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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLot #22 ltr-Heartwood Custom HomesSeptember 26, 2007 Jim Langston Langston Development 1132 South Rangeline Road Carmel, IN 46032 Vine. ranc Arboricultural Horticultural Consulting Services History: On September 26, 2007 I visited Glen Oaks lot 22 with Jeff Langston of Heartwood Custom Homes, his clients the Montgomery's, Jim Langston and John Edwards of Langston Development Company. We walked the lot and discussed each tree within the construction foot print. We determined which trees could be preserved during construction and which should be removed. We moved the house to the west to allow for the retention of a mature maple and ash. We also discussed the driveway placement so as to preserve a maple tree along the drive. Recommendation Points Fencing I recommend that the trees should have construction fencing placed as close to dripline as possible with "Tree Preservation Area" signage affixed to the fence. This fence should remain undisturbed and in place throughout the construction process. Fertilization I recommend that trees should be fertilized to help them adapt to the stress of construction. Pruning I recommend that trees that are to be preserved be trimmed by a reputable arboricultural company with Certified Arborists or a Registered Consulting Arborist on staff. There are a couple of trees that may need to be cabled. Root Pruning Where roots are to be disturbed they should be cut off instead of broken. This can be accomplished by running a trencher across the root area that requires cutting prior to excavating. Any exposed roots should be cut off flush and covered as soon as possible. After the basement or footers are excavated the consulting arborist should be called to clean up any roots that are exposed during the process. Any roots encountered should 4721 E. 146 Street Carmel, Indiana 46033 Phone: 317 846 -1935 Fax: 317 846 -3788 Treeconsultant @aol.com www.vineandbranch.net be severed without ripping them if at all possible. The consulting arborist will properly root prune any exposed root when called. Note: Whenever possible roots should not be cut, broken or severed for the best preservation possibilities. Soil Stockpiling Soil should not be stockpiled within the drip line of any trees to be preserved. Water Trees should receive supplemental watering during dry summer months to limit the stress to them during construction Conclusion All in all this is a wonderful lot with nice trees that if properly cared for during construction will help in the sale of the home. A continued relationship with a consulting arborist will help to continue the preservation process. 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 made in good faith. Judson R. Scott President, Vine Branch Inc Registered Consulting Arborist #392 American Society of Consulting Arborists CC Scott Brewer City of Carmel Heartwood Custom Homes 9 -26 -07 Vine ranch Best Management Practices for Oak Manner: For inclusion on engineered drawings Before Construction: Selected 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 drip line (where possible) of the trees in the buffer zone and proper "Tree Preservation Zone" signs affixed. Trees should be inspected prior to construction to determine structural integrity. Structurally unsound trees should be removed. Trees within the preservation areas should be removed at the direction of a Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) or a Certified Arborist (CA). During Construction: 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). Over -dig 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 should be irrigated so that they will receive 1 -1.5 inches of water per week during extreme dry periods and as is feasible. If at all possible underground utilities, downspouts or irrigation lines and landscape lighting shall be routed outside the tree protection zone. There is to be no parking or equipment storage of any kind within the tree protective zone. Post Construction recommendations: 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 may be necessary, for any trees within 20 feet of construction activities. Especially those with any compacted soils or altered drainages. Regular mulching for any trees in the tree protection areas is recommended for 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. Heartwood Custom Homes 9 -26 -07 Inc. Arboricultural Horticultural Consulting Services Copyright Vine Branch Inc. 2007. All rights reserved. Copy of BMP's may be made only with written permission of Vine Branch Inc. Vine September 26, 2007 Arboricultural Horticultural Consulting Services Tree Preservation is an ongoing process. We recommend that you think about preserving the roots of trees before, during and after construction. Before- Plan Ahead We understand that tree preservation is a priority in the construction of your new home and appreciate the opportunity to work with you. Protecting the tree roots during construction is the main issue during any construction activities. Tree roots are generally within the top 2 -3 feet of the soil layer; trenching and soil compaction are two construction activities that can be detrimental to a tree if a significant portion of the root system is affected. To ensure the best chance for the preservation of the existing trees all construction activities should be kept as far away from the trees as possible. During and After- Plan Ahead Many aspects of the construction of a new home often go overlooked. Have you ned for the preservation of trees during the following procedures? Buried electric, Gas and Cables lines Sewer line installation Excavation and construction of foundation Construction of the new home Installation of sidewalks and driveways Irrigation system installation Landscape design and installation Pools and outbuildings Sidewalks Landscape lighting Fence installation Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Judson R. Scott President, Vine Registered Consu American Society o Heartwood Custom Homes 9 -26 -07