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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHonomu Park - Arborist Services, LLC - Tree Risk Assessment - 11-13-16 CERTIFIED ISA Certified Arborist ARBORIST SERVICES, LLC RE C E I V �. BOX 1114 ' WCISA Certified Tree Worker Kamuel HI 96743 NCCCO Certified Crane Operators 2016 NOV I LI al 9:I LI In �" _ Telephone:(808)324-4731 ARBORIST — h146.,1 or' PARKS & RE eRr a� )324 4732 it ry i UN f Y Mitt }895-6537 arboristservicesAaol.com Trees are Hawaii's Renewable Resources November 13, 2016 County of Hawaii Department of P&R Administration 101 Pauahi St, Suite 6 Hilo, HI 96720 Re: Tree Risk Assessment— Honomu Park As requested on October 19, 2016, I conducted a site visit of the two Banyan trees at Honomu Park, 28-1641 Government Main Road, Honomu, to conduct a tree risk assessment. I was asked to evaluate the structural stability of the banyan trees and provide my professional recommendations. The report is based on background information gathered during the site investigation conducted on October 21, 2016. Attached is my report. It is my professional opinion that both trees are structurally sound at this time. However, tree #1 does pose an overall risk to property and/or life. Further maintenance or removal of this tree is recommended. The canopy of Tree#2 needs to be lifted approximately 30 feet and all dead wood removed throughout canopy. This cover letter is considered a part of the report and may not be used separately. Please contact me at 895-6537 if you have any questions or if I may be of further service regarding this matter. Please find enclosed my invoice of services rendered. Sincerely, Mark O'Dell ISA Certified Arborist TREE RISK ASSESSMENT ON THE HONOMU PARK BANYAN TREES Prepared For: County of Hawaii Department of Parks & Recreation Honomu Park 28-1641 Government Main Road Honomu, Hawaii Prepared By: Mark O'Dell, ISA Certified Arborist Arborist Services, LLC P 0 Box 1114 Kamuela, Hawaii 96743-1114 Telephone: (808) 895-6537 November 13, 2016 TABLE OF CONTENTS Summary 1 Introduction 1 Assignment 2 Limits of Assignment 3 Purpose and Use of the Report 3 Observation 3 Testing and Analysis 4 Discussion 4 Conclusion 5 Recommendation 5 Glossary 7 Bibliography 8 Appendix A—Site Sketch 9 Appendix B— Photo 1 10 Appendix B—Photo 2 11 Appendix B—Photo 3 12 Appendix B—Photo 4 13 Appendix B—Photo 5 14 Appendix B— Photo 6 15 Appendix C—Assumptions & Limiting Conditions 16 Appendix D- Certificate of Performance 17 Department of Parks&Recreation Tree Risk Assessment—Honomu Park Banyan Trees TREE RISK ASSESSMENT Prepared for: County of Hawaii Department of Parks & Recreation Honomu County Park 28-1641 Government Main Road Honomu, Hawaii SUMMARY: The County of Hawaii, Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) hired me to evaluate two Banyan Trees (Ficus benjamina) located at Honomu County Park located at 28- 1641 Government Main Road, Honomu, Hawaii. Several scaffolding branches overhang one-third of the roof of the next-door neighbor's house. I was to evaluate and provide an opinion on the structural stability of the two trees and provide my recommendations to correct any problems to the degree possible. Based on my physical examination conducted on October 21, 2016, I determined that both trees were structurally sound at this time. I also observed the tree closest to the road is growing over the County property line and over the neighbor's house, over the road, and it has a slight lean towards the County building. The roots from this tree are growing beside and down the road in front of the County building. These roots are also growing into the neighbor's yard and under his house. I concluded that the tree is not at risk for immediate structural failure. The deadwood in the canopy over the neighbor's house and over the street does pose a safety hazard to property, pedestrians and vehicular traffic. I recommend removing the tree by the road and trimming the second tree INTRODUCTION: Background and History On October 19, 2016, Arborist Services, LLC was contacted by the DPR Administration to provide certified Arborist Services at Honomu Park, 28-1641 Government Main Road, Honomu, Hawaii on two Banyan Trees. Two houses are located close to the County Park property line and the two Banyan trees. I was informed that both Banyan trees were planted in 1942 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in honor of the military men by the great grandmother of the Mattos family who currently reside in house #2. 1 Mark O'Dell, ISA Certified Arborist Arborist Services, LLC November 13, 2016 Department of Parks&Recreation Tree Risk Assessment—Honomu Park Banyan Trees I was instructed to visit the site and conduct a visual tree assessment on both Banyan trees in regards to structural stability, tree canopies growing over property lines and roots growing over property lines. Assignment Arborist Services has been requested to perform a visual tree assessment of the trees and determine if it is structurally sound and assess if the tree poses any threat to adjoining residents, property owners and existing County facilities. Arborist Services was also asked to provide any recommendations on tree maintenance that might be required to keep adjoining property and the public safe. The scope of work includes: 1. Perform an analysis of both trees as currently exist in general conformance with the methodologies set forward in the American National Standards Institute A300, Part 9 Tree Risk Assessment and the International Society of Arboriculture's Best Management Practices Tree Risk Assessment to determine the potential risk posed by both trees. 2. Meet with parties affected by the tree with assigned Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) staff. Determine history of the trees if possible. 3. Provide a clear, detailed recommendation(s) on how any and all identified risks can reasonably be addressed by the County and the probability and frequency that those risks are likely to reoccur/reappear. Where there is more than one practicable option, provide such alternates to the County for consideration. 4. Provide a budgetary estimate on what the initial recommended course(s) of action would cost the County for a licensed (C-27b) tree trimming and removal contractor to perform said work. Where there is more than one practicable option or if work to achieve the desired end result can be phased incrementally, provide correspondingly detailed cost estimates. Also, where proper care for the trees requires recurring maintenance work (annually, biannually, semiannually, or otherwise) identify such and provide a corresponding description of this work along with budgetary costs. 5. Meet with the DPR prior to commencing work in order to develop greater familiarity with the issue, coordinate field work with so that a representative may be present when work is being performed, and meet with DPR to present and discuss the draft analysis and budgetary figures in greater detail and respond to any questions that may be posed. 6. Finalize the report and accompanying documents, which will be shared with the public. 2 Mark O'Dell, ISA Certified Arborist Arborist Services, LLC November 13, 2016 Department of Parks&Recreation Tree Risk Assessment—Honomu Park Banyan Trees 7. Arborist shall attend a public meeting to present/support his/her report and answer questions posed by interested members of the public. Limits of Assignment My investigation is based solely on my visual inspection of the tree on October 21, 2016. My inspection was conducted from ground level with the use of binoculars and my laser clinometer. This report is limited to documenting the health and condition of the tree on the date given and to providing recommendations for management of specific tree health issues. Purpose and Use of the Report The purpose of this report is to assess the current health and structural condition of the trees and provide recommendations for maintenance of the trees. The report is intended for the exclusive use of the County of Hawaii — Department of Parks and Recreation and upon submission; this report will become the property of the County of Hawaii — Department of Parks and Recreation and therefore its use will be at the discretion of County of Hawaii — Department of Parks and Recreation. All words appearing in bold italicized print the first time in this report are defined in the Glossary. OBSERVATION: Site Visit On October 21, 2016, Arborist Services conducted a site visit to the property known as the Honomu County Park, located at 28-1641 Government Main Road, Honomu, Hawaii. • Site Location and Condition The subject trees are located at Honomu County Park, 28-1641 Government Main Road, Honomu, Hawaii. The trees are in a lawn area. I observed surface roots growing over the property line and into the lawns of private property (see Appendix B — Photo 1). I also observed fallen dead branches under both trees in the park, on the road and in the neighbor's yard (see Appendix B — Photo 2). Tree Description The two trees identified are Chinese Weeping Banyan (Ficus benjamina). Tree #1 Tree #2 Trunk diameter 48 feet 45 feet Tree height 127.2 feet 127.4 feet Crown spread 11 288 feet 4 3 Mark O'Dell, ISA Certified Arborist Arborist Services, LLC November 13, 2016 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 Department of Parks&Recreation Tree Risk Assessment—Honomu Park Banyan Trees awarded $416,816 plus $112,500 in settlement of Brand, fees and costs. (San Diego County Superior Court, San Diego, California, Case No. 687-040) CONCLUSION Tree#1 does pose an overall risk. It has a slight lean towards the County building. The roots are in and under House #1. The canopy is over house #1, the county road and very close to HELCO power lines. Tree#2 is healthy and poses no threat to any property RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the preceding, I recommend the following course of action regarding the two Chinese Weeping Banyan Tree on the Honomu County Park property: 1. For Tree #1 there are two options: Option 1 a. Reduce height by 75%; b. Cut roots at property line and install root barrier, and grind all surface roots on private property; c. Note: This tree will have to be maintained at this height for the rest of its life. The approximate cost for this should be about $40,000. Annual maintenance to maintain a mushroom shape is approximately $5,000. Option 2 — a. Remove tree#1 and stump grind. The approximate cost to remove this tree and stump grind should be about $50,000 2. For Tree #2, a. Lift canopy to approximately 30 feet; b. Clean and thin the interior of canopy; c. Remove all dead wood throughout canopy. The approximate cost to complete this work should be $25,000. Annual maintenance cost approximately $5,000. 5 Mark O'Dell, ISA Certified Arborist Arborist Services, LLC November 13, 2016 Department of Parks&Recreation Tree Risk Assessment—Honomu Park Banyan Trees Should you choose to implement these recommendations, I urge care in selecting a qualified service provider or providers. The arborist who provides the work for Tree#1 (Option 1 or 2) and Tree #2 should be familiar with ANSI Standards for pruning and will be more likely to avoid making improper cuts and removing too much foliage in a session. I highly recommend service providers who employ ISA Certified Arborists, many of whom can perform or supervise the performance of tasks that I recommend. 6 Mark O'Dell, ISA Certified Arborist Arborist Services, LLC November 13, 2016 Department of Parks&Recreation Tree Risk Assessment--Honomu Park Banyan Trees GLOSSARY Acuminate—Tapering to a long point, such as in the shape of leaves or other botanical features. ANSI Standards —American National Standards Institute. Sections A300 and Z133.1, for example, provide industry-developed, national consensus standards of practice for tree-care practices and tree-care safety, respectively. Canopy —The part of the crown composed of leaves and small twigs. Cavities -- Open or closed hollow within a tree stem, branch, or root, usually associated with decay. Clinometer—An instrument for measuring angles of elevation. Crown —The upper portions of a tree, including the main limbs and branches. Decay— process of degradation by micro-organisms. Deadwood —dead branches that are still attached to the tree. Foliage— Leaves of a plant. ISA Certified Arborist—An arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture after passing an examination to demonstrate knowledge regarding tree care. Continuing education is required to maintain credential. Consumers may verify certification numbers by visiting the ISA website. Root Flare—The area where the trunk of the tree widens as it enters the soil to become roots. Tree Risk Assessment— a systematic process used to identify, analyze, and evaluate tree risk. Visual Tree Assessment— Method of evaluating structural defects and stability in trees. 7 Mark O'Dell, ISA Certified Arborist Arborist Services, LLC November 13, 2016 Department.of Parks& Recreation Tree IRisk Assessment- Honomu Park Banyan Trees Bibiiiography 1 Smiley, Thomas E, Nelda Matheny, and Sharon Lily. 2011„ Tree Risk Assessment— Best Management Practices, Companion pubiication to the ANSI A300 Part 9: Tree, Shrub, and other Woody Plant Management — Standard Practices (Tree Risk Assessment a„ Tree Structure Assessment): Champaign, flhnois International Society of Arboriculture. Dunster, Julian A F. Thomas Smiley Nelda Matheny, and Sharon Lffly 2013, Tree Risk Assessment Manual. Champaign, iilinois: international Society of Arboricuiture. 3, Matheny, Nelda and James R Clark, A Photographic Guide to the Evaluation of Hazard Trees in Urban Area. Champaign, lllinois: international Society of Arboriculture 4 Stein, Geoff The Weeping Fig, Ficus henjamina-indoor and out, July 27, 2009. htil.?,://disivesga rn 'I o rI Ic Er sly ieWi24 01 5. Wikipedia. Ficus benjamiriaIA. ,VV (pe,diao trgw k. c s beDjp mina 8 lark. O'DelY, ISA Cerfilfied Arborist Arborist Services, LLC November 13, 2016 9 i.. 0 Z ""E: h. i aq w ap, 0 N Property ime NOTES: a Height 12i 2 iotorgoigreD House $11 BUIL DiNee D Appendix B - Photo1 Photo 1 shows the roots growing over property line onto the lawn of Private property. Photo 2 depicts fallen dead branches under tree in the park. Photo 3 depicts the color and density of the tree. The canopies are dark green and thick. Photo 4 depicts the canopy gowing over the property line and over house #1. Photo 5 depicts the canopy growing over the property line and over 25 percent of the back yard of house #2. (Canopy outlined by blue lines) Photo 6 depicts slight lean from center towards the County building Department of Parks&Recreation Tree Risk Assessment—Honomu Park Banyan Trees Appendix C —Assumptions and Limiting Conditions 1. Any legal description provided to the consultant is assumed to be correct. Any titles and ownerships to any property are assumed to be good and marketable. 2. Care has been taken to obtain all information from reliable sources. All data has been verified insofar as possible for the accuracy of information provided by others. 3. The consultant shall not be required to give testimony or attend court by reason of this report unless subsequent contractual arrangements are made, including payment of an additional fee for such services as described in the fee schedule and contract of engagement. 4. Loss or alteration of any part of this report invalidates the entire report. 5. Possession of this report or a copy thereof does not imply right of publication or use for any purpose by any other than the person to whom it is addressed, without the prior expressed written consent of the consultant. 6. This report and values expressed herein represent the opinion of the consultant and the consultant's fee is in no way contingent upon the reporting of a specified value, a stipulated result, the occurrence of a subsequent event, nor upon any finding to be reported. 7. Sketches, diagrams, graphs, and photographs in this report, being intended as visual aids are not necessarily to scale and should not be construed as engineering or architectural reports or surveys. 8. Unless expressed otherwise: 1) information contained in this report covers only those items that were examined and reflects the condition of those items at the time of inspection; and 2) the inspection is limited to visual examination of accessible items without dissection, excavation, probing, or coring. There is no warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied, that problems or deficiencies of the trees or property in question may not arise in the future. 16 Mark O'Dell, ISA Certified Arborist Arborist Services, LLC November 13, 2016 Department of Parks&Recreation Tree Risk Assessment—Honomu Park Banyan Trees Appendix D - Certificate of Performance I, Mark O'Dell, certify: D That I have personally inspected the trees referred to in the report, and have stated our findings accurately. The extent of the evaluation is stated in the attached report; D That I have no current or prospective interest in the vegetation or the property that is the subject of this report and have no personal interest or bias with respect to the parties involved; D That the analysis, opinions and conclusions stated herein is my own and is based on current scientific procedures and facts; D That my analysis, opinions and conclusions were developed and this report has been prepared according to commonly accepted arboriculture practices; D That no one provided significant professional assistance to me, except as indicated within the report; D That my compensation is not contingent upon the reporting of a predetermined conclusion that favors the cause of the client or any other party nor upon the results if the assignment, the attainment of stipulated results, or the occurrence of any subsequent events. I further certify that I am a member in good standing of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, and the International Society of Arboriculture. I have been involved in the practice of arboriculture and the care and study of trees for over 25 years. Signed: 141"1--itVpl Mark O'Dell, ISA Certified Arborist Date: 11/13/2016 17 Mark O'Dell, ISA Certified Arborist Arborist Services, LLC November 13, 2016