Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo- Tree Walk- during tree clearing_03-23-22 1 March 23, 2022 Brooks Longfellow Epcon Communities 11555 North Meridian Street, Suite 120 Carmel IN 46032 Re: Epcon Communities- The Courtyards- Assessment North and East tree line- during clearing Methodology There is a 20-foot tree preservation buffer, and a 20-foot additional buffer along the perimeter of the Courtyards project. The portion on the eastern and the east half of the northern border were walked, with the intent to mark trees which might be obviously structurally unsound, so that they might be removed as part of the clearing process. Attendance In attendance for this tree walk were Brooks Longfellow, Daren Mindham, Matt Lohmeyer, and me. A couple neighbors came out with concerns during our visit. Findings In general, there are areas that have more trees that are being retained than were originally found in the assessment I performed on November 13, 2020. There are more trees in and around the historic home on the east side, in the northeast corner, and along the western half of the North border. On March 21, 2022, we marked some trees that should be removed in both the twent y (20) foot preservation area and the second twenty (20) foot additional buffer area. These trees were marked with an orange slash at close to ground level and an orange dot at ~ five (5) feet off the ground. Most of the trees were black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and a couple black cherry (Prunus serotina) that were structurally unsound, uprooted or dead. Of note, were three large trees which merit special comment. • A 35” in diameter shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) which was identified in the original assessment as being in “poor condition”. This is a massive tree but is hollow at the base and leans toward the home at 3172 Smokey Ridge Ln, Carmel IN. This tree should be removed. • An ~30-inch white ash (Fraxinus americana) on the north end of the east border. I understood that this tree was requested to be removed by the property owner. It has extensive decay in the trunk and should be removed. • An ~30-inch white ash (Fraxinus americana) on t he north tree line. This tree also has extensive decay and should be removed. 2 General Notes: • Most of the assessed trees are in average condition. • There are some that have broken limbs, and some that have woodpecker and other damage. These should be periodically inspected and may require additional removals. • It should be noted that the trees had not leafed out yet so additional trees may be found as the spring progresses. • Many of the trees are scrubby species trees but they combine to make a g reen buffer which the neighbors have requested be retained. • Retention of the tree line also retains a wildlife corridor, as much wildlife activity was observed . Note for Discussion • The understory (shrubbery) of the fence line is primarily an invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera var). It is my recommendation that this invasive be removed in the additional twenty (20) foot buffer to allow for a better planting area for the future “Green Wall”. • There is some discussion that these plants should be retained until planting but in my opinion, they should be removed now so that honeysuckle (Lonicera var.) can be controlled, and the new plantings will have a better chance for survival. I certify that all the statements of fact in this report are true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that they are made in good faith. It should be noted that this assessment was conducted to provide information as to species, size and general condition of the trees. It should not be seen as a hazard tree inventory. Further analysis is available should this information be desired. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this assessment. Please contact me with any questions about this report. Sincerely, Jud Scott Consulting Arborist LLC Registered Consulting Arborist #392 American Society of Consulting Arborists 3 STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS Jud Scott Registered Consulting Arborist #392, American Society of Consulting Arborists Certified Arborist #IN-0287A, International Society of Arboriculture M. Arbor A. #PR 200177, Arboricultural Association, U.K. Indiana Licensed Nursery Dealer #ND0741600 Indiana Licensed Timber Buyer #FTB001098 Indiana Licensed Timber Agent #FTA002471 Trained Severe Weather Spotter, NOAA Weather OSHA 10-Hour Certificate- Construction President- 2007, American Society of Consulting Arborists President- 1980-2019, Vine & Branch Inc. 2010-Present, Registered Consulting Arborist Jud Scott Consulting Arborist LLC Education 1980 Wabash College, Bachelor of Arts International Society of Arboriculture, Certified Arborist IN-0287A American Society of Consulting Arborists, Academy Graduate American Society of Consulting Arborists, Registered Consulting Arborist #392 Professional Association Membership American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) Arboricultural Association of U.K. (AA) Indiana Arborists Association (IAA) Indiana Academy of Science Indiana Nurserymen’s and Landscape Association (INLA) 1988-2019 Indianapolis Landscape Association (ILA) International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) National Society of Professional Insurance Investigators (NSPII) Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) 1987-2020 Utility Arborist Association (UAA)