HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5a. REVIEW A TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION TO REMOVE SEVEN (7) TREES AT 29 PRADO RD
TREE COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR THE REMOVAL OF SEVEN (7) TREES AT 29 PRADO
ROAD (APPLICATION NO. TREE-0605-2026)
FROM: Walter Gault, Urban Forestry Program Coordinator / City Arborist
Phone Number: (805) 781-7578
Email: wgault@slocity.org
RECOMMENDATION
Review the proposed tree removal application for consistency with the Municipal Code
Section 12.24.090(E) and provide a recommendation to the Community Development
Director.
1.0 APPLICATION DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispo, the property owner and applicant, has requested the removal
of seven (7) trees (one (1) Catalina cherry, one (1) Italian stone pine, one (1) Canary
Island palm, one (1) toyon, one (1) Victorian box), and two (2) coast live oaks at 29 Prado
Road (Attachment A, Tree Removal Application Form). The removal request is related to
GRAD-1480-2026, full depth reconstruction of the existing transit yard parking lot
(Attachment B, Grading Plan). Twenty-five trees on-site were inventoried, impacts were
assessed and a tree protection plan prepared (Attachment C, Tree Inventory and
Protection Plan). The applicant has proposed a 1:1 on-site compensatory replanting plan
(Attachment D, Replanting Locations).
Meeting Date: 9/28/2026
Item Number: 5a
Time Estimate: 30 minutes
Figure 1: Location of proposed tree removals outlined
in red (29 Prado Rd.).
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Item 5a
Table 1: List of trees requested for removal (see photo details in Attachment E)
2.0 COMMITTEE PURVIEW
The Tree Committee’s role is to review the removal request in accordance with the
process set forth in San Luis Obispo Municipal Code (SLOMC) Chapter 12.24, specifically
Section 12.24.090(F)(2) - tree removals related to ministerial development permits on
parcels other than R-1 or R-2. This code section utilizes the relevant additional application
requirements in subsection (D)(2) and the criteria set forth in subsection (G).
3.0 TREE REGULATIONS
The City’s Tree Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 12.24) was adopted with the purpose
of establishing a comprehensive program for installing, maintaining, and preserving trees
within the City. This ordinance establishes policies, regulations, and specifications
necessary to govern installation, maintenance, removal, and preservation of trees to
beautify the city; to purify the air; to provide shade a nd wind protection; to add
environmental and economic value; and to preserve trees with historic or unusual value.
Criteria for Construction Related Tree Removal Applications.
SLOMC §12.24.090 subsection (F)(3) requires review by the Tree Committee using the
criteria set forth in SLOMC §12.24.090(G). Applicable criteria are provided in italics below
and followed by a description of the proposed tree removals as it relates to that criterion.
(G)(1). Size of Tree. The scale of the tree shall be considered , as well as the size
of the tree’s canopy. Larger, more visually prominent trees may have a higher
preservation priority than smaller, less visually prominent trees.
The trees proposed for removal are generally not large or visually prominent.
(G)(2). Location of Tree on Private Property. The location of the tree on private
property shall be considered. Trees located in a private rear yard, which are not
highly visible from the public right-of-way, may have a lower preservation priority
than trees with a high visual impact to the neighborhood.
All trees requested for removal are not visible from the public right-of-way
Tree ID # Common Botanical DSH
(in.) Removal Reason
1 Catalina cherry Prunus ilicifolia 5 Poor condition
2 Italian stone pine Pinus pinea 13 CRZ impact
3 Canary Island
palm
Phoenix
canariensis 38 Future (utility) conflict
4 California toyon Heteromeles
arbutifolia 8 CRZ impact
6 Victorian box Pittosporum
undulatum 8 CRZ impact
10 Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia 2 CRZ impact
21 Coast live oak Quercus agrifolia 9 CRZ impact
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Item 5a
(G)(3). Species of Tree. Native trees shall have a higher preservation priority than
non-native trees.
Four (4) trees (#1, 4, 10, 21) are native. The remaining three (3) trees (#2, 3 and
6) are non-native.
(G)(4). Forestry Best Practice. The number of healthy trees that a given parcel of
land will support shall be considered, and whether removal would enhance the
health or survival of remaining trees. Applications that increase biodiversity of
native trees and tree age distribution within a given area are preferred.
Tree #1 (Catalina cherry) is in poor health; Tree #2 (Italian stone pine) will cause
severe root damage due to vehicle traffic; Tree #3 (Canary Island palm) will conflict
with utility light pole in future; Tree #10 is a volunteer in a poor location. The
locations identified for replanting are more compatible with the site, long-term and
will provide greater ecosystems services.
(G)(6). Compliance with Subsection J of This Section Regarding Compensatory
Plantings. The approving authority may consider an application proposal to provide
compensatory plantings in excess of required minimums in evaluating this
criterion.
The applicant is proposing to meet the minimum required replanting rate of 1:1 on-
site with seven (7) compensatory trees.
(G)(7). Heritage Trees. Heritage trees have the highest preservation priority.
None of the trees proposed for removal are heritage trees.
4.0 ACTIONS
4.1 Recommend findings of consistency with the Tree Regulations. An action
recommending approval of the proposed tree removals based on consistency
will be forwarded to the Community Development Director for final action. This
action may include recommendations regarding the compensatory replanting
plan with size and species of tree.
4.2 Recommend findings of inconsistency with the Tree Regulations. An action
recommending denial of the proposed tree removals should include findings
that cite the basis for denial and should reference inconsistency with the
General Plan, Tree Regulations, or other policy documents.
4.3 Continue the project to a hearing date certain, or uncertain. An action
continuing the review of the proposed tree removals should include direction to
the applicant and staff on pertinent issues.
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Item 5a
5.0 ATTACHMENTS
A - Tree Removal Application Form (29 Prado Rd.)
B - Grading Plan (29 Prado Rd.)
C - Photo Log (29 Prado Rd.)
D - Replanting Locations (29 Prado Rd.)
E - Tree Inventory and Protection Plan (29 Prado Rd.)
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City of San Luis Obispo, Community Development, 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3218, 805.781.7170, slocity.org
TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION
For all Non-Construction and Construction related tree removals
Owner Name: Applicant Name:
Address: Address:
City: Zip: City: Zip:
Phone: Phone:
Email: Email:
Address of Tree(s):
Number of trees applying to remove:
Tree Species:
Reason for Removal:
Is this removal a City Tree?YES NO DON’T KNOW Dog in yard? YES NO
Is this associated with a Building Permit or Development Plan? _____ YES _____ NO
If YES, please provide appropriate reference numbers:
Is this property governed by a Homeowners Association(HOA)? YES NO If YES, please provide
HOA Board Approved Meeting minutes authorizing tree removal(s) with your tree removalapplication.
ALL ITEMS BELOW MUST BE INCLUDED TO PROCESS TREE REMOVAL APPLICATIONS
Tree(s) banded with ribbon or duct tape for identification
Site plan drawing or photo of tree site with Tree ID (Tree#1, Tree #2, etc.)
Supporting documentation (repair, receipts, etc.)
Photo log showing damage or reasons for removal
1
Replanting plan2
Arborist Report3
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
FAILURE TO KEEP TREES BANDED MAY RESULT IN A REJECTED APPLICATION.
Include a photo log that clearly shows the trees requested for removal. All tree(s) must be
uniquely identified by a number and a ribbon, or an identifier wrapped around the truck in the
photo and prior to inspection.
Include a replanting plan in accordance with Section 12.24.090(J)of the City’s Municipal
Code. A minimum 1:1 replanting rate is required for plantings onsite, and a minimum 2:1
replanting rate is required for plantings offsite or within the public right-of-way.
An application for tree removal on a site where a discretionary or ministerial development
permit is requested shall include an arborist report and a site plan that includes accurate drip
line delineation and cross sections of construction work impacting both trees proposed for
removal and trees planned to remain.
City of San Luis Obispo Alejandra Celio
990 Palm St 919 Palm Stt
San Luis Obispo 93401 San Luis Obispo 93401
805-783-7865
acelio@slocity.org
29 Prado St, San Luis Obispo, CA
7
Catalina Cherry, Italian Stone Pine, Canary Island Palm, CA Toyon, Victorian Box, Coast Live Oak (x2)
The Arborist Report recommends removing six trees due to unavoidable root damage from planned maintenance
activities. One additional Canary Island Palm is proposed for removal because it will interfere with security lighting.
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Tree Removal Decisions as outlined in Section 12.24.090 of the City’s Municipal Code
SELECT TYPE OF TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION BEING SUBMITTED DECISION MAKER
Imminent Hazard to Life or Property
SLOMC 12.24.090(E)(1)(a)City Arborist
Tree Health and Hazard Mitigation
SLOMC 12.24.090(E)City Arborist
Convenience Removal
SLOMC 12.24.090(E)(3)
Tree Committee makes recommendation to Community Development Director
Community
Development Director
Minor Ministerial Development Permit
SLOMC 12.24.090(F)(1)
Removal for residential or accessory construction on an R-1 or R-2 lot
City Arborist
Discretionary Permits Construction Tree Removal
SLOMC 12.24.090(F)(3)
Community
Development Director
Major Development / Tentative Tract Map/ Conditional Use Permit
SLOMC 12.24.090(F)(4)Planning Commission
Submittal Instructions
Submit Tree Removal applications to the City of San Luis Obispo, Community Development Department at
the following address: 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 or by email to trees@slocity.org.
Payment of the “Tree Removal Permit” fee shall be submitted along with this application. Refer to the City’s
current Comprehensive Fee Schedule for the current fee.
Property Owner Authorization:
By signing this application, I certify that I have reviewed
this completed application and the attached material
and consent to its filing. I agree to allow the Community
Development Department to duplicate and distribute
submitted materials to interested persons as it
determines is necessary for the processing of the
application.
Signed Date
Applicant/ Representative Certification:
By signing this application, I certify that the information
provided is accurate. I understand the City might not
approve what I’m applying for or might set conditions of
approval. I agree to allow the Community Development
Department to duplicate and distribute submitted
materials to interested persons as it determines is
necessary for processing of the application.
Signed Date
Permission to Access Property:
This section is to be completed by the property owner
and/or occupant who controls access to the property. To
adequately evaluate the submitted proposal,
Community Development Department Staff,
Commissioners and City Council Members will have to
gain access to the exterior of the real property in order
to adequately review and report on the proposed
request. Your signature below certifies that you agree to
give the City permission to access the project site from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, as part of the
normal review of this application.
Signed Date
Indemnification Agreement:
The Owner/Applicant shall defend, indemnify and hold
harmless the City or its agents or officers and
employees from any claim, action or proceeding against
the City or its agents, officers or employees, to attack,
set aside, void, or annul, in whole or in part, the City’s
approval of this project. In the event that the City fails to
promptly notify the Owner / Applicant of any such claim,
action or proceeding, or that the City fails to cooperate
fully in the defense of said claim, this condition shall
thereafter be of no further force or effect.
Signed Date
08/24/26
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Existing Vegetation to
be removed, as
needed
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1343 Bishop Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tel: 805 234 8760 - Email: rodney@heritagetreeconsulting.com July 14, 2026
To:Alejandra Celio - Engineer II - City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department 919 Palm, San Luis
Obispo, CA
From: Rodney Thurman – Heritage Tree Arboricultural Consulting Inc, San Luis Obispo, CA
Re: Tree Protection Report - City of San Luis Obispo bus yard parking lot improvements.
Ms. Celio,
The following is an assessment and tree protection plan for twenty-five (25) trees located within or
adjacent to the proposed footprint of parking lot improvements at the City of San Luis Obispo bus yard.
Assignment
1.Assess tree health, stability, construction impacts, feasibility of retention and tree
protection needs.
2.Prepare written arborist report in accordance with City of San Luis Obispo’s municipal
code 12.24.090.D(2)(a) to include tree protection requirements according to the city
standard specifications (77-1.03A(2))s.
Report includes:
Inventory of all trees on site or off site, which have critical root zones that may be
impacted by construction.
Site map showing location, species, diameter at standard height (dsh) of all regulated
trees in study area including off site trees that may be impacted.
Indicate tree(s) that will be removed or impacted.
Photographs of trees
Delineation of tree protection zones on tree protection map.
Calculation of mitigation trees to be planted for removal of regulated trees.
Summary
There were twenty-five (25) trees included in this study. All trees had critical root zones (CRZs) within or
adjacent to construction impacts. This plan proposes retaining and protecting 75% of the trees
inventoried. Tree protection measures shall be implemented and supervision of construction crews by
an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist will be required while crews are working
within or near the critical root zone of trees. All trees requiring arborist supervision are listed in the Tree
Inventory & Tree Protection Table and shown on the Tree Inventory and Tree Protection Map. See
Appendices A & D, respectively. All tree protection measures and tree protection zone delineations are
also provided in Appendices A & D.
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Of the twenty-five (25) trees inventoried, only six (6) were listed for removal. Five (5) of the trees were
listed due to heavy construction impacts and one (1) tree was listed for removal due to poor health.
None of the trees had regulated diameters therefore no mitigation tree plantings should be required.
If any regulated tree does require removal for any reason, then a 1:1 replacement ratio is required by
the city if trees are planted on site. A 2:1 replanting ratio will be required if the new trees will be planted
on a different property or within the public right-of-way off site.
The minimum container size and trunk diameter shall be 15-gallon with diameters between 0.75" to
1.5". The trees shall be planted and staked according to city engineering standards.
Introduction
The site is located at the City of San Luis Obispo Bus Yard parking lot north of the bus dispatch building
at 29 Prado Road. The project proposes upgrading the parking lot which will include scarification and
removal of asphalt as well as some curbing. Ultimately the entire parking area is being redesigned and
will be completely repaved. I have assessed the health and stability of the trees at the location as well as
the proposed construction impacts that may be caused to trees within or adjacent to the construction
envelope and have prepared the following report to present my findings.
The report is based on the City of San Luis Obispo’s municipal code 12.24.090.D(2)(a) – Tree Regulations.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the code quoted below.
An arborist report that identifies and discusses each tree within the development footprint
(including, but not limited to, structural development, grading, staging areas, ground
cover removal, changes in drainage patterns, and associated off-site improvements)
including those trees proposed for removal and those trees that will remain.
Methodology
Tree Diameter Measurements
Diameter at Standard Height (DSH) was measured at 4.5’ above ground. For multi-stem trees
that divided below 4.5’, if at least 1 stem met the minimum diameter criteria for the species, I
measured below the division at the narrowest point on the trunk. If it was not possible to
measure below the division, I measured each stem individually, then squared the diameter of
each stem. Finally, I summed the squared diameters and took the square root of the sum to get
the calculated diameter of the tree.
Critical Root Zone (CRZ) Measurements
CRZs were determined by giving a radius of 1-foot per every inch of tree diameter. E.g., a 12-
inch diameter tree would have a 12-foot CRZ radius measured from the outside of the trunk or
at the dripline of the tree, whichever is greater.
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Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) Measurements
Generally, TPZ distances followed the distances listed for CRZs and preferably encompass the
entire CRZ. Exceptions to the standard were made when; 1) proposed tree-root encroachments
into the CRZ were less than 25%. 2) if proposed tree-root encroachments over 25% would not
compromise the structural stability or health of the tree.
Tree Condition Ratings
All trees in the inventory were given a condition rating. The rating was based on the health,
structure and presence of disease and insects. See the following definitions:
1. Dead = Severely declining or no foliage, large dead branches, decay cavities, loss of bark,
roots decayed or dead.
2. Very Poor = Evidence of multiple large past failures, advanced disease, uncontrollable
pest infestations or disease infection. Tree in severe decline.
3. Poor = Tree may be suppressed, drought stressed, or had at least 1 large branch failure.
Disease or pest infestations may be present. Can potentially be retained with attention
to mitigation pruning, cultural care changes, pest and disease control.
4. Fair = May have had minor past failures. Some pests or structural defects may be
present, small deadwood. Minor to moderate drought stress present. Defects may be
mitigated with pruning and pests can be controlled.
1. Good = A relatively healthy tree with minor to no structural defects with minimal to no
pest observed. Defects can be mitigated with pruning and pests can be controlled.
2. Very Good = Trees that have had professional arboricultural care. No structural defects,
disease or pests identified.
3. Excellent = Specimen tree with superior form, root structure and health. Tree has been
regularly cared for by professional arborists over its lifetime, E.g., estate or arboretum
tree.
Trees Removal Standard
The city’s ordinance states that native trees 10” diameter and greater require a permit to
remove. The ordinance also states that non-native trees 20” diameter and larger require a
permit to remove. Further, it states that palms 12” diameter or larger also require a permit to
remove. In the case where a tree is planted in the right of way or is within 10’ of the back side of
a city sidewalk, a permit to remove is also required, regardless of the diameter size. Mitigation
for the trees approved for removal within 10‘ of back of sidewalk is also required. See mitigation
section below for replanting requirements for all regulated trees approved for removal. If a tree
was multi-stemmed and did not have at least one (1) stem measuring at or above the minimum
diameter for the species, then regardless of the calculated diameter, the tree would not be
considered a regulated tree requiring a permit to remove, nor would it require mitigation.
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Mitigation
According to the City of San Luis Obispo’s municipal code 12.24.090 (J) Compensatory Tree
Planting: Tree removals authorized under subsection E or F of this section shall be compensated
by planting a minimum of one new tree for each tree authorized to be removed when planted on
the same property (on site) or two new trees for each tree authorized to be removed when
planted on a different property or within the public right-of-way (off site).
In approving an application for tree removal, the authorized approving authority shall require
compensatory plantings of a size consistent with city engineering standards as set forth in the
following table:
Container Size Trunk Diameter (inches)
15-gallon 0.75" to 1.5"
24-inch box 1.5" to 2.5"
36-inch box 2.5" to 3.5"
48-inch box 3.5" to 4.5"
The authorized approving authority may require subsequent compensatory tree plantings in the
event that the original replacement plantings fail to establish and/or may require a bond
ensuring that replacement trees shall be planted and maintained.
Tree Protection
All trees listed for protection will require protective fencing and in some case trunk protection
guards before and during construction. Supervision of construction crews working in the CRZ of
the protected tree(s) shall be monitored by an ISA certified arborist.
Trees Inventoried
I inventoried twenty-five (25) trees that had critical root zones (CRZs) within or adjacent to the
construction impact zone. See Appendix A – Tree Inventory and Tree Protection Table for an
accounting of all trees included in the assessment. See Appendix B for photographs of trees. All
trees are plotted on the Tree Inventory and Tree Protection Map included in Appendix D of this
report. The map is adapted from the 50% plan set created by your engineering consultant.
Only eight (8) trees were planted in the formal landscape areas within the parking lot. The
remaining seventeen (17) trees were a combination of landscape and volunteer trees of native
and non-native species that had recruited naturally.
Impact Assessments
Typically impacts of 25% to 35% are a reasonable encroachment into the CRZs of trees, but I did
allow for greater impacts to the trees in the periphery area because they had a contiguous
growing area on the non-project side that was not going to be disturbed.
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Overall, impacts divided into 3 groups.
25% or less impact – 10 trees
26-35% impact – 8 trees.
36-75% impact – 7 trees. Trees with impacts of 50% or greater were listed for removal.
The heaviest impacts to trees were within the interior parking lot because of the close proximity
of trees in the landscape to the curbing and asphalt proposed for removal.
On the periphery of the project, the trees were mostly set back further from the excavation
areas and therefore were not impacted as greatly.
There were, however, some trees in the periphery areas that were growing directly against the
fencing where removal of the asphalt would remove 50% of their critical roots.
Trees Proposed for Removal
I have proposed the removal of six (6) trees due to construction impacts or health issues.
Tree 1 – A Catalina cherry - Based on health only, I recommended this tree be removed. It is in
very poor condition which is evident in his declining canopy and yellowing leaf color. See
Appendix B - Photo 1.
Tree 2 – An Italian stone pine - Based on construction impacts, I recommend this tree be
removed. Removal and replacement of the asphalt on the northwest and west sides of the tree
as well as curbing on the northeast side of the tree will damage approximately 70% of the tree’s
critical roots as well as structural roots. The tree will heavily decline and potentially die due to
root loss . It will also likely be structurally unstable. See Appendix B - Photo 2.
Tree 4 – A California toyon - Based on construction impacts, I recommend this tree be removed.
Removal and replacement of the asphalt on the northwest and west sides of the tree will
damage approximately 75% of the tree’s critical roots. The tree will heavily decline and
potentially die due to root loss. See Appendix B - Photo 4.
Tree 6 – Victorian Box - Based on construction impacts, I recommend this tree be removed.
Removal and replacement of the asphalt on the northwest side of the tree will damage
approximately 50% of the tree’s critical roots. The tree will heavily decline and potentially die
due to root loss. See Appendix B - Photos 5 & 6.
Tree 10 – A coast live oak - Based on construction impacts, I recommend this tree be removed.
Removal and replacement of the asphalt on the southwest side of the tree will damage
approximately 50% of the tree’s critical roots. The tree will heavily decline and potentially die
due to root loss. See Appendix B - Photo 8.
Tree 21 - A coast live oak - Based on construction impacts, I recommend this tree be removed.
Removal and replacement of the asphalt on the southeast side of the tree will damage
approximately 50% of the tree’s critical roots. The tree will heavily decline and potentially die
due to root loss. See Appendix B - Photos 12 & 13.
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Mitigation Plantings
None of the trees recommended for removal are of a regulated diameter, therefore no
mitigation trees should be required to be replanted. However, the city’s arborist or planning
director will make the final decision regarding mitigation tree planting.
Tree Protection and Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) Establishment
Heritage Tree has prepared a Tree Inventory and Tree Protection Map which was adapted from
the 50% plan set Grading Map created by your engineering consultant. The map is provided in
Appendix D of this report.
I recommend the city have the engineering consultant use the provided arborist notes and
fencing delineation provided on Heritage Tree’s map to create a Tree Protection Map sheet
entitled TPP-1 to be included in the project plan set. A full sized, more readable tree protection
map will be sent to you from Heritage Tree as a separate file.
Tree protection fencing and trunk protection diagrams are also provided in Appendix B - Tree
Protection Diagrams. Use the map and the description of tree protection provided below to
guide you in establishing the TPZ as well as any other tree protection measures required during
the construction of this project.
Trees to be Protected
The following trees require protection with orange vinyl protection fencing:
3, 5, 7, 8. See Appendix B - Photos 3, 5 & 7.
The following trees require protection with the existing chain-link fencing at the perimeter of
the project: 9, 11-20 and 22-25. See Appendix B - Photos 9-12 & 14.
TPZ Fencing & Signage
Vinyl Fencing - Establish tree protection zone fencing directly behind the existing
curbing for trees 3,5,7 & 8. See Appendix C - Tree Protection Diagrams – Diagram 1, for a
schematic showing how to properly install tree protection fencing. See Appendix A –
Tree Inventory and Tree Protection Table for tree protection notes. See Appendix D –
Tree Inventory and Tree Protection Map for delineation of TPZ fencing. All fencing shall
remain in place until the city performs a final inspection and the construction permit has
been closed.
Chain-Link Fencing - By default, the existing chain-link fencing around the perimeter of
the project will create a tree protection zone. See Appendix A – Tree Inventory and Tree
Protection Table for tree protection notes. See Appendix D – Tree Inventory and Tree
Protection Map for delineation of TPZ fencing. The only additional requirement is to
place tree protection signage on the fencing. See below for details.
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Tree Protection Signage
Weatherproof, tree protection signs stating “Tree Protection Zone – Do Not Enter” shall
be placed on the fencing, be spaced 10 feet apart and remain on the fencing for the
duration of the project. At least 1 sign shall be posted on fencing if the section is 10 feet
in length or less. Signs shall also include the Project Arborist’s name and contact
information. For example of sign placement and signage, see Appendix B - Tree
Protection - Diagrams 1 & 2.
Pre-Construction Meeting
A meeting with all project managers and contractors involved in the project must take place
with the project arborist before beginning construction activities. Any new contractors brought
on site shall also meet with the project arborist to ensure they are aware of all tree protection
measures.
Construction Crew Monitoring & Tree Protection Inspections
Crews working within the CRZ’s of trees shall be monitored by the project arborist. The arborist
will provide guidance regarding tree protection measures, root pruning or any other root
disturbing activities. The following trees will require supervision of construction crews.
3,5,7,8,11,14,16,17 & 19.
The City will require you to show that tree protection fencing is in place before commencing
demolition and construction. An ISA certified arborist shall inspect the tree protection fencing
and report to city staff that all was installed to specifications.
The city may also require periodic inspections of the protected trees and tree protection
measures. A final inspection of protected trees will also be required by the city before a permit
closure will be granted.
Maintenance of tree protection fencing and adherence to all protection measures throughout
the duration of the project will be very important to ensure your project remains in compliance
with the city’s requirements. Heritage Tree is available to perform follow up inspections at your
request for an additional fee.
Conclusion
Asphalt, curbing and road base materials being removed to improve the parking area will be excavated
to depths of 13 to 28 inches. Damage to roots of some of the trees is inevitable. Fortunately, many of
the trees in the scope of this project were smaller or offset far enough that the impacts would not
remove critical roots beyond what the individual species could tolerate, nor would it destabilize the
trees.
Tree losses were kept to a minimum with only 6 out of 25 trees in the study being listed for removal.
Only two (2) trees, the Italian stone pine and a Victorian box contributed to the formal landscape.
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Maintaining tree protection will be your ongoing responsibility during construction of this project.
Following all tree protection measures and consulting with the project arborist during potential root
disturbing activities will be critical to the survival and continued health of the trees being preserved.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rodney D. Thurman
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist PN-2684BUM
ISA Urban Forest Professional - ISA Utility Arborist - ISA Tree Risk Assessor Qualification
Appendices: tree inventory and tree protection table, photographs, tree protection diagrams, tree
inventory and tree protection map
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# Botanical
Name
Common
Name Cond.DSH Calculated
DSH
Remove
?
Replant
?
Impact
%
Condition
Comments Impact Notes Tree Protection Notes
13 Eucalyptus
sideroxylon
red ironbark
eucalyptus fair 17 17 5
moderately
vigorous
tree
Root impacts are
within tolerances
Use existing chain link fence to create Tree
Protection Zone (TPZ). Prune any roots 1/2"
diameter and larger exposed by excavation.
Use loppers, pruning saw or reciprocating
saw for root prune.
14 Eucalyptus
sideroxylon
red ironbark
eucalyptus fair 16 16 25
moderately
vigorous
tree
Root impacts are
within tolerances
Use existing chain link fence to create Tree
Protection Zone (TPZ). Prune any roots 1/2"
diameter and larger exposed by excavation.
Use loppers, pruning saw or reciprocating
saw for root prune. Project arborist to
oversee excavation and root pruning.
15 Eucalyptus
sideroxylon
red ironbark
eucalyptus fair 25 25 20
moderately
vigorous
tree
Root impacts are
within tolerances
Use existing chain link fence to create Tree
Protection Zone (TPZ). Prune any roots 1/2"
diameter and larger exposed by excavation.
Use loppers, pruning saw or reciprocating
saw for root prune.
16 Quercus
agrifolia coast live oak fair 4,6,7 10 25
moderately
vigorous
tree
Root impacts are
within tolerances
Use existing chain link fence to create Tree
Protection Zone (TPZ). Prune any roots 1/2"
diameter and larger exposed by excavation.
Use loppers, pruning saw or reciprocating
saw for root prune. Project arborist to
oversee excavation and root pruning.
17 Pinus radiata Monterey
pine good 16 16 30 vigorous
tree
Root impacts due to
excavation are slightly
higher than normal,
but the tree can
withstand them. No
anticipated tree
decline or
destabilization.
Use existing chain link fence to create Tree
Protection Zone (TPZ). Prune any roots 1/2"
diameter and larger exposed by excavation.
Use loppers, pruning saw or reciprocating
saw for root prune. Project arborist to
oversee excavation and root pruning.
18 Prunus
illicifolia
Catalina
cherry
very
poor 2 2 0 tree is in
decline
No root impacts
anticipated.
Use existing chain link fence to create Tree
Protection Zone (TPZ).
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13
Appendix B – Photographs
Photo 1 –View south of Tree 1. Tree is in decline and has been listed for
removal.
84 85
83
3
4
1
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14
84
Photo 2 – View southwest of Tree 2, an Italian stone pine. Impacts to
roots will be too great to allow for retention.
2
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15
Photo 3 – View of west of Tree 3. Although impacts are within the critical
root zone because palms have fibrous roots, they and withstand greater
impacts. Tree will require arborist supervision during construction.
3
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16
Photo 4 – View west of Tree 4, a California toyon. Impacts to roots will
be too great to allow for retention.
4
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17
Photo 5 –View west of trees 5-7. Impacts to Tree 6 roots will be too great to allow
for retention. Trees 5&7 will require arborist supervision during construction.
5 6 7
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18
Photo 6 –Close view of Tree 6 roots. Removal of curbing and asphalt to
rear of tree will be too great of an impact to allow retention of tree.
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19
Photo 7 –View southeast of Tree 8. Tree will require arborist
supervision during construction.
8
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20
Photo 8 –View northeast of Tree 10. Tree is growing against fence and
Impacts to roots will be too great to allow for retention.
10
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21
Photo 9 –View northeast of Trees 9-15. All trees are growing behind chain-link fence.
Trees 11 & 14 will require arborist supervision during construction.
10
9
1112
13
1415
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22
Photo 10 –View northeast of Trees 13-17. All trees are growing behind chain-link
fence. Trees 14,16 &17 will require arborist supervision during construction.
17 16 15 14
13
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23
Photo 11 –View northeast of Trees 18 & 19. All trees are growing behind chain-link fence. Tree 19
will require arborist supervision during construction.
1819
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24
Photo 12 –View north of Trees 20 & 21. All trees are growing behind chain-link
fence. Impacts to roots of Tree 21 will be too great to allow for retention.
2021
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25
Photo 13 –Close view of Tree 21. Impacts to roots will be too great to
allow for retention.
21
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26
Photo 14 –View northwest of Trees 22 & 25. All trees are growing behind chain-link fence.
Impacts to roots are within tolerances.
222324
25
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27
Appendix C – Tree Protection Diagrams
Diagram 1 -Tree Protection Fencing
Diagram 2 –Tree Protection Signage
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28
Appendix D – Tree Protection Map
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