HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-11 Arborist Comments to Thomas Grace Landscaping Compliance Julie Hultman
From: K.D.Widin <kdwidin @comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, October 11, 2013 1:38 PM
To: Eric Johnson; Mark Vierling (E-mail);Andrew Kegley; Betty Caruso;Julie Hultman; Scott
Richards; Chris Long;Jennifer Pinski
Subject: 5605 Memorial Ave. -Thomas Grace - Landscaping
OPH Staff-
I have inspected the installed landscaping at the Thomas Grace building at 5605 Memorial Ave. and have the following
observations and
recommendations:
1. Landscaping has been installed in the locations indicated and all trees and shrubs are alive.
2. A few plant substitutions have been made for trees and shrubs,which are different than indicated on the approved
landscape plan, but these changes are acceptable.
3.The two flowering crabapples on the north side of the building, along the entrance drive,were badly fed upon by
voles at the bases of the trees during last winter. These trees are still alive (not sure how!) but they may die in the next
year or two. The trees should be replaced if they die. Lower trunks of ornamental trees can be protected from vole
feeding injury by putting a cylinder of 1/4 in. mesh hardware cloth around the trunk from just below the soil line up 2-3
feet on the trunk. This should be on the trunks from October through snow melt in the spring.
4.The Norway maple on the north side of the entrance drive, which was transplanted and staked, is not doing well,
probably due to transplant injury and drought stress. The staking is not done properly and should be removed. Tree
appears to be stable at this time.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this inspection or report. Please forward my comments to the
developer.
Kathy Widin
Arborist
City of Oak Park Heights
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