Honomu Park - Arborist Services, LLC - Tree Risk Assessment - 11-13-16

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Department of Parks&Recreation Tree Risk Assessment—Honomu Park Banyan Trees Root flare is good on both trees. No cavities were seen on both trees. Both canopies have dead branches throughout. Testing and Analysis During my visual inspection, no decay or cavities were noticed. The color and density of the canopies are dark green and thick (see Appendix B — Photo 3). The canopies do have dead branches throughout. No disease or insect infestation were visible. DISCUSSION Ficus benjamina, commonly known as weeping fig, benjamin fig, Ficus tree or ficus is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae, (the mulberry family). The breadfruit and jackfruit are also part of this family. The Ficus benjamina is native to Asia and Australia. These trees have also naturalized in Hawaii and have developed massive pillar-like trunks with huge, invasive root systems that travel along the surface, or just under it, for almost as many yards outward as does the massive leaf crown. Tree #1 — Canopy is over the property line and over house #1 (see Appendix B — Photo 4). The roots are growing over the property line and are under and around house#1. The roots pose a tripping risk in the yard of house#1. The United States Forest Service states "Roots grow rapidly, invading gardens, growing under and lifting sidewalks, patios, and driveways." They conclude that its use in tree form is much too large for residential planting, therefore in these settings this species should only be used as a hedge or clipped screen.' The dead branches in the canopy of tree#1 that are overhanging house #1 pose a risk of damage to private property. The foundation of house#1 needs further investigation to determine if the roots are interfering with the foundation, sewer and water lines of house #1. Tree #2 — Canopy is growing over the property line and over 25 percent of the back yard of house#2 (see Appendix B-Photo 5). No roots are posing a tripping threat to house #2. The Mattos family in house#2 have no complaints other than trim the tree back to the property line. After further inspection of the County building, no foundation damage was visible from the roots from Tree #1 and Tree #2. Tree #1 does have a slight lean from center towards the County building (see Appendix B — Photo 6). A particular case law involving John and Nancy Barton vs Valiant Insurance Company and Maryland Casualty Company, (1996) regarding tree roots in the sewer pipes and the direct pressure on the slab foundation. The jury ruled for the plaintiffs (Bartons) and 1Gilman,Edward F.;Watson,Dennis G.(November 1993). "Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig"(PDF)Fact Sheet ST-251. United States Forest Service. Retrieved December 6,2014. 4 Mark O'Dell, ISA Certified Arborist Arborist Services, LLC November 13, 2016