The URL can be used to link to this page

Approved SetRalph Osterling Consultants, Inc. 346 Rheem, Suite 104 Moraga, CA 94556 November 21, 2019 Arynn and George Adzich 10018 Minaker Court Cupertino, CA 95014 RE Oak Tree analyses Dear Arynn & George: BHLPH OSTE WS a a ONSUMPME PHONE(650)673.8733 1660110RELYLA M 5ANMM11GA9002 I enjoyed meeting with you to discuss your large oaks and I thank you for the opportunity to provide Professional Forestry Expertise to review the condition of your very large coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) growing in your rear yard. Both trees are very large and hazardous for the neighbor's properties and your property. Each of the crowns are vigorous and extend well over the property lines and should be monitored and/or removed as such. Below are my observations and recommendations. Annotated photographs are included to display the hazardous conditions. OBSERVATIONS The two very large and mature coast live oaks support very heavy and large extensive crowns for the species in a residential setting. Each is approximately 60+ feet tall and is on the property line for the residence to the left of your home and the other to the rear of your patio area. I expect that each of these adjacent properties have root intrusion into their landscape although I did not enter either property. The expanse of patio hardscape on your property currently reduces the oxygen and moisture exchange. Both trees are dropping considerable leaf litter on your patio and roof. It appears that the front tree may have a condition often called drippy nut (Brenneria quercina) as evidenced by the exudation that has covered your patio. FINDINGS 1. The multi trunk tree located towards the front of your property has 7 large stems with diameters of 21, 20, 18, 12 16, 14 and 12 inches. I surmise these were individual seedlings starting from a squirrel cache many years ago. The vigorous growth now has created tight crotches with included bark and advanced heartwood decay. By probing in the large old cut, Comrrf;a`p..ite3a inches deep indicating this rot extends approximately 50 P percent of.the. tree diameter.. In that large old cut the fungal fruiting bodies are present and pulling out decayed wood that was previously mined by CUPERTINO termites ABER M&D #2) Case # TR-2019-053 01 a i,JWtJ0WW1&6rIWPI U7,11 I IcItely 21 inches in diameter extends away from the tight cluster of trunks. The crotch at the junction of the main trunk has included bark and significant heart Approval BodT.tOThgcp59krirS1#kthe decayed wood in that area extended 16 inches or more into the main Approva I Dat runk0410?Mite development for your patio and residence, the root crown was covered I c�a�es Quueu uecay c0111uiticn s. A root crown excavation inspection was not Signature cbffi0tttb&mura Case Manager Phone: (650) 573-8733 Email: ralphgralphosterling.com Arynn and George Adzich November 21, 2019 Page 2 2. The large single trunk oak growing adjacent to the rear fence is 42 inches in diameter. The lowest crotch has included bark and has created a moisture and debris collection point that encourages and supports advanced trunk or heart rot also. Probing in that area revealed approximately 14 inched deep of rot before hitting resistance. The full crown extends heavily over the neighbor's yard and possibly to their house. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Each of these very large oak trees supports very tall and full crowns. These crowns are impacted by wind conditions creating heavy leverage on the trunks. The multiple heart rots located in each of the trees create unsafe conditions especially when combined with the extensive heavy crowns. When the extensive heavy crowns are combined with the heart rot, very unsafe exists and tree failure can be expected. Currently the crowns are tight and act as a unit in wind events. Heavy pruning of one tree or removal of one tree is not advisable since it would leave the remaining trees subject to failure. Therefore, I recommend both trees be promptly removed before added winter storms could cause failure. When failure occurs, your home and/or one of your neighbor's home would be significantly damages causing potential loss of life and property. Should you or others have questions or concerns, please contact me at your convenience. Respectfully, I Ralph Osterling, President, ACF, CLFA Registered Professional Forester #38 State of California RSO:js Photos: See Appendix Community Development Department Planning Division — Cupertino CUPERTINO APPROVED Case # TR-2019-053 Application Number(s) Approval Body: Director / Staff Approva I Date 04/02/20 Signature Jeffrey Tsumura Case Manager Phone: (650) 573-8733 h�Q�oQRt,FESSlO,�,� Ao9F W IRALPH S. >r, OSTEHLING dx 138 Email: ralph@ralphosterling.com APPENDIX Community Development Department Planning Division — Cupertino CUPERTINO APPROVED Case # TR-2019-053 Application Number(s) Approval Body: Director / Staff Approval Date 04/02/20 Signature Jeffrey Tsumura Case Manager Phone: (650) 573-8733 Email: ralph@ralphosterling.com PHOTO 1 Community Development Department Plannir�'Diraisis'4tfet-ii(h,beavy full crown of Tree #1 that extends over the CUPERTINO ,aA0K.6*VNsidence at 10018 Minaker Court. The heavy crown is Case # TRuRB(PbY trunk heart rot subject to failure. When failure occurs, Applicati rovokwn damage surrounds residences. The heavy crown is Approval Body: Director / St�ffnroximately 60 feet tall. Tree #2 is behind Tree #1 Approva I Date 04/02/20 Signature Jeffrey Tsumura Case Manager Phone: (650) 573-8733 Email: ralph@ralphosterling.com PHOTO 2 +� v Steel Probe Community Develop e,0�incneTaeep patkl advanced heart rot in the trunk. The steel probe is, inserte to resistance. The rot extends beyond the Planning Dlvlsploint olrpesistance. Over 60 percent of the trunk is estimated CUPERTINO APPROVED to be infected with heart rot. Case # TR-2019-053 Application Number(s) Approval Body: Director / Staff Approva I Date 04/02/20 Signature Jeffrey Tsumura Case Manager Phone: (650) 573-8733 Email: ralph@ralphosterling.com PHOTO 3 CommunitrQettgL4)pl >39"ethtrbnAtittnink configuration of Tree 2. The crown is Planning Waiting -hcuoLytmar the rear neighbor's property and will hit the CUPERTINO neApoP home when it fails. The main crotch rot is over 14 inches Case # drpp2oft(mg)1d cut scars on the main trunk are also exhibiting heart rot. Application Number(The heavy crown is approximately 50 feet tall. Approval Body: Director / Staff Approval Date 04/02/20 Signature Jeffrey Tsumura Case Manager Phone: (650) 573-8733 Email: ralphgralphosterling.com PHOTO 4 Community Development Department Planni],R.�(Ylgi i�spLauoj�rl.nLotten main crotch in Tree #2; the probe extends CUPERTINO IAlJpRV*ep. The tight crotch angle probably supports included Case # TR-2019-053 bark that provides no structural support. Application Number(s) Approval Body: Director / Staff Approva I Date 04/02/20 Signature Jeffrey Tsumura Case Manager Phone: (650) 573-8733 Email: ralph@ralphosterling.com Tree Removal Justification Date: December 3, 2019 Address: 10018 Minaker Court Cupertino, Ca 95014 Owners: George & Arynn Adzich Background: Two large Coast Live Oaks are on the property and have been maintained professionally by the owners for over 30 years. The trees poised a concern for damage to property and persons for many years due to the co - dominant trunk structures and overall size of the trees. A thorough report was conducted in January of 2007. In this report, both trees were deemed to be on the low end of "Fair" on an Arborist Condition Scale. The Summary for a "Fair" rating is "Health or structural concerns". The trees have been monitored and pruned every 3 years and the condition has continued to deteriorate to the point of causing concern for the owners and neighbors. A new report was conducted in November of 2019. The recommendation is for both trees to be promptly removed. Both of the Arborist reports are included with this submission. Community Development Department Planning Division —Cupertino CUPERTINO APPROVED Case # TR-2019-053 Application Number(s) Approval Body: Director / Staff Approval Date 04/02/20 Signature Jeffrey Tsumura Case Manager r i wi io rvw� avv-v r • �.+-+--- rorernan Fax (650) 968-0171 Cmitractor Lic. #693197 www.treemovers.com TREE INSTALLATION PROPOSAL AND CONTRACT Phone: yid $ ' 23 �{ • S' c Fax: Client: IQ-42 ; c. 0-e Billing Address: JO O 1 g' Wl l h S�-e✓� C Ct..vmt/7'.h4,�� ,Q Job Address: Sc►,%r Date: / 2. - 9 • t 9 The undersigned agrees to furnish and provide necessary labor, materials, tools, implements and appliances to do, perform, and complete in a good workmanlike manner the following: o� SvY°i�?' 4•�.�-?'4s>>JI 2 - 3G'� Sax�/C._ COr S71-kIS �'r-e 9 • C %; c�; � �d rem ov�e-e�vS�ST,'�+ � 09k i S 9..X pt,�S Tree hole dug by l�''�"< W10V r� S _ Tree hole backfilled by % `� k4l oV a✓s O Site must be accessible to Tree Mover's equipment. O No tree guarantee. ® USA underground clearance supplied by client (800-642-2444). O No tree guying or staking. A Not responsible for any underground equipment or material. O Extraction holes backfilled by client. O Excess dirt left on site, unless arrangements made. O Except extended plant maintenance contract. Guarantee Statement: Trees sold and installed by Tree movers are guaranteed for one year providing that they are properly maintained, not over watered, and grade has not been altered. We will replace any dead tree in the same location if accessible, or in another location that is accessible. All the above work to be completed for the sum of: Dollars $ VC7 00, do Any alterations or deviation from the above, involving extra cost of materials or labor, will be executed only on written orders for same and will become extra charge over the sum mentioned above. All agreements must be in writing. CONTRACTOR INFORMATION Tree Movers is not responsible for above or underground equipment or material when installing, removing, or relocating trees. This proposal is void if not accepted within 30 days. Terms of payment shall be as follows: C.O.D. upon completion of work. If payment is not C.O.D., a contractor pre -lien will be required. VISA— MasterCard accepted. 6114"9,1'/: geyll"'0 S%C'10�1c l 17Cl In the event that it becomes necessary to institute suit or employ an attorney t6 collect any payment or payments due, the undersigned for labor or materials furnished under this agreement or any modification thereof, then you shall be liable to the undersigned for court costs and attorney's fees: said attorneys fees shall be in the amount equal to one-third of the amount for which recovery is paid. Overdue accounts will be charged a 2% per month service charge. (24io per annum) Respectfully submitted by: Tree Movers, Inc. Ted Miljevich, President I1 ACCEPTANCE A0RAM b'�'ttaYlR&YABRb�'tt�lrr'r�irR.-RR qM9AIs and labor required to complete the work mentioned in the above osal folPWvf'irjgyN\4gi'eet teUpdltinvount mentioned in said proposal and in accordance with the terms thereof. CUPERTINO APPROVED ACCEPTED AND AUTHORIZED'BY: Case # Date: TR-2019-053 Application Number(s) Sinned: f�p' rM�ftrd�c®i�dyG StMflicensed, insured and regulated b} the Contractors' State License Board. And questions concerning a contract r a� be ref6Erydj�8e Registrar, Contractors' State License Board, Sacramento. California. 800-321-2752 laprox/ tx Signature Jeffrey Tsumura Case Manager 37 Existing tree to be removed Replacement tree in same location 2:CkMUf4%U;iIErF&R �ropment Department e: 36'PbAAing Division —Cupertino CUPERTINU APPROVED Case # TR-2019-053 Application Numbers( Approval Body: Director / Staff Approval Date 04/02/20 Signature Jeffrey Tsumura Case Manager Existing tree to be removed Replacement tree in same location: Podocarpus Gracilior Size: 36" box I \ _j m L 4 L, February 11, 2020 Prepared for: Jeff Tsumura Associate Planner City Cupertino 10300 Torre Ave Cupertino, CA 95014 Re: 10018 Minaker Court — Tree removal permit West Coast Arborists Inc. 390 Martin Ave Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 855-8660 Wcainc.com This letter was requested by the City of Cupertino planning department. An arborist report was submitted to the City of Cupertino, and West Coast Arborists (WCA) has been hired to peer review the report. Ralph Osterling Consultants, Inc. preformed an assessment on two large Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) trees located on the east side of the property at 10018 Minaker Court. The report describes the two trees as having extensive structural defects and decay in the main stem. Due to surrounding property the trees were recommended for removal. This letter is not an official risk assessment and was limited to the information provided to me by the city and what was visual from the ground during my assessment on February 11th, 2020. The trees appeared to be in good health with little to no dead branches present in the canopy. No pests or diseases were obvious during the inspection. The two mature Oaks displayed multiple stems with large areas of included bark' at the attachment points. The tree closest to the front of the house had decay present at several old pruning wounds. Long leaders extending upwards with heavy lateral branches extending in all directions on both trees. The structural defects present in both trees do not appear to be at immediate risk of failure under normal weather conditions, but over time the poor attachment points will likely cause a large leader failure. Targeted end -weight reduction, cabling and continued monitoring may reduce the risk of failure temporarily, but the structural defects cannot be 100% corrected. CorRmu*t*(Dd�eltypen�b(Depaqrihenttduce risks to life and property. Planning Division — Cupertino CUPBaTiNo APPROVED Case # TR-2019-053 Application Number(s) Approval Bpc Statt In�(�k that becomes embedded in a crotch (union) between branch and trunk or between Approva I D minas 'c Piric CaI1GPC \A/PPIC rtr11rt11rP Signature Jeffrey Tsumura West Coast Arborists Inc. —10018 Minaker Court — February 11th,2020 Case Manager Page 1 of 3 West Coast Arborists Inc. - 390 Martin Ave Santa Clara, CA 95050 - (408) 855-8660 Wcainc.com The applicant provided a replanting plan, that listed 2 36-inch box Podocarpus gracilior also known as Afrocarupus gracilior or African Fern Pine. These trees are capable of growing up 40- 60 feet in height and could offset the loss of canopy. However, the species is often used as hedge, and would not provide the same benefits of a large native oak. Due to the lack of canopy in the area I recommend 2 native Oak trees in addition to the two proposed Fern pines. Options could include Valley Oak (Quercus lobata) Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) California Black Oak (Quercus kelloggii) and others. Thank you for the opportunity to assist you in your tree assessment needs. If there are any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me directly at (408) 835-0438 or greeve@wcainc.com Respectfully, Glenn 0. Whitlock -Reeve Board Certified Master Arborist WE-10177BTM ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor Community Development Department Planning Division — Cupertino CUPBaTiNo APPROVED Case # TR-2019-053 Application Number(s) Approval Body: Director / Staff Approva I Date 04/02/20 Signature Jeffrey Tsumura West Coast Arborists Inc. — 10018 Minaker Court — February 11th,2020 Case Manager Page 2 of 3 West Coast Arborists Inc. - 390 Martin Ave Santa Clara, CA 95050 - (408) 855-8660 Wcainc.com ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITING CONDITIONS 1. Care has been taken to obtain all information from reliable sources. All data has been verified insofar as possible; however, the Consultant can neither guarantee nor be responsible for the accuracy of information provided by others. Standard of Care has been met with regards to this project within reasonable and normal conditions. 2. The Consultant will not be required to give testimony or to attend court by reason of this report unless subsequent contractual agreements are made, including payment of an additional fee for such services as described in the fee schedule and contract of engagement. 3. Loss or alteration of any part of this report invalidates the entire report. 4. Possession of this report or a copy thereof does not imply right of publication or use for any purpose by any other than the person to whom it is addressed, without the prior written consent of the Consultant. 5. This report and any values expressed herein represent the opinion of the Consultant, and the Consultant's fee is in no way contingent upon the reporting of a stipulated result, a specified value, the occurrence of a subsequent event, nor upon any finding to be reported. 6. Unless expressed otherwise: 1) information contained in this report covers only those items that were examined and reflects the condition of those items at the time of inspection; and 2) the inspection is limited to visual examination of accessible items without dissection, excavation, or coring, unless otherwise stated. There is no warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied, that problems or deficiencies of the tree(s) or property in question may not arise in the future. 7. Arborists are tree specialists who use their education, knowledge, training, and experience to examine trees, recommend measures to enhance the beauty and health of trees, and attempt to reduce the risk of living near trees. It is highly recommended that you follow the arborist recommendations; however, you may choose to accept or disregard the recommendations and/or seek additional advice. 8. Arborists cannot detect every condition that could possible lead to the structural failure of a tree. Trees are living organisms that fail in ways we do not fully understand. Conditions are often hidden within trees and below ground. Arborists cannot guarantee that a tree will be healthy or safe under all circumstances, or for a specific period of time. 9. Any recommendation and/or performed treatments (including, but not limited to, pruning or removal) of trees may involve considerations beyond the scope of the arborist's services, such as property boundaries, property ownership, site lines, disputes between neighbors, and any other related issues. Arborists cannot take such considerations into account unless complete and accurate information is disclosed to the arborist. An arborist can then be expected to consider and reasonably rely on the completeness and accuracy of the information provided. CommYO.it-,PgyOPtWPi %l[ glaPihA@F@ Xr bias with respect to the subject matter of this report or the parties PIannirm'IDII&iY�6�le-V.'ijp iii6the subject trees) and to the best of their knowledge and belief, all statements and information presented in the report are true and correct. CUPERTINO APPROVED Case # 11. UTR92(#00v�M3tated, trees were examined using the risk assessment criteria detailed by the Ap�qw3ffi4+awVwfqty of Arboriculture's publications Best Management Practices — Tree Risk Assessment and the Tree Risk Assessment Manual. Approval Body: Director / Staff Approva I Date 04/02/20 Signature Jeffrey Tsumura West Coast Arborists Inc. — 10018 Minaker Court — February 11th,2020 Case Manager Page 3 of 3