HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB150377_Arborist Letter_1440109380.pdfCeres Design and Arborscape
P.O. Box 7133 [USPS Address] 0229 Continental Court, Breckenridge, Colorado 80424
P.970.453-9154 info@acutaboveforestry.com
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To whom it may concern,
I was contracted by the builder (Ryan Smith) to complete a tree preservation plan to assist in the care
for all trees on site during the construction phase of the new construction project at 994 Ptarmigan Rd. While
completing my evaluation of the trees to remain, many of the trees slated to stay are of concern. They are
currently flagged with orange flagging. Many of the trees on this plan in red are within the area of disturbance
and there root systems will be greatly affected by construction related traffic and disturbances. Some of these
trees have excavation planned right up near the root system. Many of the trees, including the lodge pole pine,
have significant scale damage. With scale already active on the site, the crowns of these trees will only thin out
more prior to construction completion. Aesthetically I believe these trees to be very un-slightly by the time work
will be finished.
While it is known that construction around trees can lead to decline and death, it is difficult to know the different
kinds of injury. The decline may not be noticeable until long after the problem has begun below ground.
Insufficient rooting space, severed roots, poor drainage, compaction, and an inability to take up nutrients can
contribute to a weakened root system and decline of the tree. As a result, these stressed trees are more
susceptible to infestations by diseases and insects.
The survival of urban trees depends on the health of their roots as well. Roots supply water and nutrients to the
shoots, and get back sugar and other compounds they need to live. Roots also store food, synthesize
hormones, and provide structural support. Research has shown that tree roots can travel a distance away from
the trunk that is over 2½ times the height of the tree, and more than 85% of root growth occurs within 18
inches (0.5 m) of the soil surface.
Concerns
When someone or something cuts the roots of trees to stop them from growing, 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.
According to the approved plan and staking on site the area of disturbance is too close to the trunk of trees
1,2,3,4,5,6,12,13 and 14. I am recommending removal of these trees and will make suggestions to the
customer on how to preserve the others.
Please accept this letter as a request to remove the trees that we believe we will not be able to protect with
proper root pruning, watering, protection and pest control during the new construction.
Sincerely,
Mike Earl ISA Certified Arborist RM-7394A