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TR-2022-001 Peer ReviewCom un Development Department 7100- PI'11fiyi1j9rh Cupertino c u P e r-fi o ConsultApPROVE D Cal 0 0'*- 9'lk116-�Y%01 p icat n M74P4grWg1ey Canyon Road Prunedale, California 93907 Ap ro d . Ap-pro'va 1 Dam 22 Signature Brianne Harkousha Inspection of Trees Requested for Removal Case Manager Vallco Town Center Cupertino, California Assignment I was asked by Piu Ghosh, Planning Manager, Planning Division, City of Cupertino, to provide a Peer Review of the evaluation by Walter Levison, dated 10-19-21, concerning 18 trees requested for removal at the Vallco Town Center project, Wolfe Road, Cupertino. Observations I inspected the trees on January 18, 2022. I briefly met with Dwight Harris, Devcon Project Supervisor, who provided access for me to inspect the trees inside the fenced area along West Perimeter Drive. The other subject trees required no access assistance. The subject trees are as follows: Tree # 804 Coast Redwood 32 inches in diameter This tree exhibits new growth along its central leader, which is likely a result of irrigation by Vallco in 2020/21 and by recent rains. It is recovering slowly from severe drought conditions. I estimate that this tree has improved approximately by 25%-30%. If supplemental irrigation continues to be provided, as required, there is no reason to presume this tree will not continue to improve slowly. I have seen this coast redwood species (Sequoia sempervirens) recover remarkably from severe drought if given adequate water. The report by Levison states that this and other trees were illegally pruned by neighbors. However, there are electrical power lines for much of length of this site on the west side, by appearances on neighboring properties, within 2-4 feet of the concrete fence. I suspect that this tree and the others, described as illegally pruned by neighbors, was actually done by the power company for line clearance. This line clearance pruning to this tree, and the others listed, does not significantly alter the stability of any of the trees I observed. Tree # 834 Coast Redwood 6 inches This tree exhibits new growth along its primary leader. I estimate its condition to be approximately 30% and appears to be improving. However, the top 15-20 of its central leader has died. There is not a significant risk of damage should the top break out and fall. A dead top central leader can often remain intact for years. I recommend to remove the dead portion of the central leader, but I do not think there is a immediate emergency. Prepared by Michael L. Bench, Site Observations: Consulting Arborist January 18, 2022 Vallco Town Center Comm yrb Q Y(Y��� "i Depa rtment P1aI11Ni RFePbVj !Fi9iTTSLAM14AM$art to the screening between the Vallco property and the CUPERTiNQ neighbAl3"OVRP. Case # TR-2022-001 regp n N,,m KMst e woo 10 inches and 9 inches (dual stem) diameters Mr. Levison's report states that this tree has a trunk diameter of approximately 19 inches, Approval Bodykjp*PA@� �&Ageen in existence several years ago. It is possible that the currently Approval Datepres@iifWatems sprouted from the original single trunk several years ago. Signature Brianne Harkousha His tre&F&Hew growtfi a ong its primary leader. I estimate its condition to be approximately 50% and appears to be improving. Tree # 854 Coast Redwood 18 inches This tree exhibits new growth along its primary leader. I estimate its condition to be approximately 15% and appears to be improving. However, the top 30 feet of the central leader is dead. Although this tree is in relatively poor condition, but it is improving slowly. There is no significant risk of total failure. I recommend that the dead portion be removed. Incidentally the apical stems of many of the old growth giant coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) have been destroyed by lightening strikes, sometimes several times on the same tree in years past. When this has occurred, the giant old tree has produced a new apical replacement stem and has continued to survive and often thrive. As such, the loss of the apical stem with this species (Sequoia sempervirens) is not necessarily a death sentence or a concern for total failure. Tree # 856 Coast Redwood 10 inches This tree is totally dead. It does not pose a major risk of damage at this time. Dead Coast Redwood trees in a forest setting often remain standing for several years. I recommend to remove this tree, but I do not think there is a immediate emergency. Tree # 669 Coast Redwood 10 inches This tree exhibits new growth along its primary leader. I estimate its condition to be approximately 30% and appears to be improving. However, the top of the central leader is dead and could be pruned. Tree # 711 Coast Redwood 11 inches Tree # 605 Coast Redwood 7 inches Tree # 628 Coast Redwood 6 inches These three trees are completely dead. I recommend that they be removed when convenient. Tree # 634 Coast Redwood 12 inches This tree exhibits new growth along its primary leader. I estimate its condition to be approximately 50% and appears to be improving. However, the top half of the central leader is dead and is recommended to prune out the dead portion of the central leader at the point of the elevation of the new growth. Prepared by Michael L. Bench, Site Observations: 2 Consulting Arborist January 18, 2022 Vallco Town Center Comm yrb Q Y(Y��� "i Depa rtment PIalni2 9HiYisionCoagVRZHWoBd 18 inches CUPERTINQ This treAPJNQV-EiQ-w growth along its primary leader. I estimate its condition to be Case # apprg1Axi2-fib in the lower 30-40 feet of the structure and appears to be improving. o)WPWf;dG, 6,, rgf the cents ea er is dead and is recommended to prune out the dead portion of the central leader at the point of the elevation of the new growth. Approval Body: Director / Staff Approval DateTre(pgi81422 Shamel Ash 24 inches Signature AdRRfA M&oush�hamel Ash 13 inches ree 4 q§UMana Famel Ashinches Tree # 1122 Shamel Ash 16 inches These trees are in very poor condition and, as Mr. Levison described, Trees # 674 and 678 have a compromised root plate. I recommend that these four trees be removed. Please note that Shamel Ash (Fraxinus uhdei) is a deciduous species. Once they decline severely, such as these, they do not have the ability to improve or recover compared to the Coast Redwood (S. sempervirens) specimens. Tree # 430 Giant Sequoia 27 inches Tree # 434 Giant Sequoia 29 inches These two trees are completely dead, which is not surprising, because this species (Sequoiadendron giganteum) virtually never perform well in this area. I recommend that these two trees be removed. Tree # 555 Shamel Ash 10 inches This tree has a Sunscald wound on the SW side of its trunk, from soil grade to about 10 feet. This wound will never heal and introduces internal decay. There is extensive internal decay, leaving an outer shell for a trunk. I am surprised this tree is still standing. Its structural stability is hazardous and is recommended for removal. Recommended Replacement Trees I have no objection to the recommended replacement tree species, which are all well suited for this area. Respectfully submitted, Michael L. Bench, Consulting Arborist International Society of Arboriculture Certification # WE 1897A American Society of Consulting Arborists Member Attachments: Assumptions and Limiting Conditions Declaration Prepared by Michael L. Bench, Site Observations: 3 Consulting Arborist January 18, 2022