18 ATTACHMENT 09 - Laserfiche WebLink

Arborist Report. Revised February 1.2017. HortScience, Inc. The Village at Valley Trails. Ponderosa Homes. Page 6 The project will demolish the existing curb and replace the sidewalk across the frontage. Sweetgums#248—260 are located between the curb and sidewalk. I recommend removing and replacing these trees for three reasons. First, tree suitability for preservation is generally low due to poor vigor and defects in tree structure. Second, trees will adversely impacted by demolition,grading and construction. Third,sweetgum is not good choice for the planting space The species is well-known for producing large surface roots that displace nearby pavement. The sidewalk has already been replaced in a large section of the project. There is every reason to expect that displacement will continue to occur in the future. Based on my evaluation of the plans,I recommend preservation of 12 trees(4 Heritage) and removal of 26(1 Heritage)(Table 3). Trees#245 and 247 are off-site but portions of their canopies extend into the project site. Some pruning to reduce the overhanging canopy will be required and is expected to be within the tolerance of the trees. Any pruning of off-site trees should be performed with the property owner's permission. Recommendations for tree preservation are predicated on adherence to the Tree Preservation Guidelines(following section). Estimate of Value The City of Pleasanton requires that the value of trees on development sites be estimated. To establish the value of the surveyed trees, I employed the standard methods found in Guide for Plant Appraisal.9th edition(published in 2000 by the International Society of Arboriculture, Savoy IL). In addition. I referred to Species Classification and Group Assignment(2004),a publication of the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. These two documents outline the methods employed in tree appraisal. The value of Landscape trees is based upon four factors: size,species,condition and location. Size is measured as trunk diameter, normally 54"above grade. The species factor considers the adaptability and appropriateness of the plant in the East Bay area. The Species Classification and Group Assignment lists recommended species ratings and evaluations. Condition reflects the health and structural integrity of the individual. The location factor considers the site,placement and contribution of the tree in its surrounding landscape. In this case,trees were located in a well maintained residential part of Pleasanton. The estimated value of the 12 trees recommended for preservation was$33,900;for 26 trees recommended for removal,$33.400(Table 3).