and provide multiple fund Excellent and aesthetic benefits to the environment and the users of the site. These are great trees with a Ilse trees may nave some minor to moderate structural or condition flaws that can be improved with Good 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 averano trrove e. .;...^i,._..____�____ __.. ._. 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 hh�ht that is also used in many tree - related calculations. PO Box 3714, Saratoga CA 95070 408 - 725 -1357 decah@pacbell.net. http://www.decoh.com. Arborist Report for 240 EI Capon Way. June 24, 2014. Page 9 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS T Consulting Arborist s Horticulturist eu_";na , D. unq rvnlnnMinn 1rnnfini ed from the Previous page) Service since 1984 Table 4 Preserv{Lrvn au Cup.... r health and /or structural defects that it may or may not be These trees have moderate or greater 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 category. Fair 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 preservation de ends upon the degree of proposed site changes. E uivalent to academic rade'C'. 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 species Poor 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 preservation in areas where people or roe will be resent. E uivalent to academic rade'D'. These trees are dead and are not suitable for retention in their location. In certain settings however, None (such as wilderness areas, dead trees are beneficial as food and shelter for certain animals and 'F'. plants including decomposers. Equivalent to academic grade 14. Action (Disposition): • Save • Remove (based upon tree condition, preservation suitability, expected impact of construction, poor species for the site or any combination of these factors). • Debatable: there is a problem with potentially retaining this tree. Please read about the tree in the Notes column of the Complete Tree Table. Examples are: o The tree is shown to be saved (and may be 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. o 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. o Condition: the tree is in "so -so" 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 owner's own preferences. o Species: the tree may be a poor species for the area or the intended use of the developed site. o Uncertain construction impact o Other (as explained for the individual tree) PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408- 725 -1357. decoh @pacbell.net. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Page 10 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service .since 1984 15. Reason (for tree removal or to explain why a tree is listed as "Debatable" or "Uncertain "). Multiple reasons may be provided, with the most significant 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) 16. 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. When reasonable, methods of reducing construction impact (including design changes) are presented here. 17. Tree Protection Distances (see page 13). a. Root Protection: • 3 and SxDBH: Both the 3 and 5xDBH distances are listed for each tree. For multi -trunk trees 100% of the DBH of the largest trunk is added to 50% of the DBH for all other trunks in order to compute the operational DBH to use for these the Tree Protection Distance calculations. • 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 SxDBH distances. b. Canopy Protection: Additional space beyond root zone protection distances may be necessary for canopy protection. PO Box 3714, _ CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357 Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Lnet. http: / /www.decah.com. Page 11 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 SUPPORTING INFORMATION PURPOSE & USE OF REPORT This survey and report was required by the Town of Los Gatos as a part of the building permit process for this project. The Purpose of the report is to identify and describe the existing protected trees on site - - their size, condition and suitability for preservation. The audience for this report is the property owner, developer, project architects and contractors, and Town of Los Gatos authorities concerned with tree preservation and tree removal. The goal of this report is to preserve the existing protected trees on site that are in acceptable condition, are good species for the area and will fit in well with the proposed new use of the site. METHODOLOGY I performed a basic evaluation of the subject trees on June 16, 2014. Tree characteristics such as form, weight distribution, foliage color and density, wounds and indicators of decay were noted. Surrounding site conditions were also observed. Evaluation procedures were taken from: • Guide for Plant Appraisal, 9th edition, 2000, authored by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) and published by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). • Species Classification and Group Assignment published by the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (WCISA), 1992. The above references serve as industry professional standards for tree and landscape evaluations. I measured the trunk diameter of each tree with a diameter tape at 3 feet above the ground, which is the required trunk diameter measurement height of the Town of Los Gatos. Trunk diameter was extrapolated to DBH (diameter at breast height, 4.5 feet above the ground) because DBH is also used calculate tree protection distances and other tree - related factors. The DBH figure is not included in the Tree Tables, but I have used it to estimate construction impacts to trees. Trunk diameter was rounded to the nearest inch. I estimated the tree's height and canopy spread. Tree Condition (structure and vigor) was evaluated and I also recorded additional notes for trees when significant. Tree species and condition considered in combination with the current or (if applicable) proposed use of the site yields the Tree Preservation Suitability rating. The more significant trees for groups of trees) were photographed with a digital camera. Some of these photos are included in this report, but all photos are available from me by email if requested. PO Box 3714 Saratoga CA 95070 408 - 725 -1357. decohiPpacbell.net. httn: / /WWW.deCah.COM. I Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Page 12 of 22 OBSERVATIONS SITE CONDITIONS Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist &Horticulturist IP Service since 1984 The site contains an existing single - family single -story house and landscaping. Site topography is predominantly level. Sun exposure for the trees varies from full to partly shaded, depending upon proximity to existing buildings and to other trees. I am uncertain as to whether the trees receive irrigation. There is a lawn in the backyard near coast live oak #3, so there is some irrigation near this tree. TREE PROTECTION DISTANCES 3TO5XDBH No one can estimate and predict with absolute certainty how for 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, Fraedrich, A Hendrickson 2002, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories. DBHis 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 rootsbecause they function primarily to transport water and minerals. Maintainin more of these transport roots, which will have less of an impact on tree health tha g a 5x08H tree protection zone or greater around a tree will preserve n if the excavation were closer to the trunk. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408- 725 -1357. decah@pacbell.net. http: / /www.decoh.com. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Page 13 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist R Horticulturist Ser re since 1984 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 arboriculturol industry. The most current guideline comes from the text, Trees d Development, Motheny 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). 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. Sec. 29.10.1000 New Property Development 1) The final approved Tree Preservation Report shall be included in the building permit set of development clans and printed on a sheets titled: Tree Preservation Instruction (Sheet T -1, T -2, etc.l. These Sheets shall be referenced on all relevant sheets (civil, demolition, utility, landscape, irrigation) where tree impacts from improvements may be shown to occur. (3.b.) The site or landscape plans shall indicate which trees are to be removed However, the plans do not constitute approval to remove a tree until a separate permit is granted. 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.e.) 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. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decah@pacbelLnet. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Page 14 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MIS consulting Arborist & Horticulturist 13.a.) An aDDHCont with n nrnnncc.-I Service since 1984 – • •• •• • •• v„ �� � �� wunu unnnes span avoid th instal ation 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 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 arborist. 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. 2) Area type to be fenced. Type 1: 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 arborists. Type II: Enclosure for street trees located in a planter strip: chain link fence around the entire planter strip to the outer branches. Type 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 2 -inch wooden boards bound securely on the outside. Caution shall be used to avoid damaging any bark or branches. 3) Duration of Type 1, 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 1 1 -inch sign stating: "Waming —Tree Protection Zone -this fence shall not be removed and is subject to penalty according to Town Code 29.10.1025'. 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 s 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 so be it. But the contractor must try to fence off as much area under the canopy as possible, do not be irresponsible about this. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357• decah@pacbell.net. http: / /www.decah.coin. Arborist Report for 240 El Cgjon Way. June 24, 2014. Poge 7 5 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturis Service since 1984 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. ny damage that occurs to a protected tree during construction so that 7) The director and project arborist shall be notified of a proper treatment may be administered. Section 29 10 1010 Pruning and Maintenance 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 arborist 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. A copy of the above Directions is attached as a separate document for inclusion in the final project plans. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408- 725 -1357. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Page 16 of 22 TREE PHOTOS Upper Photo: front of the property. #1 Monterey cypress (dead), a Town Street Tree. Of course. rei Lower photo: also front of property. #s Chinese pistach*e (also a Town Street Tree) with Hollywood juniper #4 in the background at right, and the large coast Live oak #3 in the background, center. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist S Horticulturist Seen'ce since 1984 Coast live oak #3 The canopy of this tree has already been pruned somewhat for the existing house, but the new house will be 2- story. This is why story posts will be helpful in estimating the pruning requirements for the new house as well as construction of the new house. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408- 725 -1357. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service sing 1984 iet. htta : / /www.decah.com. _ Page 18 of 22 ASSUMIPTIONS't LIMITATIONS Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 1) Tree locations were provided by an unknown party and are shown on the Tree Map on page 1 of this report. The tree map is a reduced partial copy of the Proposed Site Pion that I was given. Tree the field. locations are assumed to be accurate but should be verified in 2) Trees on neighboring properties were not evaluated. 3) Chinese Plistac>he #5 had Its root collar and lower trunk covered with vegetation and was obstructed from view when I conducted my tree evaluation. The obstructions should be removed and the project arborist should then be called back to re- examine these previously covered areas. 4) The Arborist should review all site -based plans for this project relative to potential tree impacts, including plans not yet prepared and plans that are revised. Plans reviewed by the arborist should be full -size, to -scale and with accurately located tree trunks and canopy driplines relative to proposed improvements. Scale should be 1:20 or 1:10. 5) Any information and descriptions provided to me for the purpose of my investigation in this case and the preparation of this report are assumed to be correct. Any titles and ownerships to any property are assumed to be good and marketable. I assume no responsibility for legal matters in character nor do I render any opinion as to the quality of any title. 6) The information contained in this report covers only those items that were examined and reflects the condition of those items of the time of inspection. 7) Loss or removal of any part of this report invalidates the entire report. 8) 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. 9) 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. 10) 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. 1 1) My evaluation of the trees that are the subject of this report is limited to visual examination of accessible Hems 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. 12) 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. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Page 19 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS - AD Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 13) 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 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, O°Vo�Py\ Deborah Ellis, MS. asou Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist t:m... "m .., Certified Professional Horticulturist #30022 ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #305 I.S.A. Board Certified Master Arborist WE -4578 Enclosures: Keeping Native Calif. Oaks Healthy. Hagen. June 1990. California Department of Forestry &Fire Protection. Tree Notes V. • • Town of Los Gatos General Tree Protection Directions..PDF and Word 2010 files. PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 -725 -1357. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. Sune 24, 2014. Page 20 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS consulting Arborist a Horticulturist GLOSSARY Service since. 1984 1) Arborist. Qualified Consulting: must be either an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Board - Certified Master Arborist or an American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) Registered Consulting Arborist that has sufficient knowledge and experience to perform the specific work required. 2) Basic Evaluation (of Trees): A visual evaluation of the tree from the ground, without climbing into the tree or performing detailed tests such as extensive digging, boring or removing samples. This is an initial screening of the tree after which the evaluator may recommend that additional, more detailed examination(s) be performed. 3) Dri line: 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 ". 4) Flush cut: The removal of a branch through pruning, cutting as close as possible to the trunk or parent branch. Flush cuts are no longer recommended because they are unnecessarily large and expose trunk tissue to greater possibility of decay. Instead, the cut should be made just beyond the "branch collar", but not so far outward so as to leave a "stub ". 5) Lion -tail Pruning removes interior branches and concentrates foliage at the ends of branches. This may result in sunburned bark tissue, watersprouts, cracks in branches, reduced branch taper, increased load on branch unions, and weakened branch structure. Lion tailing also changes the dynamics of the branch and often results in excessive branch breakage. 6) Root collar excavation and examination: The root collar (junction 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. 7) 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. 8) Summer Dry: 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. 9) Tree Service. Qualified: A tree service with a supervising arborist who has the minimum certification level of ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist, in a supervisory position on the job site during execution of the tree work. The tree service s most current of the following arboricultural industry tree care standards: hall adhere f the PO Box 3714, Saratoga, CA 95070. 408 - 725 -1357. decay@pocbell.net. http: / /www.decah.com. Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014. Page 21 of 22 Deborah Ellis, MS Consulting Arborist & Horticulturist Service since 1984 • ANSI A300 Pruning Standards. (Covers tree care methodology). • ANSI Z133.1 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations. (Covers safety). • Best Management Practices, Tree Pruning. International Society of Arboriculture PC Box 3714 Saratoga CA 95070 408 - 725 -1357 decah @pacbeil net. http: / /www.decah.com. Page 22 of 22 Arborist Report for 240 El Cajon Way. June 24, 2014.