HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB140563_ARBORIST LETTER_1422379980.pdf
January 14, 2015
Benno Scheidegger
Vail Custom Builders
P.O. Box 2809
Edwards, Colorado 81632
Dear Benno,
Thank you for contacting Ceres Plus concerning the trees at 223 Beaver Dam Road in Vail, Colorado.
Specifically, three spruce trees on the east side of the revised sewer easement between 223 and 193
Beaver Dam Road.
The proposed construction activity on the site includes installing a new sewer line from an existing
sewer lift station located on the north end of 223 and 193 Beaver Dam Road to the existing line in
Beaver Dam Road. The project will require excavating a trench seven plus feet in depth along the
eastern edge of 223 Beaver Dam Road. Several large, mature spruce trees are present in this area.
The ground was covered with three foot snow which hindered me from collecting complete tree
condition data and accurately evaluating the potential damage to live trees. But familiarity with the site
and narrow scope of the project will allow me to provide guidelines to mitigate construction damage.
Using the Overall Site Plan A2.0 (1) dated 12/29/2014 as a reference it appears that all of the impacted
trees are located on the east side of the proposed sewer line. The likely damage to the tree resource
includes:
1. Soil disturbance/compaction inside of the root protection zone.
2. Root loss and damage.
3. Trunk damage.
4. Mechanical damage and breakage of low branches.
5. Exhaust and mechanical damage to foliage
LAND DESIGNS BY ELLISON | A CUT ABOVE LANDCARE
P.O. BOX 2134, EAGLE, CO 81631 | T 970.328.6080 | F 970.328.6084 | INFO@LDBYE.COM
Mitigation and remediation for construction damage will require a three pronged approach. The first
step is to treat existing conditions to bring the trees to the best health by reducing stressors.
1. Treat spruce trees for scale insects.
2. Fertilize trees with root stimulating/ preservation fertilizer mix to improve root growth.
3. Check for and remove girdling roots near the trunk.
4. Prune and remove dead branches
The second step includes preparing the trees to reduce the possibilities of physical damage.
1. Raise crowns where necessary to avoid mechanical injury.
2. Tie up branches when possible to avoid mechanical damage.
3. Protect root collar and buttress roots with physical protection to avoid equipment damage.
4. Install physical trunk guards 8 feet tall or higher to avoid bole damage.
5. Plan equipment placement to keep exhaust from blowing directly onto foliage.
6. Install fencing to restrict access and protect as much of the Critical Root Zone as possible.
7. Plan soil storage areas that are outside of the fencing. Piling the soil causes some soil
compaction but removing the soil can cause damage to absorbing and small woody roots.
8. Have an Arborist onsite during excavation to perform root pruning and document the number
and location of roots removed.
9. Insulate the soil with chips and plywood if spoil must be stored on the east side of the trench.
The third step addresses tree care after the construction process is complete.
1. Remove all protection apparatus from trunk and root collar.
2. Check for soil compaction within the root protection zone.
3. If soil compaction is present, remediate soil compaction with an air spade treatment.
4. Check soil moisture at depths up to 12 inches to determine if adequate water is available . If
not provide supplemental water.
5. Fertilize in fall with root stimulating/preservation fertilizer mix.
During and after the construction process the trees should be monitored to identify changes in color,
condition and structural stability with the soil.
LAND DESIGNS BY ELLISON | A CUT ABOVE LANDCARE
P.O. BOX 2134, EAGLE, CO 81631 | T 970.328.6080 | F 970.328.6084 | INFO@LDBYE.COM
Prior to construction a more specific plan including a tree inventory with condition rating will be
provided and tree specific recommendations will be determined based upon size, condition and field
location of excavation.
Please contact me with any questions at 970-418-9546.
Sincerely
Rick Herwehe
Certified Arborist #RM 2195
LAND DESIGNS BY ELLISON | A CUT ABOVE LANDCARE
P.O. BOX 2134, EAGLE, CO 81631 | T 970.328.6080 | F 970.328.6084 | INFO@LDBYE.COM