HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-08-12 Arborist Comments - Tree ProtectionJu` Hultman
From: et
Sent: Tuesda
To: Ho|st; Julie Hultman; Eric A` Johnson; Jay Johnson; Scott
Richards; Mark Vierlin
Subject: McKean Square Tree Protection
DPH Staff, Todd Erickson (FFE).(oc: Ken Hooge. Senior Partnens):
Dn Mon. 8/11/O3.\visited the McKean Square site and inspected the area
regarding tree protection. l have the following comments:
1. Tree protection fencing has been put back upin several of the areas
addressed inmy memos cf7/21 and Uv6. thank you.
2.| could not get to the areas of item #6 and item #7inmy memo of7%21.
due to construction activities, so will inspect that fencing as soon as I can
access the areas.
3. for item #3in memo of7/21. the fence iaup by the oaks and still down
by the pines (south side) where they are currently working, have fence put
back up unless pines are toberemoved.
4. fence is down and soil piled on it by . st side of entrance road in front
of oaks on Kiefer property, please put back up,
5. item #5 on memo of 7/21, fence is up on east side but down on west
side behind the pile of soil,
6. fencing has been put up around oak (item #4, memo of 8/6) and the
block and pipe removed from under the dripline - thank you - this tree has
heavy construction impacts (soil grade increase of 2 -4 feet all around
branch spread), and may not survive. Try to have water drain away from
area under branch spread when grading is finished to prevent water
saturation of root system.
7. oak on NE facing bank just north of large wetland has no fencing
around it - I presume this is because construction is so close to area.
Tree may not survive construction. Do not cut major roots within 15 feet of
trunk or stability of tree may be compromised and tree will be hazardous,
8. at least three large oaks remain unfenced to north of new detention
basin - if more vehicle traffic is expected in this area, please fence trees -
what is the final planned groundcover for this area - the roots of these
trees should be mulched with 6 inches of woodchips (out to branch
spread) to conserve moisture
9. item #8 memo of 7121, raising of grade next to several oaks, especially
bur oak, soil level increased +3 ft. - please put fence up here if possible
and put fence back up by north side of bur oak to south, where fence is
down.
10. oaks have been wounded and broken branches should be cut cleanly
and painted with tree wound dressing in the following areas to prevent
oak wilt infection: a. Kiefer property east side of entrance road (memo of
7/21), b. oaks by construction of new stormwater detention pond - several
with broken live branches (1 - furthest west has wounded branches on
east and southeast sides, 1 - just north of detention basin has wounded
branches on west side).
Mote: Oak wilt can infect oaks throughout the growing season, so no
maintenance pruning of oaks should take place until after Sept. 30th.
Note: I will continue to inspect the property each week as construction
proceeds, which is in the best interests of both the McKean Square
project and the city of oak Park Heights. This is a beautiful property and
attempts to prevent damage will be significant in terms of the final look of
the development. Trying to save trees damaged by construction activities
and managing oak wilt in the future will be a lot more difficult than
preventing damage and disease now. If anyone has comments or
questions regarding tree protection and disease prevention, please
contact me directly. My home office number is 651 - 436 -8811.
Kathy Widin
OPH Arborist