HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB150195_harman arborist recommendation_1432831920.pdfClinton thank you very much for inviting us on your project today to take a look at the construction
disturbance in regards to proximity to the large spruce along the left side of the driveway.
The tree that you had me examine is 75 feet tall, measures 26 inches in diameter and has approximately
a 20 foot diameter dripline.
My observation is that the plans called to remove soil and excavate the driveway in the location you
have. It is also my understanding that in order to complete the driveway you will be cutting the root
system back another 3 feet from its current line of disturbance. Almost half of the root system has been
cut and compromised 6 feet from the trunk of the tree and the diameter of the roots cut are greater
than 3 inches in diameter.
Direct Concerns
When someone or something cuts the roots of trees, it causes root injury and threatens the life of the
tree. Through a variety of injuries caused by construction, roots can sustain extensive damage: when
large buttress roots are severed close to the trunk, the tree loses substantial support and can become
prone to windfall, cutting the roots that supply water makes the tree vulnerable to drought and also to
pests that attack water-stressed trees, covering root injuries hides the extent of the damage. This
creates an especially dangerous situation, since a casual examination can easily overlook root problems,
roots must grow to take up many nutrients and when the soil is compacted, roots are unable to
penetrate it, roots must be able to breathe to use the food they get from the leaves, tree roots are
subject to frequent wounding by freezing and thawing soil particles around the roots, wet and dry cycles
will also damage fine roots, as will burrowing animals, healthy roots and sturdy trees are necessary for
the safety of workers in the trees.
My recommendation is to remove this tree now.
Mike Earl
Landscape Account Specialist, ISA Certified Arborist RM-7394A
PO Box 2134 Eagle, CO 81631
p970.328.6080 f970.328.6084
m970.904.2137
mearl@cereslandcare.com