TR-2023-024 - Applicant Arborist Report SARATOGA TREE SERVICE
Community Development Departn"745 Skyline Blvd.
Planning Division — CupertincLos Gatos, CA 95033
CUPERTINO APPROVED (408) 867-0143
Case# TR-2023-024
December 13t10;PYAf1�onNumber(s)
Approval Body: Director/Staff
AppMUMMeof CuppgtVpJ10A
C/O Sharon Armstrong
Sign�% ___C berine Tarone
Case Manager
Cupertino, CA 95014
Saratoga Tree Service was requested by Sharon Armstrong (on behalf of Meadows of Cupertino HOA) to
provide an arborist report for a large, multi-trunked Aleppo Pine (Pinus holepensis) growing in the common
area on Adelheid Ct., Cupertino. Several residents who live opposite the tree on Adelheid Ct. have expressed
concern about the tree and the damages that could occur should there be a trunk failure. The tree was most
recently inspected on 12-13-22.
The tree in question is growing in the common area across from 10110 and 10112 Adelheid Ct. As stated
before, the tree is multi-trunked. The circumferences of the trunks at 4.5ft. are: 66.5 inches, 66 inches and 68
inches. The tree is approximately 60ft. high. The whole tree leans slightly towards the units. At this time, the
tree is in good to fair health (canopy is of good color and reasonable density).
At this time, there is no indication that the tree could imminently fail but there are structural weaknesses in
the trunk that could cause the tree to fail in the future. The trunks are joined at about 2 -3 ft. from the ground
and the trunk closest to the road shows included bark (a condition whereby two large limbs/trunks are
actually separate pieces of wood that are growing side by side —as these limbs/trunks grow larger, pressure
builds at the site of the union and it can be common for these limbs/trunks to fail at this union). There is also
one limb with this condition that is growing over the road on Adelheid Ct.
I do not see any satisfactory mitigating practices that could reduce the likelihood of a fai lure occurring in this
tree. I do not see any trimming processes that would reduce the weight in the tree nor would I recommend
cabling the trunks since the whole tree is leaning in one direction.
Due to the defined targets (heavily-used driveway— both pedestrian and vehicular, cars and houses), the lean
and most importantly, the structural weakness present in the trunk of this tree, I recommend removal.
Please feel free to call or email with any questions you may have.
Respectfully submitted,
Lucy Leeburg
ISA Certified Arborist#427
saratogatreeservice@gmail.com 408-593-9928