HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - July 3, 2002 E-15CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE: Authorize the City Manager to approve removal of two (2) Eucalyptus trees and two
(2) Maple trees at Lodi Lake
MEETING DATE: July 3, 2002
PREPARED BY: Parks and Recreation Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: For City Council to authorize City Manager to approve the removal of two
(2) Eucalyptus trees and two (2) Maple trees at Lodi Lake.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Staff recently completed a systematic process of assessing the
potential for a tree or one of its parts to fail and injure people or
damage property. The primary goal of the hazard evaluation was
to identify "failure potential` so they can be eliminated. The second
goal was to identify "hazard potential` given the location of the trees. Staff conducted an initial ground
inspection of two Eucalyptus trees located at Lodi Lake. The examination included inspection of the
root crown, trunk and scaffold branches. Binoculars were used to examine the upper scaffold
branches. Based on findings from the ground inspection, it was necessary to have a Certified Arborist
conduct an upper canopy examination to determine the extent of rot and decay observed from the
ground. The arborist also performed a Root Crown Excavation to determine the extent of rot and decay
at ground level. On April 5, 2002, Certified Arborist Russell Rumble conducted an Aerial Inspection and
a Root Crown Examination. A copy of Mr. Rumbles Arborist Report is attached.
Based on the aerial inspection both Eucalyptus trees were found to have high failure potential. A large
amount of rot and decay was observed in all main scaffolds in the upper canopy. These defects in the
upper canopy are due to "topping". The new vigorous regrowth is of high concern due to its very weak
attachment potential. Unfortunately, the practice of topping has altered the natural architecture of
these Eucalyptus trees. The fact is additional pruning will not improve or correct the structural concerns
of these trees. If given permission to remove the two Eucalyptus trees, staff plans to plant four new
trees located within a newly designed tree island located in the same parking lot area.
Additionally, staff is asking for permission to remove two Maple trees that are located in the planter bed
under the electrical utility lines along Turner Road. The two Maple trees have been severely pruned
over the years in an effort to keep them a minimum of ten feet from the lines overhead. Not only has
the pruning been destructive to the trees, it increases maintenance cost for the utilities division. By
giving us permission to remove the two Maples trees, we can then be allowed to select two trees that
can grow to maturity but stay under the utility lines (The Right Tree In The Right Place).
APPROVED:
H. Dixon Flynn -- Ci Manager
Wzsroz
CITY OF LODI COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
FUNDING: Electric Utility Department will financially support the removal of the two Maple trees at a
cost of $700. The $3,000 cost to remove the two Eucalyptus trees will come from the Parks
Division general maintenance account.
Funding Available:
Vi cAthik Finance Director
Alan N. Vallow
Electric Utility Director
Prepared by Steve Dutra, Park Superintendent
cc: City Attorney
Electrical Utility Director
Roger Baltz P
Parks and Recreation Director
APPROVED:
H. Dixon Flynn -- City Manager 06126102
LO D 1 LAKE PARK
TWO EUCALYPTUS TREES
IN SOUTHWEST PARKING LOT
PREPARED BY:
CITY OF LODI - PARKS SUPERINTENDENT
STEVE DUTRA, CERTIFIED ARBORIST WC -3311
MAY 29, 2002
Lodi Lake Park
Two Eucalyptus Trees In Southwest Parking Lot
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Memo to Parks and Recreation Director.........................................................................2
Grover Landscape Service Arborist Report.....................................................................5
Existing and Proposed West Parking Lot Plans..............................................................39
Photos of Existing Maple Tree Under Power Lines.........................................................42
MEMO TO PARKS AND RECREATION DIRECTOR
MEMORANDUM, City of Lodi Parks and Recreation Department
To: Roger Baltz, Director of Parks and Recreation
From: Steve Dutra, Parks Superintendent
Date: May 20, 2002
Subject: Request for Tree Replacement
This memo is being forwarded to you in an effort to bring to your attention a high
"hazard potential" with two Eucalyptus trees located in Lodi Lake parking lot just east of
the beach house.
Staff recently completed a systematic process of assessing the potential for a tree or
one of its parts to fail and injure people or damage property. The primary goal of the
hazard evaluation was to identify "failure potential" so they can be eliminated. The
second goal was to identify "hazard potential" given the location of the trees.
I conducted an initial ground inspection of both trees. My examination included
inspection of the root crown, trunk and scaffold branches. Binoculars were used to
examine the upper scaffold branches.
Based on findings from the ground inspection, I felt it necessary to have a Certified
Arborist conduct an upper canopy exam to determine the extent of rot and decay
observed from the ground. This arborist would also perform a Root Crown Excavation to
determine the extent of rot and decay at ground level.
On April 5,2002 Certified Arborist Russell Rumble conducted an Aerial Inspection and a
Root Crown Examination. I have provided you a copy of Mr. Rumbles Arborist Report.
Based on the aerial inspection both trees were found to have high failure potential. A
large amount of rot and decay was observed in all main scaffolds in the upper canopy.
These defects in the upper canopy are due to "topping" at approximately 40-45' over the
years. The new vigorous regrowth is of high concern due to its very weak attachment
potential (see photos). Unfortunately, the practice of topping has altered the natural
architecture of these Eucalyptus trees. The fact is additional pruning will not improve or
correct the structural concerns of these trees.
Due to the findings of my ground inspection and the aerial inspection performed by
Grover Landscape Service, I strongly recommend that you consider reducing the
hazard potential of these Eucalyptus trees by giving the Parks Division permission to
replace both existing trees.
Currently the Parks Division is developing construction drawings of the parking lot area
where these trees are located. I have provided you a copy of the proposed plans. As
you can see, the parking lot plans call for planting six new trees. Two of the six will be
placed in the existing planter along Turner Road. Four new trees will be planted in a
new tree island in the center of the parking lot project.
I want to stress I am not suggesting the removal of the existing Eucalyptus trees
because of the potential benefit to the parking lot project. My recommendation is based
on the safety concerns that presented themselves during the Certified Arborist
examinations.
Arborist observations, findings and recommendations have been discussed with the
Parks and Recreation Commission, Friends of Lodi Lake, Lodi Lake Docents and the
Nature Area Advisory Committee. No member of these interest groups has objected
with my recommendations. Some members have questioned me on future specie
selections for the new parking lot layout. I have informed them that native materials
would be preferred.
Additionally pertaining to the parking lot project, I have contacted our Electrical Utility
Department asking them to support the removal of two Maple trees located in the
planter bed under the power lines along Turner Road (see photos). EUD will support the
removal, including payment to a contractor for removal. Both of these trees are full of
dead wood, decay and rot due to years of wanting to keep the trees ten feet below the
power lines.
By removing both Maple trees and replanting with a smaller tree variety, keeping well
below the power lines without requiring pruning two or three times a year, EUD will
spend less annually on line clearance pruning.
I do realize that the replacement of these trees is a big deal. I know staff has the
betterment of the park users in mind.
I look forward to getting direction on this matter.
By initial please authorize:
Roger Baltz, Director of Parks and Recreation
Dixon Flynn, City Manager
GROVER LANDSCAPE SERVICES ARBORIST REPORT
,m�t
Landscape Services, Inc.
LODI LAKE - ARBORIST REPORT
2 EUCALYPTUS IN SOUTHWEST PARKING LOT
Prepared for:
City of Lodi
%: Steve Dutra
125 N. Stockton St
Lodi, California 95240
Prepared by:
Grover Landscape Services, Inc.
2825 Kiernan Ave
Modesto, California 95356
Russell Rumble
Certified Arborist #613
5/9/02
Corporate Office Telephone 20954544011 T Fresno Service Center
2825 Kiernan Avenue Fax 209 -,45.331 fi 5392 Norm Harcus felepiwne 559 2779570
Modesto CA 95356-9749 Intl free BOQ Sr5 .1401 f resno i.A 93722-50,50 I'ax 559 276 2396
9
Lodi Lake - Arborist Report
Eucalyptus in Southwest Parking Lot
Table of Contents
ExecutiveSummary....................................................................................Page 3
SurveyMethods..........................................................................................Page 4
Description of Trees....................................................................................Page 4
Suitability of Preservation.........................................................................Page 5
Evaluation of Potential Impacts................................................................Page 6
Possible Preservation of Tree #2 (East Tree) ...........................................Page 6
*Documentary Pictures Attached
2
Lodi Lake - Arborist Report
Eucalyptus in Southwest Parking Lot
Executive Summary:
City of Lodi anticipates reconstruction of parking lots by Conservation Center,
east of Pool House. Two large Eucalyptus trees are growing in the middle of existing
parking lot, with asphalt placed up to base of tree root flares.
The root system of these trees have buckled and lifted the surrounding asphalt,
with cracks radiating up to 30' from base of trees. Both trees were topped several times
over the years.
Grover was asked to perform an Aerial Inspection of both of the tree canopies
and assess tree health to determine potential impact of construction of new parking lot.
Based on our assessment of the trees, we are recommending removal of both
trees due to enclosed findings. These findings are mainly: rot and decay in root crowns,
and upper canopy from previous topping; and poorly attached limbs, which potentially
endanger the public. Also, if a new parking lot is to be constructed the resulting root
damage will negatively impact these trees, speeding up their demise and adding
potential liability for tree failure.
If desired by the City, the east tree could be potentially salvaged if a 40-50' radius
planter would be installed around the tree to prevent parking within the dripline of the
tree, supplemental watering was applied, and the tree would have a Hazard Reduction
Pruning performed on it every 2-3 years or more often, as directed by a Certified
Arborist.
Lodi Lake - Arborist Report
Eucalyptus in Southwest Parking Lot
Survey Methods:
1. An Aerial Lift truck was used to access the upper canopy to a height of 65' to
determine extent of rot and decay in old pruning, topping cuts.
2. A Root Crown Excavation was performed to determine extent of rot and decay. A
metal probe and mallet were used to determine trunk and root flare soundness. No
trunk boring or Resistograph testing was performed to determine sound or rotten
interior wood.
Description of Trees:
Tree #1 (West Tree) - Eucalyptus viminalis, diameter at breast height 54"
■ Topped to approximately 40-45' height over the years with vigorous regrowth.
■ Rot and decayprevalent in all main scaffolds in upper canopy.
■ Weakened branch attachments
■ Conks, fungus, root rot in 4 areas at base of tree, and several root flares were rotten.
■ Main trunk and main scaffolds are sound and solid.
■ Major root flares are disrupting asphalt for up to 30' distance.
■ Ant colony on south side of the base of tree, further indication of interior heart rot.
Condition Rating: Poor
Tree #2 East Tree) - Eucalyptus viminalis, diameter at breast height 53"
■ Topped to approximately 40-45' height with resulting rot and decay and vigorous
regrowth, with poor branch attachments.
■ Termites and other insects in rotting limbs in upper canopy.
■ Extensive root system uplifting and damaging the asphalt and hindering the
parking up to 8' from base of tree. Roots cracking asphalt up to 30' away.
■ Root Crown, trunk and main scaffolds seem sound and solid.
Condition Rating: Fair
Lodi Lake - Arborist Report
Eucalyptus in Southwest Parking Lot
Suitability of Preservation:
Since the trees have had large heading (topping) cuts performed on them, there
has been resulting rot and decay extenuating down into the secondary scaffolds, and in
a few instances, the main stem. These large pruning wounds do not callus over and seal
the interior portion of the tree, which is dead and very susceptible to insect and fungi
infestation. These infestations work together to break down this deadwood, causing a
loss.of structural strength for new limbs which grow below the heading cuts.
After a tree is topped, latent or dormant buds along the sides of these branches,
most within 1-2' below the pruning cut, are released to grow. They do grow very
vigorously. These long, vigorous "watersprouts" grow quickly and within several
years do not have strong branch attachments to the parent stem. Each annual growth
ring is like layered cells encircling the branch in locking collars to attach the new branch
to the parent limb. Since these vigorous watersprouts have fewer "locking collar"
attachments, they are more prone to failure. This is especially true, and an increase in
failure rate occurs, when there is rot and decay on the inside of these topping cuts.
Both of these trees have vigorous upright growth and have been trimmed and
thinned at least once since topping, to try to reduce the limb failure rate. This is a
continued maintenance problem, which needs to be assessed annually and potential
work needs to be performed every 2-3 years, depending on water provisions, weather,
tree growth and response to the same. Both trees need to have a Hazard Reduction
Pruning performed on them at this time to prevent potential liability to the public.
Both trees have seriously raised, buckled and cracked the asphalt causing not
only damage, but also trip hazards. To remove these trip hazards, the asphalt would
need to be peeled back 8-10' or more if all cracks were repaired, many cracks extend up
to 20-30' from base of tree. It is not advisable to perform any major root pruning within
12-15' on a tree of this magnitude, and not all four sides of the tree in the same year.
I do not believe that the trees will respond very well to extensive grade changes,
root removal, compaction, or new asphalt poured down, which will prevent water
percolation to sub -soil, where existing roots have searched for water and eked out an
existence for years.
In my opinion these trees are non-native and do not add much value to the site
aesthetically; they are messy in that they shed leaves and bark year around, and due to
reasons stated above, pose a hazardous risk to the public.
Lodi Lake - Arborist Report
Eucalyptus in Southwest Parking Lot
Evaluation of Potential Impacts:
If heavy root pruning, grade changes (either cut and fill), compaction or any
combination of these occur to the trees, I am recommending removal. Large roots that
are cut will also rot and decay (similar to topping cuts) causing a weakened tree both
structurally (anchorage) and nutritionally.
Tree #1 (west tree) already has root and heart rot, and is declining. Both
Armillaria (Oak Root Fungus) and Pleurotus ostreatus (Oyster Mushroom) have
infested the tree, as well as an ant colony.
Any new construction will cause further stress, decline of the trees and increase
public liability and maintenance costs. I recommend removal of both trees.
Possible Preservation of Tree #2 (East Tree
Both trees have high limb failure potential, rot and decay in main scaffolds,
extensive root systems, which have damaged the parking lot causing trip hazards and
both have high maintenance costs with continual pick up of leaf and limb debris and
future Hazard Reduction Pruning costs.
Having said this, it would be possible to save Tree #2 (the east tree) if a 50-60'
planter was placed around the dripline of the trees canopy and if an irrigation system
was installed to compensate for root loss during parking lot changes. Also the tree
would need to be inspected annually by a Certified Arborist to determine potential
hazards, and give further recommendations on future care, with possible Hazard
Reduction Pruning performed every 2 years to prevent liability to the public. Hazard
Reduction Pruning needs to be performed prior to parking lot renovation. No heavy
equipment would be allowed within dripline area of the tree, but the tree would be
fenced to protect this Root Zone Protection area; and no major roots would be cut or
damaged, but the asphalt would be gently pulled back to create a new planter area.
After the asphalt is removed a Root Crown Excavation may determine that there
may be more rot and decay discovered in underground root flares, which insure that
the tree should be removed.
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Eucalyptus
DRH 53"
GUIDE FOR JUDGING THE CONDITION OF LANDSCAPE TREES
i POINTS
FACTOR VARIATION IN.CONDITION FACTOR POINTS AWARDED
CROWN Characteristic of species -well balanced (5)
DEVELOPMENT Lacking natural or desired symmetry (3)
Lacking full crown (1) 1
TRUNK CONDITION
Sound and solid
(5)
Good
17-23
Section of bark missing:
11-16
Poor
6-10
Less than 1/4 of circumference
(4)
114 to 112 missing
(3 )
1/2 or more missing
(1)
4
Extensive decay or hollow
(0)
MAJOR BRANCIi
No defects
(5)
STRUCTURE
Die back limited
(4)
Few structurally important dead or
broken branches
(3)
Several structurally important dead or
2
broken branches
(1)
j TWIG GROWTH RATE
Typical for species and age -
usually 4-6 inches
(5)
Less than 112 normal growth rate
(3)
Growth rate greatly reduced -
yearly decline
(1)
R
FOLIAGE
Normal size and color for species
(5)
Minor deficiency/pollution symptoms
(3)
4
Major deficiency/pollution symptoms
(1)
INSECTS & DISEASES
No insects or diseases apparent
(5)
Few controllable insects or diseases
present
(3)
3
Severe infestation
(1)
ROOTS
No root problems apparent
(5)
Minor root problems
(3)
Severe root problems
(1)
3
Total Points
Condition Class
Formula % of Condition
30-35
Excellent
24-29
Good
17-23
Fair
11-16
Poor
6-10
Very Poor
90-100%
70-89
50-69 20
25-49
0-24
Tree #1
Eucalyptus
DBH 54"
GUIDE FOR JUDGING THE CONDITION OF LANDSCAPE TREES
POINTS.
FACTOR VARIATION IN CONDITION FACTOR POINTS AWARDED
CROWN Characteristic of species -well balanced (5)
DEVELOPMENT Lacking natural or desired symmetry (3)
Lacking fuII crown (1) 1
TRUNK CONDITION Sound and solid , (5)
Section of bark missing:
Less than 1/4 of circumference (4)
1/4 to 1/2 missing (3)
1/2 or more missing (1)
Extensive decay or hollow (0) 3
MAJORBRANCH
No defects
(5)
STRUCTURE
Die back limited
(4)
17-23
Few structurally important dead or
50-69 16
11-16
broken branches
(3)
6-10
Several structurally important dead or
2
broken branches
(1)
TWIG GROWTH RATE
Typical for species and age -
usually 4-6 inches
(5)
Less than 1/2 normal growth rate
(3)
Growth rate greatly reduced -
yearly decline
(1) 3
FOLIAGE
Normal size and color for species
(5)
Minor deficiency/pollution symptoms
(3)
Major deficiencylpollution symptoms
(1) 3
INSECTS & DISEASES
No insects or diseases apparent
(5)
Few controllable insects or diseases
present
(3)
Severe infestation
(1) 3
ROOTS No root problems apparent (5)
Minor root problems (3) 1
Severe root problems (1)
Total Points Condition Class Formula % of Condition
c 30-35
Excellent
90-100%
24-29
Good
70-89
17-23
Fair
50-69 16
11-16
Poor
25-49
6-10
Very Poor
0-24
EXISTING AND PROPOSED WEST PARKING LOT PLANS
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CITY OF LODI LODI LAKE PARK
.��. WEST PARKING LOT—PROPOSED
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CITY OF LODI LODI LAKE PARK
.��. WEST PARKING LOT—PROPOSED
PHOTOS OF EXISTING MAPLE TREES
UNDER POWER LINES
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2002 JUL -I PM 2: 2 7
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16, a
Two eucalyptus trees at Lodi Lake
could be cut down due to disease
By Layla Bohm recreation department plans to replace them.
NEWS -SENTINEL STAFFWRRER "Our hope and intent is to renovate that park-
ing lot with a tree planter island and replace those
Two large eucalyptus trees near the Lodi Lake trees with maybe four other trees," Baltz said.
beach area may soon be cut down, if the City He has requested to have the issue placed on the
Council agrees with a suggestion by the Parks and City Council agenda for next Wednesday's meet -
Recreation department. ing, and the tree removal idea was met with ini-
According to a study done by a Modesto land- tial approval by Vice Mayor Susan Hitchcock.
soaping company, the trees are diseased and the Although the Mends of the Lodi Lake seek to
tops are a hazard, due in part to improper pruning preserve the lake, co-founder Donna Phillips said
in the past, said Parks and Recreation Director she trusts the opinion of Parks Superintendent
Roger Baltz. Steve Dutra, who commissioned the study and re -
Branches from the trees frequently break off port.
and fall to the parking lot below, and the roots "With the amount of research that Dutra did,
have caused part of the pavement to buckle. it's obvious that he's not doing this lightly. It looks
If the trees are removed, though, the parks and Please see Trees, Page 10
N
Trees
Continued from Page i
like (the trees) need to come out," she said.
"They're kind of a danger anyway, because of the
debris that comes off them."
Councilwoman Emily Howard was also very
concerned about safety and agreed that the trees
should be removed. If they are a threat to person-
al property and the citizens of Lodi, she said, the
trees must taken out.
But the suggestion is not without its opponents,
some of whom believe there are alternative solu-
tions.
"If they're maintained properly, it's not going to
be a problem. I'd say that if it's bad news, let's
trim them properly and then see what happens,"
said Lodi resident and tree advocate Don Womble.
Womble also suggested that, if the trees are a
hazard, cars simply will not be allowed to park be-
neath them. Suggestions to replace the trees have
been met with approval, but Womble said it
wouldn't be the same.
"Let's face it; they're part of Lodi Lake. When I
was a little guy, they were there at Lodi Lake, and
I'm 76 years old," Womble said. "You don't destroy
trees, replace them and have the same thing."
Howard was confident that the parks depart-
ment would do a good job of replacing the trees.
"One nice thing the city of Lodi tends to do is
replace trees," she said. "Our city's had a great
history of replanting trees."
Womble, however, argued that it wasn't neces-
sary to remove the trees.
"I've had eucalyptus trees on my property that
died, and I just cut the dead part out and they
came back," he said.
No time has been set for removal of the trees.
Two giant
eucalyptus
trees In the
southwest
parking lot of
Lodi Lake Park
may soon be
cut down. The
trees are
reportedly
diseased and
have the
potential of
becoming a
safety hazard.
JERRY R. TYSON/
NEWS -SENTINEL