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TR-2018-18 Arborist Report (2).pdfJuly 28, 2017 2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545 1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063 OFFICE: (888) 969-8733 CELL: (925) 518-2028 WWW.ARBORWELL.COM City of Cupertino Community Development Department 10300 Torre Avenue Cupertino, California 95014 Re: Two (2) Live Tree Removals & Two (2) Dead Tree Removals at 10495 Bandley Drive To whom it may concern, Arborwell has been retained to prepare an arborist letter for the commercial property at 10495 Bandley Drive in Cupertino, CA. This letter documents the necessity to remove four (4) trees in total. Two are live tree removals and two are dead tree removals. Their removal and replacement will serve to vastly improve and extend the long term viability, robustness, and value provided to the property, the greater Apple Urban Forest, and the City of Cupertino. The subject trees proposed for removal are: Four (4) Eucalyptus nicholii (Nichol’s Willowleafed Peppermint) The metric description of the subject trees are in the following table: ID Species DBH (inches) 1 Eucalyptus nicholii 1 6 2 Eucalyptus nicholii 18 3 Eucalyptus nicholii 16 4 Eucalyptus nicholii 12 Hazard Trees 2 & 3 These hazardous trees are located along the property line. They have extremely poor structure as a result of the species natural growth habit and hazard-reduction pruning resulting from multiple branch failures. They are also growing over parked cars, with a structure noted for failure. These trees have already failed during storm events and should be removed and replaced. Eucalyptus trees are notorious for their rapid growth rate, poor structure and strong tendency to shed large branches. They are not suitable for parking lots or other areas with a high density of valuable potential targets. This tendency can be mitigated, but not eliminated, by aggressive and expensive pruning. The most sensible approach and recommendation is this tree be removed immediately. Dead Trees 1 & 4 The trees was determined to be dead and a high risk for failure. These trees are dead and should be removed immediately and replaced with a superior species. The dead trees also have root rot, raising concerns of whole tree failures and presenting an ongoing liability. TR-2018-18 04/24/18 Erick Serrano July 28, 2017 2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545 1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063 OFFICE: (888) 969-8733 CELL: (925) 518-2028 WWW.ARBORWELL.COM Replacements To mitigate the removals, we are planning to replace with four (4) 36-inch box Quercus spp. or equivalent (species determined by the Apple Arborist) per ordinance mitigation requirements, evenly spaced for maturity. Replacement tree species will be selected for favorable characteristics whenever possible such as drought tolerance, long lifespan, structurally sound, deep-rooted, Cupertino climate- appropriate, onsite location-appropriate, shading value, pest resistance and overall enhanced aesthetics. New trees will be selected by an Apple arborist to ensure optimal structure, health, and reduce the risk of girdling roots, and then trained from an early age as needed to optimize branching structure which will extend the aesthetically and structurally sound lifespan of the trees. Conclusion The trees are considered protected trees pursuant to Section 14.18 of the City of Cupertino’s Municipal Code and require a permit from the City’s Planning Department prior to their removal. We ask that the identified dead trees be granted exemption and ask for your permission to proceed with the removals and replacements of Tree 1 & 4 immediately per this document. We also ask that Trees 2 & 3 be granted a tree removal permit prior to their removal as these trees will be associated with an independent permit from trees 1 & 4. Our concern is that the subject trees are directly overhanging the parking stalls, drive aisles and parking lot entrance. The property is a commercial space that has an abundance of employees occupying the area at any given time, resulting in an elevated target value. As these trees decline they will have an increased risk of failure, which may cause damage to property or cause personal injury. We think these trees should be removed and replaced. Please review this information and contact me with any questions or concerns regarding the information provided in this letter. Sincerely, Samuel Oakley ISA Certified Arborist, WE-9474A, TRAQ ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #556 TR-2018-18 04/24/18 Erick Serrano July 28, 2017 2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545 1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063 OFFICE: (888) 969-8733 CELL: (925) 518-2028 WWW.ARBORWELL.COM Exhibit 1.1 – Site Map: The location of the subject trees, shown with red dots. The replacement trees are shown with green dots in the bottom image. North is towards the top of the image. 4 3 2 1 Current Removal From 3/30.2018 Dead Tree Removal Permit Location of Replacement for 3/30/2018 Dead Tree Removal Permit TR-2018-18 04/24/18 Erick Serrano July 28, 2017 2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545 1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063 OFFICE: (888) 969-8733 CELL: (925) 518-2028 WWW.ARBORWELL.COM Exhibit 1.2 – Supporting Image: An image of the dead Tree 1. This tree is located directly over parking stalls and requires immediate removal. TR-2018-18 04/24/18 Erick Serrano July 28, 2017 2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545 1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063 OFFICE: (888) 969-8733 CELL: (925) 518-2028 WWW.ARBORWELL.COM Exhibit 1.3 – Supporting Image: An image of Trees 2 (right) and 3 (left). These trees are located directly over parking stalls and are declining. They exhibit poor structure and are recommended for removal. TR-2018-18 04/24/18 Erick Serrano July 28, 2017 2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545 1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063 OFFICE: (888) 969-8733 CELL: (925) 518-2028 WWW.ARBORWELL.COM Exhibit 1.4 – Supporting Image: An image of the dead Tree 4. This tree is located directly over parking stalls and requires immediate removal. TR-2018-18 04/24/18 Erick Serrano