TR-2008-01bCITY OF
CUPERTINO
June 9, 2009
Ali Rad
20181 Forest Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
Telephone: (408) 777-3308
FAX: (408) 777-3333
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
SUBJECT: TREE REMOVAL PERMIT ACTION LETTER -Application TR-2008-01:
This letter confirms the decision of the Director of Community Development, given on
December 2, 2008, approving a tree removal permit to remove one (1) 24" Shamel Ash
(Fraxinus Uhdei) in the front yard of 20181 Forest Avenue.
This approval is based on the recommendations in the City's consulting arborist's
report titled, "Tree Removal Application for an Ash," dated November 20, 2008. Any
modifications to the two (2) required 24" box replacement trees shall be reviewed and
approved by the Director of Community Development.
Staff has made the findings necessary to grant the tree removal permit in accordance
with Section 14.18.180 of the Protected Trees Ordinance.
Sincerely,
George Schroeder
Planning Division
DAVID L. BABBY CONSULTING ARBORIST
hoard-Certified Master Arborist & Registered Consulting Arborist
November 20, 2008
Ali Rad
20181 Forest Avenue ~~gna~tare Y
rr.. .o..a.,r4•.....,.,..,n..,.... ~, .,.. ~~
,,
Cupertino, CA 95014 ~~ ~~' ~ '
,~
1r ~~
,~
RE: TREE REMOVAL APPLICATION FOR AN ASH
20181 Forest Avenue, Cupertino
Dear Mr. Rad:
You have asked me to evaluate and report on the condition of the one ash tree located at
your property of 20181 Forest Avenue, Cupertino. I visited the site on November 20,
2008, and this report presents my observations, photographs, conclusions and
recommendations.
Observations
The tree in question, see photo below, is a sizeable shamel ash (Fj°axij~us uhdei) located in
the front yard (Vista Drive side) of your home. It was planted sometime ago, and is not
considered native to the area.
The tree has a trunk diameter of 24.3 inches (measured at
54 inches above grade) and is approximately 45 feet tall.
Its canopy is asymmetrical canopy due to past pruning of
the tree away from home; it spreads about 12 feet towards
the east (in the direction of the home), and 25 feet in all
other directions.
d~
A~'PRQVAL ~~~~~c.~; -(~ ~
t
q
~~
P.O. Box 25295, San Mateo, California 94402 Email: davidbabby@comcast.net
Phone: 650.654.335 I Fax: 650.240.0777 Licensed Contractor #796763
DAVID L. BABBY CONSULTING ARBORIST
Board-Certified Master Arborist & Registered Consulting Arborist
November 20, 2008
20181 Forest Avenue
page 2 of 3
The tree appears fairly vigorous and healthy. Its structural
integrity, however, is somewhat concerning due to the close
angles of attachment of the multiple leaders forming the canopy
(see photo to left).
Its trunk is approximately seven feet from the garage, and, .along with a small girdling
root, ~ has grown over the existing driveway by two to three inches (see bottom left photo).
The section of driveway nearest the trunk has been raised by about three-quarters of an
inch at the sidewalk, and one-half of an inch 15 feet towards the garage (see bottom right
photo).
~ Girdling roots restrict proper root and trunk growth, and can compromise a tree's stability.
,_
P.4. Box 25295, San Mateo, Cai~forn~a 94402 Email: dav~dbabby@comcast.net
Phone: 650.654.335 I Fax: 650.240.0777 Licensed Contractor #796763
DAVID L. BABBY CONSULTING AR80RIST
. Board-Certified Master Arborist & Registered Consulting Arborist
November 20, 2008
20181 Forest Avenue
page 3 of 3
There is a significant amount of surface roots growing throughout the lawn and planter
area beneath the tree's canopy. This occurrence is typical for this type of tree.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Shamel ash trees have inherent aggressive and invasive root systems that damage
surrounding hardscape. Combined with its location against and partially over the existing
driveway, continued and more significant damage can be expected in the near future, and
no root pruning can mitigate the problem without subjecting the tree to instability and
likely decline. Consequently, it is my opinion that the removal of this tree is the most
appropriate course of action.
Pursuant to Section 14.18.185 ("Tree Replacement") of the City Ordinance, mitigation for
this tree's removal would involve the installation of either two trees of 24-inch box size, or
one tree of 36-inch box size. In my opinion, either the Red Sunset maple (Ater r. `Red
Sunset') or Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis) are appropriate replacement trees. I
recommend either tree is installed at least 10 feet from existing pavement.
This concludes my report, and please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
~~i~n nr Ct rt,,, f .-
c ~
r. +
David L. Babby x
~~; ~ 1 ~
Registered Consulting Arborist #399
Board-Certified Master Arborist #WE-4001 B
P.O. Box 25295, San Mateo, California 94402 Email: davidbabby@comcast.net
Phone: 650.654.335 I Fax: 650.240.0777 Licensed Contractor #796763