HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/28/2020 Item 4, White
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Alvin White <
To:Wilbanks, Megan
Cc:Ferguson, Julie
Subject:Tree Committee 529 Hathway slo
Photos of driveway & sidewalk 529 Hathway Ave slo 9/28/2020 tree committee meeting
1
Stalwork, Inc. | P.O. Box 391| San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 | Certified Arborist WE‐2141A
TREE EVALUATION: 09/14/20
Alvin White
529 Hathway
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
RE: 24” Diameter Liquid Amber NE Property Corner [Front Yard]
CC:
Ron Combs/ San Luis Obispo Tree Committee
City Arborist
City of San Luis Obispo Public Works
25 Prado Rd.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
EVALUATION:
Specimen being reviewed for removal is a ~25’ tall Liquid Amber with a diameter at shoulder height of
~24”. Tree is in suitable health and located approximately 5’ from the city sidewalk and 5’ from the
property line of 523 Hathway to the North and the subject property of 529 Hathway.
OBSERVATIONS & INTERVIEWS:
The owner of 523 Hathway [Neighboring property to North] has replaced the driveway concrete at 523
Hathway in the last 7‐8 years. This driveway reportedly failed and heaved due to tree roots from
specimen tree under evaluation. According to the owner it created at hazardous condition at the
driveway/ sidewalk interface where the driveway cracked and heaved over 4” above the city sidewalk.
This is consistent with what is currently being observed onsite. New cracking and heaving has occurred
and Public Works has ground the sidewalk in an attempt to control sidewalk buckling in the last 12
months. This Liquid Amber has a shallow and pervasive root system that is clearly causing damage to the
neighboring property and the public right of way.
CONCLUSION:
The Liquid Amber at 529 Hathway has caused considerable damage and expense to the
neighboring property and continues to do so.
The neighboring property 523 Hathway made an attempt to repair and replace the driveway
without the removal of the Liquid Amber.
In a relatively short period of time the Liquid Amber as lifted the neighboring driveway again;
cracks are evident and public sidewalks are being damaged.
529 Hathway has considerable liability for damage to the neighboring property.
The tree has created an identified and worsening hazard for the public using the sidewalk and
this condition will continue to degrade.
RECCOMENDATION:
529 Hathway should have the Liquid Amber removed before additional damage to the
neighboring property and public property occurs.
529 Hathway should replace the tree “1 for 1” with a suitable street tree consistent with City of
San Luis Standards away from the neighbor’s driveway and the city sidewalk. 15 gallon or 24” box
is recommended.
In the event of a denial for removal, the liability for damage to the neighboring property and the
degrading condition of the sidewalk should transfer from 529 Hathway to the City of San Luis
Obispo who will indemnify and correct any future damage to public and private property.
Submitted
Stalwork, Inc.
Certified Arborist WE‐2141A
ATTACHMENTS:
Photos.