HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-24 Arborist CommentsJulie Hultman
From: kdwidin a@comcast. net
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 9:59 AM
To: Tom Ozzello; Julie Hultman; Dennis Postler; Eric A. Johnson; Jim Butler; Scott Richards; Mark
Vierling
Subject: [SPAM]Memorial Office Condos - Landscape Plan (rev. 5/1 0106)
OPH Staff -
I have reviewed the revised landscape plan for Memorial Office Condos (submitted 5/10/06) and have
the following comments:
1. The plan has changed substantially from the prior plan. It is not as attractive or interesting and
utilizes tree species which will be much higher maintenance than the previous plan. Tree numbers are
about the same, but there are a lot fewer shrubs and perennials than on the previous plan.
2. The tree species have been changed from the previous plan. They are less attractive and more prone
to various pest and disease problems than those species specified on the previous plan. Colorado spruce
have several problems with fungal diseases as they age and some of these should be replaced with a mix
of 'Black Hills' white spruce, red or white pine or 'Fraser' fir. Norway maple planted in this area tend to
suffer from fungal cankers and winter injury and are of only moderate longevity in the landscape. The
Norway maple should be replaced with several varieties of red maple such as the 'Freeman -type'
maples. "Radiant" crab is very susceptible to apple scab, a fungal disease that has been more prevalent
in the past several years when we've had a lot of rainfall in the spring and early summer. This disease
causes susceptible trees, such as "Radiant" to lose their leaves before August, and trees would need to be
sprayed every year to protect them against this disease. The "Radiant" crabs should be replaced with
several different crabapple cultivars that have good disease resistance, such as "Prairie Fire ", "Indian
Summer ", "Professor Sprenger" or "Thunderchild". Amur cherry, though a beautiful tree, is very short -
lived in the landscape and is also prone to stem girdling roots and tipping. This should be replaced with
a hardier ornamental such as Japanese tree lilac.
3. The shrub choices could be more varied. "Cardinal" dogwood becomes a very large shrub (8 -10' by
8-10') and I'm not sure it will work well in the patio area between the buildings. Smaller, more varied
shrub choices, some flowering, some evergreen, and perennials would be more appropriate and much
more attractive in that middle patio /walkway area.
4. The 'Planting Detail' for shrubs is o.k. except for the disturbed (rather than undisturbed) soil
illustrated on the bottom of the planting hole. Shrubs should be set on firm, undisturbed soil or plant
will shift after planting. The tree 'Planting Detail' should also include: removal of twine and top of
burlap and top 1/3 of wire basket (if B&B material is in a wire basket) after tree is in the planting hole.
Tree root balls should also be set on firm, compacted soil at the bottom of the planting hole, not turned
soil as indicated on the details.
Trees will be inspected after planting, and, if twine, burlap and top wire are still in place, the City will
require the removal of these items. Please supply landscape contractor with the correct planting detail.
If you have any questions, regarding this report, please contact me.
Kathy Widin
5/24/2006
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