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Prelim Tree Protection Plan 10-19-06 001WASHINGTON FORESTRY CONSULTANTS, INC. FORESTRY AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS 360/943-1723 FAX 360/943-4126 Preliminary Tree Protection Pla FORRESTER HEIGHTS 15026 State Hwy 507 SE Yelm, WA Prepared for: ICPFF Consulting Engineers Prepared by: Washington Forestry Consultants, Inc. Date: October 19, 2006 Introduction and Overvie C 1919. Yelm Hwv SE. Suite C i ' I I i I I I KPFF Consulting Engineers is planning to construct 24 single family residences on 10.92 acres in the City of Yelm, WA. The proponent has retained WFCI to: • Evaluate all trees on [he site pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 14.16 of the Yelm Municipal Code titled `Protection of Trees and Vegetation' Ordinance. • Make recommendations for trees suitable to be saved on lots and in open space and tree tract areas, along with required protection and cultural measures. Methodology WFCI has evaluated trees over 6" DBH (Diameter at breast height) in the proposed expansion area, and assessed [heir potential to be incorporated into the new project. The tree evaluation phase used methodology developed by Matheny and Clark (1998) and the In[emational Society of Arboriculture. The methodology is briefly described in Appendix rv. Nelda Matheny and James R. Clark. Trees and Development A Technical G 'd t P ati f T durin~Ixnd DevelopmentDevelopment. International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, IL. URBAN/RURAL FORESTRY • TREE APPRAISAL • HAZARD TREE ANALYSIS RIGHT-OF-WAYS • VEGETATION MANAGEMENT • ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES • CONTRACT FORESTERS Member o/ International Society of Arboriculture and Society o/American Foresters Page 2 -Forrester Heights Residential Project -Preliminary Tree Protection Plan Observations Site History The site was logged many years ago for the construction of two single family residences. The site has naturally regenerated with native conifers creating an unevenly stocked stand of trees across the site. The site is bordered by State Hwy 507 on the north; a housing development [o the east; single family residences [o the south and a community church [o the west. There aze two structures on [he site. Access is via Slate Hwy 507. Soil Depth and Productivity According to the Thurston County Soil Survey there are three predominant soil types on the project. The first type is the Everett very gravely sandy loam, a very deep, somewhat excessively drained soil found on terraces and outwash plains. I[ is formed in glacial outwash. Permeability is rapid. Available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth for Vees is 60 inches or more. The potential for windthrow of Vees is slight under normal conditions. New Vees require irrigation for establishment. The second type is [he Alderwood gravelly sandy loam, a moderately deep, moderately well drained soil found on glacial till plains. I[ is formed in ablation till overlying basal till. Permeability is moderately rapid above [he hardpan and very slow through the pan. Available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth for Vees is 20 to 40 inches. A perched seasonal high water table is at a depth of 18 to 36 inches from November to March. The potential for windthrow of trees is moderate under normal conditions. New Vees require irrigation for establishment. The third type is the Spanaway gravelly sandy loam, a very deep, somewhat excessively drained soil found on terraces. It is formed in glacial outwash and volcanic ash. Permeability is moderately rapid in the subsoil and very rapid in the substratum. Available water capacity is low. The effective rooting depth for trees is 60 inches or more. The potential for windthrow of trees is slight under normal conditions. New trees require irrigation for establishment. Tree Conditions The forest cover was stratified into 3 forest cover types for purposes of description Twe I. -This is a western red cedar type with some Douglas-fir and bigleaf maple. The type is located in the sou[hwestem portion of the parcel. The Vee stocking level is uneven with 16 Vees per acre. The diameters range from 22 to 40 inches DBH (diameter at breast height) n'asnmgton YOrestry Consu//ants, /nc. Page 3 -Forrester Heights Residential Proiec[ - Prelimin Tree Protection Plan The condition of [he trees is good [o fair. All of the trees in the type aze suitable for retention based on their physical condition. The understory shmb cover in this type is made up of native grass species and Scotchbroom (Cytisus scoparius). Tempe II. -This type is stocked with native and ornamental trees located around the two existing single family residences on [he site. The type is located in the northern portion of the parcel. There are 36 trees in the type. The diameters range from 10 to 45 inches DBH (diameter at breast height). The condition of the trees is good to fair. All of the trees in [he type aze suitable for retention based on [heir physical condition. The understory shrub cover in this type is made up of native grass species and ornamental flowers and shrnbs. Table 1. Invento of the T e II trees and their condition Tree Species DBH Height Crowo Live # (inches) (feet) Position Crowo Condition Notes Ratio 1 RC 26 70 Co-dominant 90 Good 2 DF 19 70 Co-dominant 85 Ve Good 3 DF 14 60 Intermediate 90 Fair 4 DF 15 65 Co-dominant 70 Good 5 RC 19 50 Intermediate 90 Fair 6 RC 32 80 Co-dominant 90 Good 7 RC 24 55 Intermediate 80 Fair 2 stems 8 RC 18 50 Intermediate 60 Fair 9 RC 30 70 Co-dominant 95 Fair 3 stems 10 RC 24 70 Intermediate 95 Fair 3 stems ll DF 15 75 Co-dominant 95 Good 12 DF 24 85 Co-dominant 80 Fair 13 DF 17 55 Intermediate 85 Good 14 DF 24 87 Co-dominant 80 Fair 15 RC 21 60 Co-dominant 70 Fair 16 RC 24 SO Intermediate 9S Fair no # 17 AC 24 60 Co-dominant 95 Good no # 18 RC 24 60 Co-dominant 9S Good no # 19 RC 24 60 Co-dorttinan[ 95 Fair no # 20 RC 32 70 Co-dominant 95 Good no # 21 RC 14 30 Intermediate 95 Fair no # 22 DF 13 45 Intermediate 9S Fair no # 23 BM 10 40 Intermediate 80 Fair no # 24 RC 38 70 Co-dominant 95 Good 25 RC 34 60 Co-dominant 95 Good 26 RC 32 60 Co-dominant 95 Fair 27 RC 26 55 Co-dominant 95 Fair Washington Forestry Consu(tanJS, Mc. lie 4 -Forester Heiph[s Residential Project -Preliminary Tree Protection Plan Tree # Species DBH (inches) Height (feet) Crown Position Live Crown Ratio Condition Notes 28 RC 45 65 Co-dominant 95 Good 29 BM 28 50 Co-dominant 95 Fair 30 RC 20 55 Co-dominant 90 Fair 31 RC 22 45 Su ressed 90 Fair 32 DF l4 50 Intermediate 30 Fair 33 RC 14 45 Intermediate 80 Fair 34 BM IS 55 Intermediate 70 Fair 35 RC 22 60 Co-dominant 90 Fair 36 DF 11 40 Intermediate 80 Fair ur- ucugtas-nr, xc= westem red cedar, BM= bigleaf maple Tempe III. -This is a Douglas-fir type with some westem red cedar and bigleaf maple. The type is located in [he southeasterly comer of [he pazcel. The tree stocking level is uniform with 350 trees per acre. The diameters range from 4 [0 16 inches DBH (diameter at breast height) The condition of the trees is good to poor. Most of the trees in the type are suitable for retention based on their physical condition. The unders[ory shmb cover in this type is made up of Indian plum and westem hazelnut. Off-Site Impacts Trees on the paree] to the west could potentially be affected by removing trees on this site. This parcel is Phase II of [he proposed project. Forest Land Conversion Permit Trees removed from this parcel will contain more than 5,000 board feet. Therefore, a forest practices permit from [he Washington Department of Natural Resources is required. Discussion and Recommendations Potential Tor Tree Retention The potential for tree retention is high on the backs of lots 5 through 16 and 20 through 24. Most of [he trees in the azeas of these lots are well established and have lazge full crowns, are in fair to good condition, and are considered to be long term trees. The remainders of [he lots are small and are located in contiguous forest where leave trees would be exposed and a high risk of blowdown. rvasnmgton Yores[ry Consultontr, /nc. Page 5 -Forrester Heights Residential Project - Preliminary Tree Protection Plan Table 2. Summary of nroiected tree retention notential Area S ecies # of Save Trees DBH ran a Poteutial for retention Lots DF,RC, BM 9 6-33 Hi Tree Tracts DF,BM 366 8-18 Hi h The final tally of trees to be saved on tots, and also the required replanting will need to be determined after the back lo[ comers of the above described lots are staked (prior to clearing). Individual trees can then be mazked for retention and a final tally of trees saved and required planting can be determined. Tree Tract Requirement The total area dedicated as tree tracts is 2.6 acres or 24% of the site azea. The following is a summary of the potential trees to be saved in the proposed tree tracts: Tree Tract A: There are 366 trees in Tree Tract A. The trees aze Douglas-fir, bigleaf maple, westem red cedar and cherry ranging in diameters of 8-33 inches DBH. There are also a number of smaller trees in the understory smaller than 8 inches DBH. Tree Tracts B~ No suitable trees occur in this tract. It will require replanting. If trees are not saved in ahe tree tracts, then the replanting requirement as per the City of Yelm must be satisfied. Tree Protection on Lo[s It appears that at least 9 trees can be saved on lots within this project. The trees aze Douglas-fir and western red cedaz ranging in diameters of 12 [0 28 inches DBH. This number may need to be adjusted by an inventory after back lo[ staking and clearing is complete. The project proponent has indicated that all the frees on the site will be removed with Tree Tract and tot areas to be replanted to the required densities. Tree Protection Measures If trees aze saved, the trees must be protected during constmction by orange mesh fencing, located at the edge of the critical root zone. The individual critical root zones are located 5 ft. outside of the dripline of the tree, unless otherwise delineated by WFCI. There should be no equipment activity (including rototilling) within the critical root zone. No irrigation lines, trenches, or other utilities should be installed within the critical root zone. If roots are encountered outside the critical root zone, they should be cut cleanly with a saw and covered immediately with moist soil. Noxious vegetation within the critical root zone should be removed by hand. If a proposed save tree must be impacted by grading or Woshingwn Forestry Consultants, /nc. Page 6 -Forrester Heights Residential Froiec[ -Preliminary Tree Protection Plan fills, then the tree should be re-evaluated by WFCI to determine if the tree can be saved and mitigating measures, or if [he tree should be removed. Pruning and Thinning Trees to be saved on the lots should be pruned to provide ground clearance and visibility for security purposes. This pruning is recommended to raise the crowns to at least 8 feet in open spaces and 15 feet over streets and sidewalks. If branches encroach in buildings, then at least 10 feet of building clearance should be achieved. All pruning should be done, or be supervised by an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist® and be done to [he ANSI A300 standards for proper pruning. The tree tract (if saved) should be selectively thinned to remove dead, dying, or diseased vegetation. Noxious understory vegetation can be removed a[ [his time. This work should be done by hand to prevent root damage to trees and other desirable vegetation. New Trees The street tree and stortnwater/tree Vact tree planting plan is being prepared by others. Al] trees will require soil amendment with sandy loam topsoil, 5% organic material, and mulching. hrigation will be required for a[ least three growing seasons to insure survival. It is recommended that the at least 5 species of street trees be selected from Table 4 for this project. The table provides a list of species that are suitable for the soils on this site. Table 3. List of potential street tree soecies/cul[ivars for this nrnier•.r COMMON NAME BOTANICAL NAME CULTIVAR MATURE HEIGHT CROWN SPREAD Lar a>50'Tol( Northern Red Oak ercus rubs 70' 45' Tuli tree Liriodendron fu(i era 70' 35' Autumn le Ash Su ar Ma le Frazinus americona Acer saccharum Autumn P le Commemoration 50' 60' 35' 35' Scarlet Oak ercus caccinea 60' 40' Medium -Wider Crowns 40.50' Ta/( LittleleafLinden Tilia cordota Greens ire 40' 30' Sumrtdt Ash Patmore ASh Frazinus eons (vanica Fraxinus erns lvanica Surtunit Pamwre 45' 4Y 25' 35' Norwa Ma le Hone locust Acer latanoides Gledilsia triacanthos Emerald ueen Shademaster 45' 4S 40' 35' Sma![ bees Gi5' ToU Norwegian Sunset Maple Acer truncalum z A. latanoides KeithsConn 35' 25' Small Trees -Narrow G35' Tall Redmond Linden Tilia americona Redmond 35' 2Y Hed a Ma le Acer cam estre Evel 35' 30' Reds ire Call Pear rus calla ono Reds ire 35' 25' Washington Forestry Consultants, /nc. Page 7 -Forrester Heights Residential Protect -Preliminary Tree Protection Plan The street trees should be planted on 40-45 fee[ centers. There will be some variation due to locations of driveways and utilities. Approximately 75 street trees will be required. The projected cost of 7S street trees (2 inch caliper balled and burlap) is $19,875 which includes the trees, planting and maintenance for 3 years. It is recommended [hat conifers are incorporated into all tree planting areas. The following species aze appropriate for use in this project: Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) Giant sequoia (Sequoia gigantea) Alaska Yellow Cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis and `Pendula') Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara) Timeline for Tree Protection Activity (if any) 1. Stake the back lot comers of [he perimeter lots, and the large lots on the east half of the parcel. 2. If trees are to be saved, then contact WFCI to inspect the trees on the backs of these lots and mark all trees [hat aze suitable for retention. WFCI will also mark the locations of necessary tree protection fences for each tree. 3. Create a final tree protection map showing all save trees and tree protection fences. Incorporate [his tree protection plan in [he packet of construction drawings. 4. WFCI can then mark trees that need to be selectively removed from the tree tract. 5. Specific pruning recommendations will be made for all individual save trees and for [he tree tract. 6. Complete pruning and selective thinning in tree tract. 7. Install tree protection fences as marked by WFCI. Maintain fences throughout construction. 8. Complete the logging and stump removal. 9. Construct project. 10. If unforeseen encroachments must occur to the planned tree tracts, contact WFCI prior to the disturbance so that an assessment can be made and recommendations to protect tree health can be prescribed. 11. Plan[ street and other replacement trees during [he appropriate season of planting (October 15 through December 1 and March 1 through April 15). 12. If street or other trees are planted prior to lot construction, then these trees need to be watered in the summer months and protected with tree protection fencing during construction on the lot. Summary There are many high quality existing trees on this site. A large tree tract is provided along the east parcel boundary and another smaller tract in the northwest portions of the project. Washington Forestry Consu!lanfs, /nc. Page 8 -Forrester Heights Residential Protect -Preliminary Tree Protection Plan The tree tracts include 2.6 acres or 23% of [he project azea. A total of 366 trees occur in these tracts [hat aze over 8 inches diameter. Approximately 9 trees can be saved on [he backs of lots. This landscaping plan showing street trees, lot replanting, stormpond landscaping, and additional planting/replan[ing in the tree tracts is being prepazed by others. Please give me a call if you have questions. Respectfully submitted, Was on Forestry Consultants, Inc. < ~ )~~.1,%2ti Galen M. Wright, AC SCA Certified Forester No. 44 Certified Arborist PN-0129 attachment: appendices Washingtan Forestry Consu7fants. Inc. Page 9 -Forrester HeiKhts Residential Proiect -Preliminary Tree Protection Plan APPENDIXI Forest Cover Type Map Thurston County Geodata (2002) rvo~, Forest Cover Type Lines Project Boundary Forest Cover Type Description: Type I: Westem red cedar, Douglas-fir, bigleaf maple-22-40" DBH -16 trees/acre Type II: Westem red cedaz, Douglas-fit, bigleaf maple -10-45" DBH -36 trees Type fII: Douglas-fir, Westem red cedaz, bigleaf maple ~-16" DBH -3501rees/acre Washington Forestry Consultants, [nc. 9 Page 10 -Forrester Heights Residential Project - Prelimioarv Tree Protection Plan APPENDIX II Site Plau with Tree Tract Locations is a ,~ .- rTree Trac[~ ~~~ µ _ _ ~r . ,.--_-~ i.;e' ~.. ~ ,, rt ~ ~=~ TreeTractA `y~ .,~;. ~ : - -- ~a _~ a .~* ~ ., k t., k ~. ~~ ~` ." ~ w ~. ..; North ~' _~ ~ ~ ~ , ~ ~' No Scale ~" i ~ _°' `~ °' ~ `~ Washington Forestry Consu((ants, /nc. 10 Page 11 -Forrester Heights Residential Proiect -Preliminary Tree Protection Plan APPENDIX III Tree Protection Fence Detail .NC>.oR Pasrs eE wwwuw 'i-9nR'i£NCE B R. uex. 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Washingmn Forestry Consultants, /ne. l l Pie 12 -Forrester Heiph[s Residential Proiect -Preliminary Tree Protection Plan APPENDIX IV Description of Tree Evaluation Methodology The evaluation of [he tree's condition, included assessment of: • Live-crown ratio, • Lateral and terminal branch growth rotes, • Presence of dieback in minor and major scaffold branches and twigs, • Foliage color, • Stem soundness and other s[mctural defects, • Visual root collar examination, • Presence of insect or disease problems. • Windfimmess if tree removal will expose this tree to failure. In cases where signs of in[emal defect or disease were suspected, trees were cored to look for stain, decay, and at diameter growth rates, and root collars were dug to look for the presence of root disease. Tn all cases, the overall appearance of the tree was considered relative to its ability to add value to a lot or the entire subdivision, and the scale of the tree and it's proximity to houses is considered. Lastly, the potential for incorporation into the project design is evaluated, as well as potential site plan modifications that may allow the tree(s) to be protected in the development. Trees that are preserved in a development must be carefully selected to make sure that they can survive cons[mction impacts, adapt to a new environment and perform well in the landscape. Healthy, vigorous trees are better able to tolerate impacts such a root injury, changes in soils moisture regimes, and soil compaction than are low vigor trees. Structural chazacteris[ics aze also important in assessing suitability. Trees with significant decay and other s[mctural defects that cannot be treated are likely to fail. Such trees should not be preserved in areas where damage [o people or property could occur. Trees [ha[ have developed in a forest stand are adapted to the close, dense conditions found in such stands. When surrounding trees are removed during clearing and grading, the remaining trees are exposed [o extremes in wind, temperature, solar radiation that causes sunscald, and other influences. Young, vigorous trees with well-developed crowns are best able to adapt [o these changing site conditions. Washrnglon Forestry Consullanls, Ina 12