Arborist Report – 646 Atkins Avenue

RE: Arborist Assessment and Report

Background / Scope of Work

Southshore forest consultants were contacted by Residential Property Owner by the name of Erich Schmitt in regard to a proposed subdivision development project located at 646 Atkins Ave in the City of Langford (CoL). Within the proposal the client is seeking to subdivide the lot into six (6) residential lots. Three (3) existing structures are currently positioned on the lot with the front main dwelling and the rear most dwelling to remain. The client, (Erich Schmitt) has requested that SouthShore Forest Consultants provide a Basic Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) for the site located at 646 Atkins Avenue. Under the current City of Langford Tree Preservation Bylaw, any tree over 20cm in DBH (diameter at 1.4m above grade) is identified as a protected tree. Under the client’s current proposal fifteen (15) trees are protected under the existing Tree Preservation Bylaw. SouthShore Forest Consultants agreed to complete the field assessment and provide the findings in an Arborist Report form.

Methodology

On October 10, 2023 Ray Praud, an associate consulting arborist and representative from R.A Consulting preformed the basic visual tree assessment and inventory of the property. All trees are tagged and recorded on to a spread sheet, the consulting arborists also measured the diameter, species, impact during construction, and current condition of the trees. Trees are tagged in Series “100” - #101-115.
No form of invasive testing, excavation and or drilling were performed. The site was assessed form grade.

Observations / Discussion

The site was observed to be a developed residential site along the North side of Atkins Ave. The site was observed to have an existing single family residential structure positioned on it with two (2) small secondary living spaces at the middle and rear of the property. The site was observed to be fairly level, a mix of both coniferous, deciduous and fruit trees. Twelve (12) bylaw protected trees are positioned on the subject property while three (3) are positioned on private property. All fifteen (15) trees are protected under the current City of Langford Tree Preservation Bylaw. Three (3) bylaw protected trees are proposed for removal due to poor health and structure (#104, 111 & 109). One (1) bylaw protected tree is proposed for removal due to driveway impacts (#110). Two (2) Bylaw protected trees are proposed for removal due to their location within building footprint (#106 & 108). Two bylaw protected trees #102 & 103 are proposed for removal due to high impacts from existing building removal. Trees #112-113 will be protected and retain with ownership of these trees granted to the City of Langford for proposed road dedication.

Tree Dynamics / Terms & Meanings

• DBH - Diameter Breast Height – Calculated at 1.4 m above grade on tree stem.

• PRZ – Protected Root Zone, (calculated at a ratio of 1:18) 50cm DBH = 9m PRZ.

• CRZ – Critical Root Zone, (calculated at a ratio of 1:9) 60cm DBH = 5m CRZ.

  50cm DBH = 5m CRZ

• Condition – P= Poor, F=Fair, G=Good

• Footprint = Excavation edge along the outside of building envelope on grade. Over excavation is expected and can be up to a 1.5m distance from the outside of the proposed footprint edge.

• Impact Zone = Constructive area, estimated at 0-1.5m outside the proposed building footprint.

• Impact Levels – L (Low), M (Moderate), H (High)

Appendix A – Tree Inventory

Date: Oct 10-2023
Conditions during TTS inventory visits: 10°C, Rain, 5km/h E Breeze
646 Atkins Ave, Langford BC.
R.A. Consulting/Southshore Forest Consultants
Appendix A - Tree Inventory/Hazard Ratings Summary

ATTACHMENTS

• Appendix A – Tree Inventory
• Appendix B - Tree Site Map/Site Photos

Although the site has been assessed, trees in the landscape are dynamic and changes could occur. This report is a static representation of the site during our assessment on October 10, 2023.

Arborist Credentials

Michael Butcher
SouthShore Forest Consultants
BSc Forestry
ISA-ON-0583A
TRAQ# 1401
Certified Tree Appraiser #1434

Arborist Disclosure Statement

Arborists are tree specialists who use their education, training and experience to examine trees, recommend measures to enhance the beauty and health of trees, and attempt to reduce the risks.
Arborists cannot detect every condition that could possibly lead to structural failure of a tree. Trees are living organisms that fail in ways we do not fully understand. Conditions are often hidden within trees and below the ground.
Arborists cannot guarantee that the tree will be healthy and safe under all circumstances, or for a specific period of time. Trees are dynamic specimens, not static. Changes in conditions, including the environment are unknown.
Remedial treatments cannot be guaranteed.
Trees can be managed, but they cannot be controlled. The only way to eliminate all risk is to eliminate all trees.

Tree Assessment Condition Rating

Good -
A tree specimen which is exempt defects, branch dieback, moderate insect and fungal identification. This tree has evenly distributed branching, trunk development and flare. The root zone is undisturbed, leaf, bud and flower production and elongation are normal for its distribution.

Fair -
A tree specimen which has minor defects, branch dieback, previous limb failure, identification of cavities and insect, or fungal identification. This tree has multiple (2-3) primary stem attachments; previous utility pruning, callus growth and poor wound wood development. Minor root girdling, soil heave and identifiable mechanical damage to the root flare or root zone.

Poor -
A tree specimen where 30-40% of the canopy is identifiably dead, large dead primary branching, limited leaf production, bud development and stem elongation. Limb loss or failure, and heavy storm damage leading to uneven weight distribution. Large pockets of decay, multiple cavities, heavy insect and fungal infection. Root crown damage or mechanical severing of roots. Root plate shifting, heavy lean and movement of soil.

Dead -
Tree has been observed to be dead with no leaf, foliar and bud development. No stump sprouts and root suckers are present.

Appendix B – Site Photos

Figure #1a – Tree Site Map – Current site map.

Figure #1b – Tree Site Map – Proposed site map.

Figure #2 – Site Photo - NW view of driveway. Atkins Ave frontage.

Figure #3 – Site Photo - Atkins Ave frontage. White line indicates proposed driveway.

Figure #4 – Site Photo - West facing from driveway.

Figure #5 – Site Photo - Tree #109 poor rooting structure. Showing root plate lift and cavity. Dangerous - Remove.

(Trees 112-113 to CoL for Road Dedication)

Figure #6 – Site Photo - North facing to back of lot showing trees #101-105.

Figure #7 – Site Photo - SE facing. Private trees #114 & 115.

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