HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB150023_Library Path - Arborist Report Document_1423851540.doc
February 2, 2015
Gregg Barrie
Town of Vail
75 S. Frontage Road
Vail, CO 81657
Dear Gregg,
Thank you for contacting Ceres Plus concerning the trees along the bike path south of the Town of Vail Library. Specifically, the trees which roots will be within the disturbance of
the upcoming recreational trail relocation project.
The proposed construction activity on the site includes moving the existing bike path location to a new location just south of the existing path onto town’s property. The project will
require bringing in large machinery and excavating in areas where existing tree roots are present. Several large, mature spruce and lodgepole pine trees will be impacted by the construction
operations.
I have completed two site visits one on 9/19 and the second on 1/23 to understand scope and impact in this area as well as received landscape plans that I can use to create an inventory
and preservation plan.
Using the Demolition Plan LD-102 dated 01/22/2015 as a reference it appears that the majority of the impacted trees are located on the south side of the existing path. The likely damage
to the tree resource includes:
1. Soil disturbance/compaction inside of the root protection zone.
2. Root loss and damage.
3. Possible trunk damage.
There are currently 15 trees I would recommend for removal as their proximity to disturbance will not allow them to withstand the stress caused by the construction process. Many of their
roots will be damaged or removed well within the drip line of the tree. The trees roots act as an anchor as well as a feeding mechanism and if the disturbances are too great we risk
structural failure or death.
The removals are only a portion of my recommendations as many of the trees could be affected if not cared for properly.
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.
Prior to construction a more specific plan including a tree inventory with condition rating can be provided and tree specific recommendations can be determined based upon size, condition
and field location of excavation.
Please contact me with any questions at 970.904.2137.
Sincerely
Mike Earl
ISA Certified Arborist RM-7394A
970.904.2137
mearl@cereslandcare.com