105 Railroad St SW SUF report-ComcastOakPruningMemo
To: Gary Carlson, City of Yelm
From: Kevin M. McFarland, Contracted City Arborist
Date: 06/27/2016
Re: Comcast Pruning
Upon your request, I have reviewed the recent pruning of a City owned tree by a utility contractor
Findings
The pruned tree is a red oak with a trunk diameter measuring 11 ". It is located at the corner of Railroad
and Washington streets. It is situated within City ROW and is underneath power and cable utility lines.
The recent pruning involved several cuts to branches with diameters ranging '/2" to 2 ". The cuts
resulted in tearing of the bark layer and left branch stubs.
Comments
It is stated in the City's ordinance that tree trimming can be done to provide clearance for the cable
system but it shall be done according to professional tree trimming practices. The pruning that was
performed by the Comcast employee was inappropriate and unacceptable. Furthermore, the City is to
be notified prior to any trimming, which did not occur
I recommend that the pruning cuts be corrected so that no stubs or tearing are left and the tree can
heal properly. A representative from the City should be present at the time. The branch debris left
below the tree should be removed by the utility as well.
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