HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-03-24 Arborist CommentsJudy Holst
From: kdwidin@attbi.com
Sent: Monday, March 24, 2003 8:07 PM
To: Jim Butler; Judy Holst; Jay Johnson; Scott Richards; Mark Vierling
Subject: Zintl - 5610 Memorial Ave. - Tree Removal and Land. Plan
o P H Staff -
I have reviewed the plans for the proposed office /warehouse at 5610 Memorial Ave. and made a
recent site visit to confirm the tree inventory , and view the site and the tree condition. I have the
following comments regarding tree removal and the land. plan.
1. The project, if built as proposed, will result in the removal of 74% of the significant trees on
the site. Eight large oaks (20 -36 in. in diameter) are being removed as a result of this
construction. A few trees will remain by the pond edge, between the pond and the proposed
retaining walls, with most concentrated on the northern end of the site. Some of these trees
may die as a result of construction of the retaining walls
2. The City received a complaint from a neighbor in 2002 about the large retaining wall at
5630 and the high amount of tree removal on the sites on this side of the pond.
3. Thirteen trees, most of which are oaks (8 -36 in. in diameter) are designated to be saved. The
three largest trees will probably decline and die as a result of the construction of the retaining
walls. Tree protection fencing (orange snow fencing on steel posts set at 6 -8 ft. intervals, not
silt fencing) should be erected after tree removal and prior to grading. The fencing should be
placed at least 15 ft. from trunks of trees greater than 15 in. in diameter, in order to protect
some of the root system.
4. Nine trees which are shown on the inventory on the eastern edge of the woodland have
already been removed, even though there was no tree removal indicated in the plan for the
building on the front part of the property. These trees are included in the tree removal totals
for the current project. If additional trees die as a result of construction of the retaining walls,
these will also be added to the tree removal totals for the current project.
5. At the present time, if the building is constructed as proposed, 660 replacement diameter
inches of trees will be required or cash in lieu of planting ($33,000.).
6. The landscape plan is acceptable regarding the proposed plant species and sizes and given
the very limited greenspace around the proposed building. It is recommended that some
trees tolerant of wet sties be added between the retaining walls and the pond to provide
some screening for the walls.
Kathy Widin
Municipal Arborist
City of oak Park Heights