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HomeMy WebLinkAboutConceptual Tree Preservation PlanVine:.: ranch iriCL Arboricultural Horticultural Consulting Services Conceptual Tree Preservation Plan For: Browning Investments 6100 W. 96 Street, Suite 250 Indianapolis, IN 46278 Re: North Meridian Heights Nei hborhood By: Judson R. Scott Registered Consulting Arb American Society of Cons and Patrick Grecu Certified Arborist #IN -3235A Indiana Accredited Master Horticulturist #192 June 8, 2009 4721 E. 146 St., Carmel, Indiana, 46033 Phone: 317 846 -1424 N Fax: 317- 818 -9865 June 8, 2009 Terry Hebert Browning Investments 6100 W. 96 Street, Suite 250 Indianapolis, IN 46278 Re: North Meridian Heights Neighborhood Mr. Hebert, Vine:.: ranch Inc. Arborinzltural F 1orkicu1 Consulting Services. Enclosed is the Tree Preservation Plan for the North Meridian Heights property. This property has many trees located on the property that, with the proper techniques, can be saved to benefit future generations. Planning for the preservation of these trees is the first step to ensuring their survival through the construction process. Protective fencing should be placed five feet outside of the dripline of each tree to keep all construction related activity outside of the root systems on these trees. Protecting the trees in groups will provide greater protection. An aerial photograph and a site plan are shown in Appendix A. 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 us all to benefit from them for years to come. We appreciate this opportunity to work with you. Please contact us with any questions about this work or any other services we can offer. Sincerely, Judson R. Scott President, Vine Registered Cons American Society 4721 E. 146 St., Carmel, Indiana, 46033 Phone: 317 846 -1424 N Fax: 317 818 -9865 Patrick Grecu Natural Resource Specialist Certified Arborist #IN -3235A IN Accredited Master Horticulturist #192 Executive Summary 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. Planning and implementing tree preservation plans before, during and after construction will reduce replacement costs and tree health maintenance. Following this tree preservation plan will assure maximum returns from the trees that remain. Assignment Our assignment is to prepare a plan to preserve the trees before, during and after the construction at the North Meridian Heights neighborhood. Specific concerns include: 1. Tree preservation fencing installation 2. Tree preservation signage installation 3. Pre construction meeting with builders for tree preservation 4. Site specific written Tree Preservation Plan 5. Site inspections during construction phase We are to advise the client, architect, landscape architect, builder 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. Discussion Only half of a tree is above the ground but, since the roots aren't seen, they are often overlooked. The 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. The tree suffers decreased stability and water stress making the tree more likely to fail or fall. Soil compaction is also common. Soil compaction decreases the amount of air and water available to the roots, limits root growth, and can lead to decay, decline, and death. For structural stability, compaction is required for buildings, roads, footings, sidewalks, etc. Compaction is also caused by equipment moving over the ground and material storage. All soil compaction activities should be kept at least five feet beyond the dripline of all trees. This includes all grade changes. Vine Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 Browning Investments -North Meridian Heights 2009.6.8 Page 3 of 12 Tree Biolociv and Construction Impacts 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, where there tends to be less disturbance 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 come 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 cannot 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. Figure 1 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). 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. Besides mechanical and root damage, trees will also be exposed to environmental 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. Vine Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 Browning Investments -North Meridian Heights 2009.6.8 Page 4 of 12 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. Best Management Practices (BMP's) for inclusion on engineered drawings: Before Construction: The trees within the zone 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. 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). The Consulting Arborist should 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. Vine Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 Browning Investments -North Meridian Heights 2009.6.8 Page 5 of 12 Post Construction recommendations: All trees should have a post- construction evaluation performed by a qualified arborist to determine any remedial actions necessary to maintain tree health. Vertical mulching 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. He can then advise as to any further procedures necessary to protect the tree. The site visits should be regular to increase the protection provided to the tree. Finally, the end of construction does not mean the end of tree preservation. The first five years 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. Conclusion The North Meridian Heights property has many trees that, with the proper techniques, can be saved to benefit future generations. Planning for the preservation of these trees is the first step to ensuring their survival through the construction process. Protective fencing should be placed five feet outside of the dripline of each tree to keep all construction related activity outside of the root systems on these trees. Protecting the trees in groups will provide greater protection. An aerial photograph and a site plan are shown in Appendix A. 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. 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 Branc Registered Consulting A American Society of Con Vine Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 Patrick Grecu Natural Resource Specialist Certified Arborist #IN -3235A IN Accredited Master Horticulturist #192 Browning Investments -North Meridian Heights 2009.6.8 Page 6 of 12 Literature Cited Figure one taken from Trees and Development, a Technical Guide to the Preservation of Trees During Land Development, Matheny Nelda, Clark James, International Society of Arboriculture, Publishers, Champaign IL USA, 1998. Dwyer, J.F., Schroeder, H.W., and Gobster, P .H.1991.The significance of urban trees and forests: toward a deeper understanding of values. Journal of Arboriculture. 17(10):276 -284. Hauer, J., Johnson, G.R. 1993, Tree Risk Management. USFS Publication NA- TP -03 -03 Urban Tree Risk Management. 1992. Vine Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 Browning Investments -North Meridian Heights 2009.6.8 Page 7 of 12 Appendix 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 shall 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 should 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. Vine Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 Browning Investments -North Meridian Heights 2009.6.8 Page 9 of 12 Appendix C: Tree Preservation Plan Particulars- Non abbreviated version Any existing forest trees should 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 should be undertaken by qualified arborists and not by the demolition or construction contractors. The arborists should 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 should 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 should 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 Vine Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 Browning Investments -North Meridian Heights 2009.6.8 Page 10 of 12 Pruning Specifications for Trees to be Preserved 1. The preserved trees should 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 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 should use the standards set forth in the National Arborist 1987 Guide and consulting the yet to be released ANSI guidelines (copies available upon request). Vine Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 Browning Investments -North Meridian Heights 2009.6.8 Page 11 of 12 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. A tensiometer should 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 should 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 should be reported to the Consulting Arborist. They should 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. Vine Branch, Inc. Judson R. Scott, RCA #392 317.846.1424 Browning Investments -North Meridian Heights 2009.6.8 Page 12 of 12 Vine ranch inc. Arborindtura] Horticultural Consulting Services 4721 E. 146th Street Carmel, IN 46033 (317) 846 -3778 phone (317) 846 -3788 fax TREES TO REMOVE (69 Trees) Species Scientific Name Size Cond. Notes 2 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 20 4 codominant leaders, 15' from house 3 Weeping Willow Salix babylonica 48 4 codominant leaders, previous failure 4 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 22 4 codominant leaders, limb decay 6 White Poplar Populus alba 32 4 remove tree 7 White Poplar Populus alba 24 4 remove tree 8 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 22 4 remove tree 17 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 40 3 growing into fence 18 White Mulberry Morus alba 36 4 tree is split, remove tree 19 Ash Fraxinus sp. 12 4 decay present, remove tree 20 Boxelder Acer negundo 26 4 very close to SE corner of house 21 Boxelder Acer negundo 30 4 decay; under overhead utility lines 22 Boxelder Acer negundo 11 4 under overhead utility lines 23 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 44 4 included bark, codominant 24 Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis 12 3 codominant leaders 25 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 54 4 codominant leaders; decay; under overhead utilities 27 Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila 30 4 dieback in canopy 28 European Beech Fagus sylvatica 8 2 6' from house, near overhead utilities 32 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 118 4 codominant leaders, decay present, 15' from house 35 Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila 30 4 codominant leaders, included bark, decay 46 White Mulberry Morus alba 8 3 under overhead utility lines 61 White Cedar Thuja occidentalis 36 3 included bark, 6' from house 64 Norway Spruce Picea abies 10 3 under overhead utility lines, tree has been heavily pruned 65 Norway Spruce Picea abies 10 3 under overhead utility lines, tree has been heavily pruned 66 Norway Spruce Picea abies 10 3 under overhead utility lines, tree has been heavily pruned 67 Norway Spruce Picea abies 8 5 dead; remove tree 68 Norway Spruce Picea abies 11 4 under overhead utility lines, tree has been heavily pruned 69 Norway Spruce Picea abies 24 3 under overhead utility lines, tree has been heavily pruned 80 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 10 4 dieback in canopy, 3' from drive 81 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 24 3 tree has been topped 108 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 7 4 cavity at base 124 Cottonwood Populus deltoides 16 5 dead; remove tree CONDITION RATING: 1- Excellent tree 2- Good healthy; only minor problems 3- Fair moderate problems 4- Poor serious problems 5- Dead Browning Inv N Meridian Heights Tree Inv 5.27.09 1 Species Scientific Name Size Cond. Notes 125 Cottonwood Populus deltoides 20 4 decay at base; remove tree 131 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 22 5 remove tree 140 Sugar Maple Acer saccharum 20 5 dead; remove tree 141 Norway Spruce Picea abies 18 1 10' from house 155 Red Maple Acer rubrum 24 4 decay in trunk 172 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 32 3 multi- stemmed; growing under overhead utilities 181 White Cedar Thuja occidentalis 28 3 multi- stemmed, near house 182 Crabapple Malus sp. 26 2 next to drive 184 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 24 3 next to garage 186 Crabapple Malus sp. 18 4 not tagged 191 White Mulberry Morus alba 34 3 multi- stemmed; growing into fence 193 Pear Pyrus sp. 14 2 next to garage; not tagged 194 Crabapple Malus sp. 10 3 next to garage; not tagged 205 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 42 4 dieback in canopy 206 Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis 24 4 dieback in canopy 207 Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis 18 3 dieback in canopy, near house 210 Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis 18 4 multi- stemmed 216 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 22 4 decay present, central leader is gone 217 Cherry Prunus sp. 6 4 girdling root; 8' from house 218 Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis 28 4 trunk is hollow; remove tree 223 Norway Spruce Picea abies 12 4 severe dieback 226 Pear Pyrus sp. 28 4 severe dieback 241 Pear Pyrus sp. 16 4 remove tree 246 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 24 4 included bark 256 White Mulberry Morus alba 32 4 decay 259 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 12 4 decay, dieback 264 Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia 8 4 dieback in canopy, remove tree 265 White Mulberry Morus alba 31 4 in gravel drive 267 Pear Pyrus sp. 14 4 dieback in canopy 268 Siberian Elm Ulmus pumila 20 3 roots are lifting pavement 274 White Mulberry Morus alba 32 4 tree has split; remove 277 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 42 4 utility pruned; under utility 279 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 22 4 codominant leaders, decay in base 282 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 34 4 dieback present 287 Crabapple Malus sp. 42 4 decay present 296 Norway Spruce Picea abies 12 4 tree has uprooted; remove tree 301 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 7 4 growing into two fences 317 Silver Maple Acer saccharinum 38 4 decay CONDITION RATING: 1- Excellent tree 2- Good healthy; only minor problems 3- Fair moderate problems 4- Poor serious problems 5- Dead Browning Inv N Meridian Heights Tree Inv 5.27.09 2