20650 Valley Green Dr Arborist Report
2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545
1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063
OFFICE: (888) 969-8733
MAIN FAX: (510) 881-5208
HR FAX (510) 670-0275
WWW.ARBORWELL.COM
February 5, 2020
City of Cupertino
10300 Torre Avenue
Cupertino, California 95014
Re: Hazardous Tree Removals at 20650 Valley Green Drive, Cupertino, CA
To whom it may concern,
This letter intends to address two (2) hazardous Ulmus parvifolia. (Chinese Elms) located at
the north parking lot entrance on the 20650 Valley Green Drive property in Cupertino,
California. Please see Exhibit 1.1 for the relative locations of the subject trees indicated as
white/red dots, and for the locations of the replacement trees. The trees have an elevated
hazard risk and will need to be removed and replaced.
Tree 1 is 20-feet tall and 10-inches in diameter at 4.5-feet above grade. Tree 2 is 20-feet tall
and 12-inches in diameter at 4.5-feet above grade.
The curb and gutter were recently repaired around both trees and in the process of repairing
the curb, several supporting buttress roots were cut. Buttress roots are a critical component
of tree stability as they help to mitigate tensional, compression, and torsional forces that are
transferred from the crown to the root system. Without an intact buttress root system, the
tree is at risk of failing in the short-term (< 1 year).
The trees likely have not failed yet because the loading from foliage is not present as a result
of seasonal leaf loss. When the crown begins to foliate, the load from the crown to the roots
will increase on the compromised root system. This will likely result in failure.
The trees are located at the north parking lot entrance. This is the main entrance to the
property is frequently occupied by pedestrians and vehicles. Whole tree failure may result
in significant property damage and severe personal injury. I recommend these trees be
removed immediately because the risk of the trees failing in less than 1 year is likely.
Removal of a hazardous tree does not require a live tree removal permit prior to its removal
pursuant to Section 14.18.140 Paragraph B of the City of Cupertino’s Municipal Code;
however, a subsequent application must be filed within five (5) working days.
The tree will require replacement, selected by the Apple arborist to ensure optimal structure,
health, and no girdling roots. The selected tree will then be trained fro m an early age as
needed to optimize branching structure, extending the aesthetically and structurally sound
lifespan of the tree. The proposed replacement is two (2) standard 24-inch box
Lagerstroemia indica ‘Natchez’ in the same locations as the removals.
TR-2020-009
03/09/20
Lauren Ninkovich
2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545
1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063
OFFICE: (888) 969-8733
MAIN FAX: (510) 881-5208
HR FAX (510) 670-0275
WWW.ARBORWELL.COM
Please review this information and contact me with any questions or concerns regarding the
information provided in this letter.
Sincerely,
Samuel Oakley
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, WE-9474B
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #556
TR-2020-009
03/09/20
Lauren Ninkovich
2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545
1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063
OFFICE: (888) 969-8733
MAIN FAX: (510) 881-5208
HR FAX (510) 670-0275
WWW.ARBORWELL.COM
Exhibit 1.1 – Site Map:
The location of the hazardous trees, shown with white/red dots (top image). The replacement trees are shown with
g reen/yellow dots (bottom image).
12
TR-2020-009
03/09/20
Lauren Ninkovich
2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545
1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063
OFFICE: (888) 969-8733
MAIN FAX: (510) 881-5208
HR FAX (510) 670-0275
WWW.ARBORWELL.COM
Exhibit 1.2 - Supporting Image:
An image of the hazardous trees at the north parking lot entrance. Tree 1 is on the right and Tree 2 is on the left.
TR-2020-009
03/09/20
Lauren Ninkovich
2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545
1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063
OFFICE: (888) 969-8733
MAIN FAX: (510) 881-5208
HR FAX (510) 670-0275
WWW.ARBORWELL.COM
Exhibit 1.3 - Supporting Image:
An image of severed roots on Tree 1 in the newly installed curb.TR-2020-009
03/09/20
Lauren Ninkovich
2337 AMERICAN AVE, HAYWARD, CA 94545
1993 EAST BAYSHORE ROAD, REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063
OFFICE: (888) 969-8733
MAIN FAX: (510) 881-5208
HR FAX (510) 670-0275
WWW.ARBORWELL.COM
Exhibit 1.4 - Supporting Image:
An image of severed roots on Tree 1 in the newly installed curb.TR-2020-009
03/09/20
Lauren Ninkovich