HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-25 Arborist Comments Re Tree ReplacementJulie Hultman
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OPH Staff -
kdwidin @comcast.net
Sunday, June 25, 2006 4:23 PM
Tom Ozzello; Julie Hultman; Dennis Postler; Eric A. Johnson; Jim Butler; Scott Richards; Mark
Vierling
darrell.g.knutson@xcelenergy.com
Xcel Fly Ash Site - Tree Replacement
On Fri. 6/23, I met with Darrell Knutson and Sharon Sarappo of Xcel Energy to discuss tree replacement at the end of the
58th St. cul -de -sac. The remaining trees on the west - facing slope have been removed to accommodate the final
expansion area of the fly ash pit. We discussed the screening needs for the two closest residences on the north and south
sides of 58th St. before the cul -de -sac. Mr. Knutson had already spoken with the property owner on the south side and
found out what their requests were re: screening. Chuck Dougherty, the owner of Cover Park Manor on the north side,
met briefly with us on Friday. Both property owners had minimal requests for additional screening and Mr. Dougherty
actually wants a viewshed toward the west to see the sunsets. Mr. Knutson, Ms. Sarappo and I took all requests into
consideration and also the need for replacement of trees which have already died on site. I n all, 12 trees will be planted on
the site early this fall, by a contractor hir
ed by Xcel Energy: 7 'Black Hills' white spruce, 2 'bicolor oak', 2 river birch and 1 Japanese tree lilac. While on site, I
examined some of the remaining trees and found that many of them had wounds, some recent, from lawn mowers or
weed whips. We discussed protection of the bases of new and existing trees, preferably by mulching around the bases
of the trees, several feet out from the trunks. We also discussed the removal of volunteer Siberian elms, which are
competing with the planted trees, and mulching and watering of trees to be planted in the fall. I advised Mr. Knutson of the
need for supplemental water this fall and next growing season, and he said that Xcel Energy would hire a landscape
contractor to water the trees this fall and next summer. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact
me.
Kathy Widin
Arborist
City of Oak Park Heights
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