HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-1217 Document Submitted at Mtg
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SOUTHERN OREGON
TREE CARE, LLc
M1-772-0404
sotreecare.com
PO Box 5140 Central Polnt; OR 97502
A DOCUMENT OF THE CONDITION OF SIX TREES LOCATED IN LITHIA
PLAZA ASHLAND, OR
Prepared For
ANNE THAYER
ASHLAND PARKS AND RECREATION
By
Willie Gingg
ASCA Consulting Arborisi
PNW ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor #1166
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist #PN5564B
AUG.177H 1012
Lithia Plaza Tree Report Aug. 17", 2012
RE: Plaza trees
I was contacted by Anne Thayer of the City of Ashland regarding all the trees in the
island at the Plaza in Lithia Park. She asked for a report on the current state of the trees
and a general prognosis for each.
First on the list is a red maple (Acer rubrum) 13 Inches DBH (diameter breast height)
and 50 feet tall. This tree has decent branch structure for its species, the color of the
leaves is lighter than ideal but not so much as to think it will affect the life of the tree.
Typical of the species is a large mass of roots above the soil at the base of the tree; this
is not normally an issue for the health of the tree as long as the trunk is not in a position
to be girdled. Fairly full canopy, decent annual growth and the volume of soil suggests
this tree will have few problems over the next several years. Soil appears to be a bit
compacted even though it appears to be decomposed granite. Recommendations for
this tree would be biannual aeration of the soil along with a soil analysis to see if the
light colored leaves are a symptom of nutrient deficiency.
Tree number two is a large sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) 31 inches DBH and 90
feet tall. This tree has severe girdling roots that may be contributing to pale color of the
leaves by restricting the movement of water and photosynthates. This is especially
obvious when compared to tree number three next to it. The growth pattern, size and
health of this tree suggest that it may continue to decline over the next several years.
Along with the likelihood of losing limbs due to long limbs/leaders, wind/heat and heavy
seed years, this tree should be considered for removal.
The third tree is also a sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) that is 21 inches DBH and
60 feet tall. It has good vigor, good color, a full canopy and the old pruning cuts are
sealing well. There is only one obvious buttress root. This would suggest a serious
girdling root and trigger the suggestion to have a root crown examination done to find
the cause and possible remedy to the situation. Other recommendations would be light
end weight reduction to reduce the tendency this species has of dropping limbs.
The fourth tree is a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) 8.5 inches DBH and 15 feet tall.
There is some significant sun scalding on many limbs that appears to be the result of
some heading cuts made in the past. The tree is compartmentalizing this damage well
and if this continues should seal completely in the next few years. The tree seems to be
struggling and could be caused by many factors including the heavy pruning,
subsequent sun scalding, soil compaction, girdling root, much over the root crown and
possibly other factors. Recommendations for this tree would be to prune the offending
roots, aerate soil. biannually and have a soil analysis to determine nutrient availability
and what may be needed.
The fifth tree is a white ash (Fraxinus Americana) seven inches DBH and 40 feet tall.
This tree has excellent health and vigor, a well formed root crown and the graft appears
well taken. There are some surface roots suggesting deeper irrigations habits and/or the
need for aeration of the soil. There is a long, vertical fracture in the bark that appears
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superficial and is sealing well. This is likely caused by rapid early season growth and
should have little if any detrimental effect on the tree. Recommendations for this tree
are to prune branches to clear information kiosk, check-irrigation schedule to be sure
the tree is watered deeply and not too often and to aerate soil biannually to encourage
deeper rooting.
Final tree on the list Is a Modesto ash (fraxinus velutina) 21.5 inches DBH and 5b feet
tall. This tree appears to be struggling in overall appearance and annual growth. The
tree has included bark through most of its unions which is typical. Some of these have
been mitigated with 3 EHS (extra high strength) cables which appear to have been
installed many years ago. The location of these cables is no longer suitable as the tree
has grown. The ideal location for support cables is 213 -3/4 from the union to be
supported to the top of the tree, these are closer to %way. The grade appears to have
been raised up and is covering the root crown. Anthracnose appears to be rampant.
Limbs over the road are melt within 16 feet of the road and are interfering with
communications wires above. This tree may also be better suited being replaced with a
tree better suited to this location. Recommendations otherwise would be to install new
cables at a proper location, excavate fill soil from root crown, prune limbs to achieve
road clearance per city codes, clear branches from communication lines and treat for
anthracnose.
If there are further questions please feel free to call or email us.
MM
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Signed,
Willie Gingg