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HomeMy WebLinkAboutArborist_Report_Liquid amberARBORIST REPORT Subject: Request for Live Tree Removal Permit Loca-on: 16 Results Way, Cupertino, CA 95014 Species: Liquidambar styraciClua (Sweetgum / Liquid Amber) 1. Summary Two mature Liquidambar trees located on the subject property are currently alive but exhibit advanced structural decay. Based on visual inspection and supporting photographic evidence, both trees present a high risk of structural failure. The observed decay is extensive and affects critical structural areas of each tree. Due to the extent of internal degradation, removal is recommended. Changes in cultural practices will not mitigate the existing structural deCiciencies or restore safe structural integrity. 2. Tree Condi-on Assessment – Tree 1 ID 11152 (Fig 1, 2, 3, 4) Tree 1 exhibits a signiCicant basal cavity at the trunk Clare with visible internal decay extending upward into the lower trunk. The decay has resulted in a substantial loss of structural wood, particularly in areas critical for load distribution and anchorage. The presence of decay at the base is especially concerning, as it compromises the tree’s ability to remain upright under normal and extreme loading conditions. The decay appears advanced and progressive, with little sound wood remaining in key load-bearing zones. 2. Tree Condi-on Assessment – Tree 2 ID 11109 (Fig 4, 5, 6, 7) Tree 2 contains a large open cavity at a major upper-trunk and scaffold-branch union. This cavity indicates extensive heartwood decay. Multiple secondary stems originate near or from the decayed area, creating included bark and weak attachment points. The structural integrity of the main scaffold system is compromised, and decay at a critical junction signiCicantly increases the likelihood of limbs or trunk failure. 3. Decay and Species Characteris-cs The decay observed in both trees is consistent with advanced heart rot, in which fungal activity has degraded the structural lignin and cellulose in the wood. This process reduces TR-2026-019 4/8/2026 Julia Garofalo the mechanical strength of the affected tissues, often leaving only a thin shell of sound wood surrounding hollow or decayed interiors. Liquidambar styraciClua is generally considered a poor compartmentalizer of decay (CODIT response). Once decay organisms are established, the species has a limited ability to effectively wall off and contain the spread of decay within the wood. As a result, decay often extends well beyond the initial site of infection, leading to large cavities and signiCicant loss of internal structure. This characteristic increases the likelihood that visible external defects represent more extensive unseen internal degradation. 4. Structural Stability Both trees exhibit advanced internal decay (heart rot), loss of structural integrity at critical load points, and cavities indicating signiCicant wood degradation. The reduction in sound wood cross-section signiCicantly diminishes the trees’ capacity to withstand mechanical stress. These conditions substantially reduce the trees’ ability to tolerate wind loading, canopy weight, and dynamic forces. Failure could occur at the base (Tree 1) or at major scaffold unions (Tree 2), both of which represent high-consequence failure points. 5. Prognosis Although both trees currently display live foliage, vitality should not be interpreted as structural soundness. The extent of decay is irreversible, and the trees will continue to decline structurally over time. Given the species’ limited ability to compartmentalize decay, further internal degradation is expected. The likelihood of failure will increase as decay progresses and as environmental loading events occur. 6. Cultural Prac-ces No reasonable cultural practices, including pruning, irrigation adjustments, fertilization, soil modiCication, or pest management, will restore lost structural wood or reverse internal decay. While pruning could temporarily reduce canopy weight, it would not address the underlying structural deCiciencies and may introduce additional wounds that could further exacerbate decay in this species. 7. Risk Assessment The trees present a moderate-to-high likelihood of failure due to compromised structural integrity. Given their condition and the nature of the defects, failure could occur without signiCicant warning. The potential consequences include property damage and/or personal injury, depending on target occupancy. The risk level is considered unacceptable for retention. 8. Recommenda-on It is recommended that both Liquidambar trees be approved for removal under a live tree removal permit. Removal should be conducted by a licensed and insured tree service in TR-2026-019 4/8/2026 Julia Garofalo accordance with industry safety standards. Replacement planting with a more structurally reliable species may be considered in accordance with local regulations. 9. Suppor-ng Documenta-on Photographs clearly show basal trunk decay, internal wood degradation, and structural defects that compromise stability. The visible conditions are consistent with advanced internal decay and support the conclusions and recommendations outlined in this report. 10. Mi-ga-on The loss of canopy shall be addressed by planting 2 Quercus comptonie 36” box trees to replace the 2 removed Liquidambar styraciClua. Prepared by: Arborist: Tyson Carroll ISA CertiCication Number: WE 10179A Landscape Architect Number: PLA #5803 Signature: Date: March 13, 2026 TR-2026-019 4/8/2026 Julia Garofalo Fig 1. Location map Fig 2. Liquidambar styraciflua ID 11152 DBH 19.2 TR-2026-019 4/8/2026 Julia Garofalo Fig 3. Liquidambar styraciflua decayed root crown. Fig 4. Liquidambar styraciflua decayed structural root. TR-2026-019 4/8/2026 Julia Garofalo Fig 5. Location map Fig 6. Liquidambar styraciflua ID 11109 DBH 18.4 TR-2026-019 4/8/2026 Julia Garofalo Fig 7. Liquidambar styraciflua decayed crown. Fig 8. Liquidambar styraciflua, large, branched, decayed section of the crown. TR-2026-019 4/8/2026 Julia Garofalo