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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTree Removal VP02 RedwoodARBORIST REPORT TREE REMOVAL PERMIT REQUEST Client: Apple Inc. Property Address: 19333 Vallco Parkway, Cupertino, CA 95014, United States Prepared For: Apple Inc. Purpose of Report: Assessment of a dead Coastal Redwood tree and recommendation for removal and replacement to support a municipal tree removal permit application. Date: 2026-03-15 Introduc)on This report presents the Jindings of an arboricultural inspection conducted for a Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) located at 19333 Vallco Parkway in Cupertino, California. The property is owned by Apple Inc. The purpose of the inspection was to evaluate the condition of the subject tree and provide professional recommendations regarding removal and replacement as part of a tree removal permit request. The evaluation was conducted using industry-accepted arboricultural practices consistent with the reporting guidelines commonly used by consulting arborists and the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). Site and Tree Informa)on The subject tree is a Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) located within the landscaped grounds of the property at 19333 Vallco Parkway. The tree measures approximately 9.5 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH). The surrounding landscape includes additional redwood trees and ornamental vegetation. The inspected tree appears to be one of several redwoods planted in the landscape. Inspec)on Methodology The tree was inspected from ground level using a visual tree assessment methodology. The inspection included evaluation of canopy condition, branch structure, trunk characteristics, and surrounding site conditions. Observations were made from accessible vantage points without invasive testing or root excavation. No laboratory testing or destructive analysis was performed. The assessment reJlects the conditions observed at the time of inspection. Observa)ons The inspected Coastal Redwood is dead. The canopy displays extensive browning and desiccated foliage throughout the crown, indicating complete loss of physiological function. Branches appear dry and brittle, with no evidence of viable green foliage or new growth. These indicators conJirm that the tree is no longer alive and incapable of recovery. TR-2026-009 3/24/2026 Julia Garofalo The surrounding redwood trees appear generally healthy, suggesting that the decline of this individual tree may be isolated rather than indicative of a widespread site issue. The exact cause of the decline could not be determined during the inspection. Potential contributing factors may include environmental stress, water availability issues, root disturbance, soil compaction, pest or pathogen activity, or other site-related inJluences. Because the tree is already dead, determining the precise cause of mortality is not feasible through visual inspection alone. Risk and Condi)on Assessment Dead trees gradually lose structural integrity as wood dries and begins to decay. The subject tree currently retains its standing structure; however, the absence of living tissue indicates that structural deterioration will progress over time. Dead branches become increasingly brittle and may fail without warning. As decay advances, trunk or stem failure may also occur. For these reasons, dead trees pose an increasing safety concern in managed landscapes, particularly in areas where pedestrians, vehicles, or property are present. Given the tree’s conJirmed mortality, retention is not recommended. Recommenda)on Based on the observations made during the inspection, removal of the dead Coastal Redwood is recommended. The tree has experienced complete mortality, and no arboricultural treatments are available that could restore its health. Removal will eliminate the potential safety hazards associated with dead tree structures and allow for appropriate replacement planting. Tree removal should be performed by a qualiJied and properly insured tree care contractor following accepted arboricultural standards, including ANSI A300 work practices and ANSI Z133 safety requirements. Mi)ga)on and Replacement Plan)ng To mitigate the loss of the existing tree, installing one replacement Coastal Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is recommended. The replacement tree should be planted as a 24-inch box nursery specimen. Planting should follow ISA and ANSI A300 planting guidelines to ensure proper establishment. The replacement tree should be installed in a planting location that provides sufJicient root space, adequate soil conditions, and appropriate irrigation during the establishment period. Maintaining the same species helps preserve the existing landscape character and continuity of the redwood planting. TR-2026-009 3/24/2026 Julia Garofalo Conclusion The Coastal Redwood located at 19333 Vallco Parkway in Cupertino, California, is conJirmed to be dead and no longer viable. The tree cannot recover and will continue to deteriorate structurally over time. For safety and landscape management reasons, removal of the tree is recommended. Replacement planting with one 24-inch box Coastal Redwood will provide appropriate mitigation for the tree removal. Limi)ng Condi)ons This report reJlects conditions observed at the time of inspection. Trees are living organisms and conditions may change over time. The assessment was based on visual observations from ground level and did not include invasive testing or root excavation. No guarantee is expressed or implied regarding the future stability of any tree. TR-2026-009 3/24/2026 Julia Garofalo Fig 1 Photo Documenta)on Figure 1. Dead Coastal Redwood located at 19333 Vallco Parkway, Cupertino, California. TR-2026-009 3/24/2026 Julia Garofalo Fig 2. Loca)on Map Cer)fica)on I certify that the statements made in this report are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and that the analysis and recommendations are based on professional arboricultural judgment and accepted industry standards. Arborist: Tyson Carroll ISA CertiJication Number: WE 10179A Landscape Architect Number: PLA #5803 Signature: Date: March 13, 2026 TR-2026-009 3/24/2026 Julia Garofalo