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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAbney Glen Tree Preservation PlanLTI Inc. ng Services Tree Preservation Plan For: Abney Glen (Filo Property) Indiana Land Development 8170 Zionsville Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 By. R. Scott, Registered Consulting Ar American Society of Consulting Al and Jeffrey Maddox, Ecologist ISA Certified Arborist #IN-1482 April 25, 2005 4721 E. 146t' St., Carmel, Indiana, 46033 Phone: 317-846-1424 N Fax: 317-846-3788 v April 25, 2005 Paul Shoopman Indiana Land Development 8170 Zionsville Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 Re: Abney Glen (Filo Property) Mr. Shoopman, Ch e Care idscaping isulting Services Enclosed is the Tree Preservation Plan for the Abney Glen project. This property has several nice opportunities to use the existing trees. To do so will require care and the following Best Management Practices (BMP's). Recommended Tree Preservation Procedures: Before Construction: • The trees within the preservation zones shall be fertilized before construction begins to increase their vigor. This will increase their ability to handle stress from construction. • All site contractors shall meet with the Consulting Arborist at the site prior to beginning work to review all work procedures, access and haul routes, and tree protection measures. • Tree protection fencing shall be installed at the dripline of the trees in the preservation zone and proper "Tree Preservation Zone" signs affixed. During Construction: a Any damage to trees shall be reported to the Consulting Arborist within 6 hours so that remedial action can be taken. Timeliness is critical to tree health. No materials, spoil, washout water, waste or equipment, (especially concrete equipment and tools) shall be deposited, stored, or parked within the tree protection zone (fenced area). • The Consulting Arborist shall monitor any grading, construction, demolition, or other work that is expected to encounter tree roots. • Spoil from the building foundation shall not be placed within the tree protection zone, either temporarily or permanently. It is suggested that the spoil be placed in a space away from the trees. ■ The preserved trees shall be irrigated so that they will receive 1-1.5 inches of water per week during dry periods. • Wherever possible all underground utilities, downspouts or irrigation lines and landscape lighting shall be routed outside the tree protection zone. If utility lines 4721 E. 146t' St., Carmel, Indiana, 46033 Phone: 317-846-1424 N Fax: 317-846-3788 must cross through the protection area, they shall be tunneled or bored under the tree. There is to be no parking or equipment storage of any kind within the tree preservation areas. Post Construction: • All trees shall have a post -construction evaluation performed by a qualified arborist to determine any remedial actions necessary to maintain tree health. • Vertical mulching, or soil remediation with a grow gun, for any trees within 20 feet of construction activities should be performed, especially for those trees experiencing compacted soils or altered drainages. • Regular mulching for any trees that do not have regular leaf litter anymore. The mulch will give the trees optimal conditions for their roots to recover from the stress of construction. Please read all preservation specifications carefully before including them in any planning documents. Tree preservation is a group effort. To insure success, the preservation project needs the cooperation of all contractors involved. Everyone needs to understand the importance of the keeping all activity outside of the root zones of these trees. Following this tree preservation plan will maximum these tree's chances for survival and allow all to benefit from them for years to come. Long Branch Creek is a valuable asset to this project. Protection of the trees that line this creek is of paramount importance for the health of the creek and therefore, the communities that share this creek. Opportunity should be sought to walk this creek with a representative of the Hamilton County Surveyor's office to lobby for the retention of trees along this creek. We appreciate this opportunity to work with you. Please contact us with any questions about this work or any other services we can offer. ..:lank you, t y Judson R. E Registered American S Jeffrey Maddox Ecologist, Vine & Branch Certified Arborist #IN-1482A Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development/Abney Glen 317.846.1424 April 25, 2005 Page 2 of 15 Assi inment Our assignment is to prepare a plan to preserve the trees before, during and after the development of Abney Glen. Specific concerns include: 1. Protecting the trees that line Long Branch Creek 2. Protecting trees around the former Filo residence 3. Protecting selected groups of trees 4. Installation of the roads 5. Preparing trees before construction begins 6. Tree care during construction 7. Remediation, if necessary, after construction We are to advise the client, architect, landscape architect, guilder and contractors on processes that may impact the trees within the construction zone or nearby. Our goal is to prevent or lessen the impact of the construction to help preserve the trees. Tree Biolloov and Constructionm acts Construction often has a negative impact on trees. When changes are planned, we must plan tree preservation procedures to be performed before, during, and after construction to give the trees a better chance at survival. In wooded areas, trees live in harmony, protecting and supporting each other. There tends to be less impact from environmental factors like wind, ice, and snow. The root systems of mature trees are shaded and protected. In mature landscapes, existing trees have been relatively undisturbed for many years providing them with a "wooded area" environment. Therefore, any construction procedures that came near the root system of any existing tree will cause stress. One common problem during construction is mechanical damage (physical injuries/wounds to the tree) to the trunks and limbs. When wounded, trees are structurally unable to heal as humans and animals do. As trees can not replace damaged tissue, they must wall off the area using a process called Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees (CODIT). Using this process, the damaged cells of trees put up chemical and physical barriers in all directions to block the spread of disease and decay after being wounded. Trees are capable of compartmentalizing small wounds quickly. Large wounds, however, are much more difficult and take a lot longer. In fact, a trunk wound removing as little as 30% of the bark may be fatal. The CODIT process also uses great amounts of energy. Trees are weakened due to the amount of energy required to try to compartmentalize the wound. Wounds are also an entrance for decay and disease to enter the tree. Decay structurally weakens trees, which may eventually be unable to support their own weight, putting people and property at risk. Protecting the trunk and limbs from damage is crucial, Another significant problem caused by construction is damage to the root systems of the trees. There is a classic misconception that roots are "as deep as the tree is tall". They are not! The root systems of most trees are very shallow. Roots generally grow within the first 12-18 inches of the original grade; with a large majority of the fibrous roots within the first 6-8 inches of the soil (see Figure 1'). Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development/Abney Glen 317.846.1424 April 22, 2005 Page 3 of 15 There are two major types of roots. The large woody roots most of us are familiar with that provide anchorage, storage, and conduction. Trees also have small, non - woody roots called feeder roots. These roots provide absorption, pulling water and nutrients from the soil, both of which are necessary for photosynthesis and respiration. In order for roots to grow, they need both moisture and oxygen. Roots can extend long distances from the trunk, often two to three times the radius of the dripline, depending on the environment and where oxygen and water are available. Changes in the root system of a tree can cause serious, long-term problems, including trunk decay, decline, and death. Eo.q.ft h� Besides mechanical and root damage, trees will also be exposed to environmeFigure I ntal factors such as changes in water sources and exposure to sunlight. Stress is created when trees need to acclimate to a new environment created by a change in any one of these factors. During construction, many factors become a concern at the same time, making preservation planning very necessary. It is our goal to help the trees whenever possible. The procedures we will recommend are to limit stress to the trees to be preserved. In protecting the trees from construction, our main focus will be shielding the critical zone of the root system from damage. There are various means of protecting the trees and their roots during the construction process, including: Installation of fencing to protect the root zone. • Installation of signage for preservation zones. • Pre -construction fertilization of key trees. • Root pruning during construction after roots are damaged. • Implementation of a watering program. • Site visits during the construction process. • Post -construction vertical mulching in areas of high soil compaction. • A post -construction planning for continued preservation efforts. Although there is no way to guarantee the trees will not die during or after the process, we should do our best to protect the trees and give them a fighting chance. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development/Abney Glen 317.846.1424 April 25, 2005 Page 4 of 15 Site or Tree Anal sis A tree inventory and a site analysis (Flora and Fauna study) have already been completed. Please refer to those documents for details about the site or the individual trees. DisCU sin_n Only half of a tree is above the ground but, since the roots aren't seen, they are often overlooked. A trees roots are just as important as the branches and the leaves. The greatest damage during construction often comes from injury to the unseen root systems. Many construction processes require extensive amounts of excavation or soil compaction. Excavation within root zones removes both support roots and absorbing roots after which the tree suffers decreased stability and water stress making the tree more likely to fail or fall. This disruption needs to be limited whenever possible. Soil compaction is also a common problem during development and construction. While it is understood that there are compaction requirements for buildings, roads, footings, sidewalks, etc. the large equipment used in development often causes unnecessary soil compaction. Soil compaction decreases the amount of air and water available to the roots, limits root growth, and can lead to decay, decline, and death. Wherever possible construction activities should be kept at least five feet beyond the dripline of all trees, LONG BRANCH CREEK Long Branch Creek is a valuable asset to this development. Protection of the trees that line this creek is of paramount importance for the health of the creek and to the overall water quality. All trees that are currently along the corridor of the creek should be protected as a group. Cleared areas along the creek should be reforested wherever possible to provide a filtration strip, cleaning water run off before it enters the creek. Protective fencing with signage should be installed alor eff erosion control barriers should be used at the base of the fence Ito protect theiogs orther creek fromve Pollutants. These measures are part of the required Stormwater II Best Management Practices. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development/Abney Glen 317.846.1424 April 25, 2005 Page 5 of 15 TREES AROUND THl" FORMER FIi_O RESIpENCE There are trees of many different species, ages, and size classes around the house. The condition of the trees varies widely. Different species of trees have different tolerances to the stress of the changing environment that construction brings. It will take more care to assure the survival of this wide range of tree types. The larger trees, over 12" dbh, should be managed before construction begins to maximize their chances of tolerating the stress of construction. They should be properly pruned and crown cleaned. Fertilizing them before construction will increase their vigor and ability to tolerate stress. All trees to be preserved should be fenced outside the driplines before construction begins. All trees near the proposed roads should be carefully evaluated prior to construction of the road. Many trees will not be able to tolerate the stress of the construction work, grad changes, and/or use of toxic materials like lime. Each tree should be evaluated tode ermine whether preservation efforts should be made on a tree to tree basis. When it comes to protective fencing where ever possible, fence off trees in groups. They will survive better as one large unit than having each tree fenced off separately and having construction activities occurring between the trees. SOUTHEAST CORNER There are several nice evergreens and deciduous trees in the southeast corner that might be preserved. Concerns for these trees are the installation of a road, the retention pond, and possible grade changes. Trees along the proposed roadways should be carefully evaluated to determine if there is enough work space to construct the road and the pond without damaging them. The grading Plan must also be carefully considered, especially to the southeast of the former Filo house where steeper slopes may need to be re -contoured. General Site Instructions for inclusion on en ineered drawl'n s: Before Construction: • The trees within the preservation zones shall be fertilized before construction begins to increase their vigor. This will increase their ability to handle stress from construction. • All site contractors shall meet with the Consulting Arborist at the site prior to beginning work to review all work procedures, access and haul routes, and tree Protection measures. • Tree protection fencing shall be installed at the dripline of the trees in the buffer zone and proper "Tree Preservation Zone" signs affixed. burin Cnnstr ctipn: • Any damage to trees shall be reported to the Consulting Arborist within 6 hours so that remedial action can be taken. Timeliness is critical to tree health. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development/Abney Glen 317.846.1424 April 25, 2005 Page 6of15 • No materials, spoil, washout water, waste or equipment, (especially concrete equipment and tools) shall be deposited, stored, or parked within the tree protection zone (fenced area). • The Consulting Arborist shall monitor any grading, construction, demolition, or other work that is expected to encounter tree roots. ■ Spoil from the building foundation shall not be placed within the tree protection zone, either temporarily or permanently. It is suggested that the spoil be placed in a space away from the trees. • The preserved trees shall be irrigated so that they will receive 1-1.5 inches of water per week during dry periods. • All underground utilities, downspouts or irrigation lines and landscape lighting shall be routed outside the tree protection zone. If utility lines must cross through the protection area, they shall be tunneled or bored under the tree. • There is to be no parking or equipment storage of any kind within the tree protective zone. Post nstr coon recommendations: • Al) trees shall have a post -construction evaluation performed by a qualified arborist to determine any remedial actions necessary to maintain tree health. • Vertical mulching, or coif remediation with a grow gun, for any trees within 20 feet of construction activities. Especially those with any compacted soils or altered drainages. • Regular mulching for any trees outside of the compacted areas that do not have regular leaf litter anymore. The mulch will give the trees optimal conditions for their roots to recover from the stress of construction. The Tree Preservation Specifications section has more explanation on each of the above concerns. Vine & Branch Fact Sheets on each subject are also available. Site visits by the Consulting Arborist are helpful in monitoring the above concerns. The Consulting Arborist can advise as to any further procedures necessary to protect individual trees. The site visits should be regular to increase the protection provided to the trees. Finally, the end of construction does not mean the end of tree preservation. The first five yea rs following construction are critical in the health of the tree and present a window in which further care is to be undertaken. Tree preservation is an ongoing effort. Watering, fertilization and necessary pruning should be undertaken. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development/Abney Glen 317,846,1424 April 25, 2005 Page 7 of 15 Conclusion Abney Glen has several nice opportunities to use the existing trees to improve the overall appearance of the development. The specified Best Management Practices are necessary to make this tree preservation process a success. Tree preservation is a group effort. To insure success, the preservation project needs the cooperation of all contractors involved. Everyone needs to understand the importance of the keeping compaction out of the root zones of these trees. Long Branch Creek is a valuable asset to this development and to the community as a whole. Protection of the trees that fine this creek is of paramount importance for the health of the creek and therefore, the communities that share this creek. We thank you for your cooperation and consideration in this project. Planning and implementing tree preservation plans before, during and after construction will reduce replacement and/or maintenance costs. Following this tree preservation plan will maximum these tree's chances for survival and allow us all to Benefit from them for years to come. We should all feel pride as we watch these trees continue to thrive in their new environment. Vine & Branch appreciates this opportunity and looks forward to working with you in the future. I certify that all the statements of fact in this Tree Preservation Plan are true, complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that they are made in good faith. Judson R. Scott President, Vine & Registered Consul American Society i Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 AMaddox Ecologist, Vine & Branch Certified Arborist #IN-1482A Indiana Land Development/Abney Glen April 25, 2005 Page 8 of 15 4-J w u > a 04 ry u t E u 0 -0 c C6 w CD C3 -0 c r- 0 'E 4m- > a) CL iq Fn x aNbOffVw �: r) L 700 04 .,6 Irl -4 D Attachment B: Tree Preservation Specifications (Abbreviated version for architectural drawings) 1. The site contractor is required to meet with the consultant at the site prior to beginning work to review all work procedures, access and haul routes, and tree protection measures. 2. The tree protection fencing is to be installed and proper "Do not enter" signs affixed. 3. All trees should be pruned in accordance with the ANSI Z-133 Guidelines and the ANSI A-300 standards. Copies available upon request. 4. Any damage to trees due to site clearing activities shall be reported to the Consulting Arborist within 6 hours so that remedial action can be taken. Timeliness is critical to tree health. 5. There is to be nothing roped off to the remaining trees during the site clearing process. 6. There is to be no parking within the tree protective zone. 7. There is to be no fuel storage or filling of equipment within the tree protective zones Pruning Specifications for Trees to be Preserved 1. The preserved trees shall be pruned to: a, clear the crown of diseased, crossing, weak, and dead wood to a minimum size of 1 inch in diameter; b. Remove stubs, cutting outside the branch bark collar as it is defined in the ANSI A-300. 2. Where temporary clearance is needed for access, branches shall be tied back to hold them out of the clearance zone. 3. All pruning shall be performed by qualified arborists. All pruning shall be in accordance with the Tree Pruning Guidelines (International Society of Arboriculture) and/or the ANSI A300 Pruning Standard (American National Standard for Tree Care Operations) and adhere to the more recent edition of ANSI Z-133.1. Construction Specifications 1. All underground utilities, downspouts or irrigation lines and landscape lighting shall be routed outside the tree protection zone. If utility lines must cross through the protection area, they shall be tunneled or bored under the tree. 2. No materials, equipment, spoil, or waste or washout water (especially concrete equipment and tools) may be deposited, stored, or parked within the tree protection zone (fenced area). 3. Additional tree pruning required for clearance during construction must be performed by a qualified arborist and not by construction personnel. 4. Any herbicides placed under paving materials or in the foundation footings must be approved by the Consulting Arborist in writing and be safe for use around trees and labeled for that use. Any pesticides used on site must be tree -safe and not easily transported by water. 5. Any grading, construction, demolition, or other work that is expected to encounter tree roots must be monitored by the Consulting Arborist. 6. Spoil from the building foundation shall not be placed within the tree protection zone, either temporarily or permanently. It is suggested that the spoil be placed in a space away from the trees. Copyright © 2005 Vine & Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development/Filo 317.846.1424 April 22, 2005 Page 10 of 15 Attachment Q Tree Preservation Plan Particulars- Non abbreviated version The forest trees shall be protected during the construction process. The following steps are suggested for their protection. Specifications for Site Clearing The following work must be accomplished before the construction occurs within the drip line of tree: 1. The site contractor is required to meet with the consultant at the site prior to beginning work to review all work procedures, access and haul routes, and tree protection measures. 2. The tree protection fencing is to be installed and proper "Do not enter" signs affixed. 3. The lot clearing that is to be completed shall be undertaken by qualified arborists and not by the demolition or construction contractors. The arborists shall remove the trees in a manner that causes no damage to the mature trees that are to remain. 4. Small trees to be removed within the tree protective zones shall be removed by hand or with equipment sitting outside the tree protection zone. Stumps shall be removed by the use of a stump grinder so as to cause as little root disturbance to the remaining trees. 5. All trees shall be pruned in accordance with the ANSI Z-133 Guidelines and the ANSI A-300 standards. Copies available upon request. 6. Any damage to trees due to site clearing activities shall be reported to the Consulting Arborist within 6 hours so that remedial action can be taken. Timeliness is critical to tree health. 7. There is to be no tree felled so as to touch the trees that are to remain. Any limbs that conflict with the crown of the remaining trees shall be hand pruned off before felling. 8. There is to be nothing roped off to the remaining trees during the site clearing process. 9. There is to be no parking within the tree protective zone. 10. There is to be no fuel storage or filling of equipment within the tree protective zones Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development/Abney Glen 317.846.1424 April 25, 2005 Page 11 of 15 Pruning Specifications for Trees to be Preserved 1. The preserved trees shall be pruned to: c. clear the crown of diseased, crossing, weak, and dead wood to a minimum size of 1 inch in diameter; d. remove stubs, cutting outside the branch bark collar as it is defined in the ANSI A-300. 2. Where temporary clearance is needed for access, branches shall be tied back to hold them out of the clearance zone. 3. All pruning shall be performed by qualified arborists. All pruning shall be in accordance with the Tree Pruning Guidelines (International Society of Arboriculture) and/or the ANSI A-300 Pruning Standard (American National Standard for Tree Care Operations) and adhere to the more recent edition of ANSI Z-133.1. 4. Interior branches shall not be stripped out. 5. Pruning cuts larger than 4 inches in diameter, except for dead wood, shall be avoided. 6. Pruning cuts that expose heartwood shall be avoided whenever possible. 7. No more than 20 percent of live foliage shall be removed within the trees. 8. While in the tree, the arborists shall perform an aerial inspection to identify defects that require treatment. Any additional work needed shall be reported to the consultant. 9. Any Lightning Protection system to be installed in the trees shall use the standards set forth in the National Arborist 1987 Guide and Consulting the yet to be released ANSI guidelines (copie available upon request). s Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development/Abney Glen 317.846.1424 April 25, 2005 Page 12 of 15 Construction Specifications I. All underground utilities, downspouts or irrigation lines and landscape lighting shall be routed outside the tree protection zone. If utility lines must cross through the protection area, they shall be tunneled or bored under the tree. 2. No materials, equipment, spoil, or waste or washout water (especially concrete equipment and tools) may be deposited, stored, or parked within the tree protection zone (fenced area). 3. Additional tree pruning required for clearance during construction must be performed by a qualified arborist and not by construction personnel. 4. Any herbicides placed under paving materials or in the foundation footings must be approved by the Consulting Arborist in writing and be safe for use around trees and labeled for that use. Any pesticides used on site must be tree -safe and not easily transported by water. 5. Any grading, construction, demolition, or other work that is expected to encounter tree roots must be monitored by the Consulting Arborist. 6. A tensiometer shall be installed within the critical root zone to monitor the moisture during the construction process. 7. The preserved trees shall be irrigated so that they will receive one inch of water per week. Usually this is a 1-2 hour drip irrigation. The desired irrigation shall wet the soil within the tree protection zone to a depth of 30 inches. 8. Mulch shall be added to the critical root zone of preserved trees to keep the roots from drying out due to new climate that we are making for the tree. 9. Before construction, the preserved trees shall be root pruned, cleanly cutting all roots to a depth of ten to eighteen inches. Roots shall be cut by manually digging a trench and cutting exposed roots with a saw, vibrating knife, rock saw, and narrow trencher with sharp blades, or other approved root -pruning equipment. 10. Any roots on preserved trees that are damaged during grading or construction shall be reported to the Consulting Arborist. They shall be exposed to sound tissue and cut cleanly with a saw. 11. Spoil from the building foundation shall not be placed within the tree protection zone, either temporarily or permanently. It is suggested that the spoil be placed in a space away from the trees. 12. No burn piles or debris pits shall be placed within the tree protection zone. No ashes, debris, or garbage may be dumped or buried within the tree protection zone. 13. Maintain fire -safe areas around fenced areas. Also, no heat sources, flames, ignition sources, or smoking is allowed near mulch or trees. 14. There is to be no parking within the tree protective zone. 15. There is to be nothing hung from, attached to, or roped off to, the tree during construction. 16. There is to be no storage of anything within the protective root zone. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development/Abney Glen 317.846.1424 April 25, 2005 Page 13 of 15 Acknowledgements 1 Figure one taken from Trees and Deveio ment a Technical Guide to the Preservation of Trees Durin Land Development, Matheny Nelda, Clark ]ames, International Society of Arboriculture, Publishers, Champaign IL USA, 1998. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 Indiana Land Development/Abney Glen 317.846.1424 April 25, 2005 Page 14 of 15