HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-06 Arborist Comments Re Tree ReplacementJulie Hultman
From: kdwid in comcast. net
Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2006 4:51 PM
To: Tom Ozzello; Julie Hultman; Dennis Postler; Eric A. Johnson; Jim Butler; Scott Richards; Mark
Vierling
Cc: Julie Johnson
Subject: Xcel Fly Ash Site - Tree Replacement
OPH Staff
Today I met with Sharon Sarappo, senior environmental analyst with Xcel Energy regarding the
additional tree removal and tree replacement for the final phase of construction at the fly ash landfill
west of the 58th St. cul -de -sac. Sharon's memo of 4/5/06 listed the removal of 12 significant trees on the
west side of the chain link fence. There are two more oak which are down to the south west of these
trees which will also have to be removed for grading. Since all the trees on the west side of that fence
will now be removed, it will further compromise screening of the landfill site from the adjoining
residential properties. Rather than have Xcel pay a fee "in lieu of planting ", I think the replacement
trees should be planted on the Xcel property to provide additional screening. Ms. Sarappo and I also
discussed numerous trees in the area which were planted in past years by Xcel and have died due to lack
of care. There are also 3 red pine (approx. 12 ft. tall) which will need to be moved with a tree spade
since they are in the path of the proposed access road. Consequently, the tree planting and
replacement recommended consists of replacement of 7 of the evergreen and deciduous trees which
previously died (most on the east side of the trail from the cul -de -sac), planting of 7 trees as
replacement for the significant trees being removed in this current phase of construction, and
transplanting of the 3, 12 ft. red pine mentioned above. At the site review meeting 4/5, Mr. Knutson
also stated that they could plant 3, 6 ft. "Black Hills" spruce in the area northwest of the trail to replace
screening provided by the large cottonwood which will be removed in this phase. After planting, the
trees should each be watered and mulched with 4-6 inches of wood chip mulch in an area several feet
out from the trunk on all sides. Supplemental watering will need to be done for the first season after
planting to ensure that the trees get established well. There is ample area to plant trees around the cul-
de-sac, including the eastern side to provide some screening for the tan house. The species
recommended for planting include: river birch, red maple, bicolor oak, bur oak, basswood, honeylocust
and "Black Hills" white spruce. If you have any questions regarding this report, please contact me.
Kathy Widin
Arborist
OPH
4/7/2006
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