Arborist Report – Capital Tree Service Inc. (897 Walfred Rd)

Summary / Scope of Work

Capital Tree Service Inc. (CTS) was contacted by Branden Hutchinson (Client), a local landowner regarding the subdivision of 897 Walfred Rd (the Site) in the City of Langford (CoL). The Client indicated they required an Arborist Report and Tree Protection Plan (TPP) to move forward with the permit application.

The Client has requested that CTS provide a Basic Visual Tree Assessment (BVTA) and TPP for the Site. CTS agreed to the complete the assessment and provide findings in an Arborist Report Form including a TPP.

Under the current proposal, of the 39 trees observed, 34 are to be retained, 5 of which are dead or damaged but are to be altered to eliminate risk while maintaining ecological value. 5 trees are to be removed to accommodate necessary site changes. A tree inventory is included as Appendix ‘A’. Photographs and a Site Plan are included as Appendix ‘B’ of this report.

Methodology

• The Site was entered on February 21, 2024, by CTS for the purpose of conducting tree assessments and collecting inventory.
• Keegan Durovich, a consulting arborist and representative of CTS, provided the BVTA for the site.
• Weather: 9°C, overcast with scattered showers, 10km/hr NE gusting to 24km/hr.
• The Site was assessed from grade. No diagnostic tools or invasive techniques (including excavation or assessment of roots below grade) were used.
• Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) was measured approximately 1.4m above grade.
• Measurements and observations were recorded to provide a static representation of the area.
• A tree inventory is included as Appendix ‘A’. Photographs and a Site Plan are included as Appendix ‘B’.

Observations / Discussion

• Thirty-nine (39) trees were observed, all protected under the current City of Langford Tree Protection Bylaw.
• The property resides within two (2) DPA areas: Habitat and Biodiversity, Fire Hazard Area — both of which may supersede the City of Langford Tree Protection Bylaw.
• Trees located on the site have been tagged (tags approx. 1.5–2m above grade). Trees not tagged are labeled No Tag (NT) trees 1–19.
• Protected Root Zone calculations are based on ISA recommendations (one foot for each one inch of trunk diameter; 0.3m for each 2.5 cm). Matheny and Clark’s “Trees and Development” used to assess relative tolerance to development impacts.
• Critical Root Zone (CRZ) is based on tree dripline/canopy spread; PRZ is the main parameter used to calculate tree protection zones and potential impacts.

Site characteristics:

• Rocky hillside lot in a semi-rural neighbourhood with a single-family home at the south end.
• Naturally and moderately treed, mix of young and mature evergreen and deciduous species.
• East-facing slope; shaded afternoons and evenings due to slope and tree cover.

Key tree proposals:

• Total trees observed: 39 (all bylaw protected).
• Proposed retention: 29 (note: earlier summary references 34 to be retained — see Inventory and Observed Tree Impacts for specifics).
• Proposed removal: 5 trees to facilitate grade changes.
• Five (5) trees along/above the cliff face and within the proposed covenant are proposed for modification (reduced/topped to a height such that if failure occurs they would not reach the edge of the steep slope). The project’s Registered Professional Biologist has requested that all wood be left on site.
• CTS recommends that the property owner north of the site modify a group of dead trees to mitigate risk.
• North end (proposed Lot 1): three (3) trees (595, 596, NT1) to be removed. NT1 is dead.
• Off-site trees NT2 and NT6 may experience low to moderate impact due to proposed grade changes (~3x DBH from property line). Arborist supervision required when working within PRZs of NT2 and NT6; PRZ fencing will be placed on property line where full PRZ fencing is impractical.
• Middle of site (proposed Lot 2): two (2) trees (594, 593) on eastern half will be removed for driveway and servicing. Western side has eight (8) trees in a covenant area to be protected — PRZ fencing not practical due to rock ledge; natural protection present. Tree 592 on Lot 1 will receive partial PRZ fencing on Lot 2.
• Services under proposed driveways expected to have minimal impact to retained trees.
• Remaining retained trees are located on proposed Lot 3 or off-site and are outside the zone of impact.

Tree Dynamics

• Tree inventory: Appendix ‘A’.

Observed Tree Impacts

• 28 trees observed are outside of the zone of impact (calculated using estimated over-excavation).
• 34 Bylaw protected trees will be retained and protected.
• 5 trees will be modified to reduce risk while maintaining habitat.
• 6 retained trees (592, NT2–NT6) will receive partial PRZ fencing to limit activity within zone of impact.
• PRZ fencing will not be required for most (all except 592) trees on Lot 3 as they will be outside the zone of impact and PRZ fencing will also not be practical given the surrounding landscape and normal tenant use of the property.
• Construction impact to the retained trees is expected to be low to moderate.
• If further tree issues or conditions are exposed during assessment, the project arborist will contact City staff for further recommendations.

Common and Latin Names

• Douglas fir - Pseudotsuga menziesii
• Western red cedar - Thuja plicata
• Big leaf maple - Acer macrophyllum
• Arbutus – Arbutus menziesii

Tree Condition Ratings Summary

Health Condition:

• Poor - significant signs of visible stress and/or decline that threaten the long-term survival of the specimen.
• Fair - signs of stress.
• Good - no visible signs of significant stress and/or only minor aesthetic issues.

Structural Condition:

• Poor - Structural defects that have been in place for a long period of time to the point that mitigation measures are limited.
• Fair - Structural concerns that are possible to mitigate through pruning.
• Good - No visible or only minor structural flaws that require no to little pruning.

Species Relative Tolerance to Construction Impacts

• Douglas fir: Poor-good – “Tolerant of fill soil if limited to one-quarter of root zone. However, may decline slowly following the addition of fill. Tolerates root pruning. Intolerant of poor drainage. Susceptible to bark beetles following injury.”
• Western red cedar: Good or Poor-moderate – “Relatively windfirm. Intolerant of changes in water table/soil moisture.” Or “Response is very site dependent, probably related to soil moisture. Intolerant of fill.”
• Big leaf maple: Good or Poor – “Select specimens with good crown structure. Tolerant of root pruning and injury but not fill.” Or “Declines following addition of fill.”
• Arbutus: Poor – “Intolerant of site disturbance.”

Reference: Nelda P. Matheny and James R. Clark, Trees and Development: A Technical Guide to Preservation of Trees during Land Development (Champaign, Ill: International Soc. of Arboriculture, 1998).

Tree Protection Plan

General

• Utilize Tree Protection Fencing (TPF) to restrict access to Tree Protection Zones (see Appendix C for fencing specifications).
• Provide signage on fencing which states: Tree Protection Area – No Admittance. Signage must be in a visible location attached to the fence and attached to the outside of each Tree Protection Fencing area.
• Contact CTS to mark locations for the Tree Protection Fencing. All Tree Protection Fencing must be installed in the locations indicated by CTS. CTS must provide inspection and verification of the fencing detail for District approval.
• Each Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) must be vacated of all construction materials and/or equipment. Fencing may not be removed or modified unless Project Arborist is contacted and approval given. In such cases the Project Arborist must assist fence removal and assess combined impacts required for construction completion.
• Capital Tree Service 250-217-8370 – Five business days notice required.

CTS recommends using the existing and proposed driveways for access and landing/storage as indicated on the site plan.

Landing / Storage Area

• All construction materials will be stored in areas identified as ‘Landing/Storage’ in site plans. These locations are indicated on the Site Plan.

Access

• A single point of access shall be utilized for each new proposed lot (location marked ‘Access’ on the Site Plan).
• Contractors and workers shall be made aware of the Tree Protection Zones and Measures in place.
• Tree Protection Zones and areas of the Site not under construction or within the Zone of Impact will be strictly off limits.
• It is the responsibility of the Client to schedule a pre-job meeting with the Project Arborist to discuss Tree Protection Plans, Zones, and requirements.
• Five business days notice required. Project Arborist. 250-217-8370

Root Assessment and Observation

The Project Arborist must be on site for observation and assessment when working within the Protected Root Zone of any Protected Trees. This shall include trees:

• 592
• NT2
• NT5
• NT6
• 580
• 579
• 577
• 578
• NT12
• NT13
• NT14
• NT15

Compaction Reduction

• Utilize ‘hog-fuel’ (wood chips or a similar alternative), mats, steel plates or ¾” plywood in and around the PRZs of trees in locations where it is not practicable for TPF to protect the entire PRZ. This must be done prior to any construction activities.
• Hog-fuel or similar to be placed at a depth of not less than 20cm.

Tree Pruning

• Tree pruning required for access, egress, tree health and safety shall be performed by an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist without the use of climbing spurs.
• All tree pruning shall be performed in accordance with ANSI A-300 Standards for Tree Care Operations.

Blasting

• CTS recommends the use of an expanding foam (e.g., Geobreak) to break rock. If powder must be used, a low nitrogen and low velocity explosive should be utilized.
• Recommend use of foam to strategically fracture rock before using excavator (hoe ram) to break up and remove rock.
• Critical that ¾” plywood is used to protect (armour) retained trees and heavy matting used to dampen shockwaves if explosives are utilized.
• A removal plan for the rock will be developed with the blasting contractor and the Project Arborist. Recommended that this plan is created prior to the blasting contractor providing a cost estimate.

Typical Excavation within PRZ – Process Plan

1. Provide and schedule Project Arborist to assess site prior to construction.
2. Inventory and identify trees and hazards which could complicate excavation process.
3. Utilize hand tools and cutting equipment when large tree roots are anticipated.
4. When possible, utilize small, rubberized track excavation equipment which will reduce soil compaction.
5. Excavator operator must be well informed about dig site and goal to complete project.
6. Use shallow excavation sweeps across the site to establish a depth which roots can be easily identified. (3cm to 5cm in depth of soil for each sweep across the soil face)
7. Roots greater than 6cm in diameter shall be preserved and inspected by the Project Arborist. The project arborist will determine if roots should be pruned or cut.
8. All roots greater than 6cm in diameter should be identified and documented for project records.
9. Photos are highly recommended for documentation purposes.

• Assessment of the site may expose further tree issues or conditions. If this occurs the project arborist will contact City Staff for further recommendations.

Role of the Project Arborist

• Create the Tree Preservation Plan and be on site to supervise work within or immediately adjacent to the tree protection areas identified on the attached tree plan.
• Present to supervise landscaping operations and activity within the tree protection areas.
• At completion, confirm any tree protection or remediation related deficiencies have been addressed by owner and building contractor.
• Once deficiencies (if any) remedied, Project Arborist shall prepare a letter to the City of Langford confirming completion of the project.

Tree Protection Plan Summary

i. Provide a detailed sign specifying that tree protection measures are in place and will be followed during the project. Fines will be posted for malicious acts and can be placed on individuals who disregard the tree protection plan and its guidelines. Signs will be placed at each entrance of the project detailing what is expected when working in potentially high impact tree protection zones.
ii. Provide tree protection fencing for all trees identified with protection requirement in this report. This fencing shall be four (4ft) feet in height and made of orange plastic. If required, header and footer boards will be used to secure the protective fencing.
iii. Tree protection and root protection signs will be placed on the fencing (see Appendix C). No entry will be allowed, unless specified by the Project Arborist and in their presence while on site.
iv. Restrict vehicle traffic to designated access routes and travel lanes to avoid soil compaction and vegetation disturbances.
v. Make all necessary precautions to prevent the storage of material, equipment, stockpiling of aggregate or excavated soils within tree protection areas. No dumping of fuels, oils or washing of concrete fluids will be allowed in tree protection zones.
vi. Provide an onsite arborist when a risk of root damage, root cutting, or limb removal is required within the tree protection zone.
vii. Avoid alterations to existing hydrological patterns to minimize vegetation impacts to the site.
viii. The use of a Project Arborist is required to provide layout of tree protection zones. The Project Arborist(s) will provide pre-construction information to all parties involved with the project. The Project Arborist must be notified five (5) business days prior to construction activities in sensitive areas. The Project Arborist should be used to provide root and branch pruning when diameters are greater than 6cm.
ix. At no time will tree protection zones be removed from the project unless approved by the Project Arborist.

Key roles of the Project Arborist (summary):

• Participation in a site meeting prior to the commencement of works adjacent to Tree Protection Zones. It is the responsibility of the Client to schedule a pre-work site meeting. 5 business days Notice Required. CTS 250-217-8370
• The meeting will review the Tree Protection Plan, Tree Protection Zones and specific measures required to protect the trees during site preparation, construction, and landscape phases.
• The Project Arborist will inspect the Tree Protection Fencing and other tree protection measures prior to a tree permit being issued by the District and prior to work commencing on site.
• The Project Arborist will be on site during works within or immediately adjacent to Tree Protection Areas, including demolition, grading, excavation, rock removal or blasting, trenching for underground services and utilities, preparation of grade for proposed driveways and parking areas, and site inspections to ensure adherence to Tree Protection Measures.

Signatures / Authorizations

Keegan Durovich 2025-06-17
Capital Tree Service Inc.
ISA Certified Arborist TRAQ PN-9272A
B.A.Sc.

Rita Slanina 2025-06-17
Capital Tree Service Inc.
ISA Certified Arborist TRAQ PN-10124A
WDTA-FA9536

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Conditions of Assessment Agreement

This Conditions of Assessment Agreement is made pursuant to and as a provision of CTS, providing tree assessment services as agreed to between the parties, the terms and substance of which are incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement (collectively the “Services”).

Trees are living organisms that are subject to stress and conditions and which inherently impose some degree or level of risk. Unless a tree is removed, the risk cannot be eliminated entirely. Tree conditions may also change over time even if there is no external evidence or manifestation. In that CTS provides the Services at a point in time utilizing applicable standard industry practices, any conclusions and recommendations provided are relevant only to the facts and conditions at the time the Services are performed. Given that CTS cannot predict or otherwise determine subsequent developments, CTS will not be liable for any such developments, acts, or conditions that occur including, but not limited to, decay, deterioration, or damage from any cause, insect infestation, acts of god or nature or otherwise.

Unless otherwise stated in writing, assessments are performed visually from the ground on the above-ground portions of the tree(s). However, the outward appearance of trees may conceal defects. Therefore, to the extent permitted by law, CTS does not make and expressly disclaims any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied, with respect to completeness or accuracy of the information contained in the reports or findings resulting from the Services beyond that expressly contracted for by CTS in writing, including, but not limited to, performing diagnosis or identifying hazards or conditions not within the scope of the Services or not readily discoverable using the methods applied pursuant to applicable standard industry practices. Further, CTS’ liability for any claim, damage or loss caused by or related to the Services shall be limited to the work expressly contracted for.

In performing the Services, CTS may have reviewed publicly available or other third-party records or conducted interviews and has assumed the genuineness of such documents and statements. CTS disclaims any liability for errors, omissions, or inaccuracies resulting from or contained in any information obtained from any third-party or publicly available source.

Except as agreed to between the parties prior to the Services being performed, the reports and recommendations resulting from the Services may not be used by any other party or for any other purpose. The undersigned also agrees, to the extent permitted by law, to protect, indemnify, defend and hold CTS harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, rights and causes of action of every kind and nature, including actions for contribution or indemnity, that may hereafter at any time be asserted against CTS or another party, including, but not limited to, bodily injury or death or property damage arising in any manner from or in any way related to any disclaimers or limitations in this Agreement.

By accepting or using the Services, the customer will be deemed to have agreed to the terms of this Agreement, even if it is not signed.

Acknowledged by:

Name of Customer: Brandon Hutchinson, 897 Walfred Rd V9C 2P1 Langford B.C.

Authorized Signature: _______________________________________________

Date: 2025-06-17

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Appendix ‘A’ – Tree Inventory / Hazard Ratings Summary

Location: 897 Walfred Road, Langford, Victoria, BC V9C 2P1
Date: February 21, 2024
Conditions: 9°C, overcast with scattered showers, 10km/hr NE gusting to 24km/hr

Table 1. Tree Inventory for Site address. Diameter at breast height (DBH) is measured in centimeters. Protected root zones (PRZ) are calculated using a 0.12 multiplier and represent the protected radius area around the tree in meters. Canopy spread is the radius of the dripline measured in meters, critical root zone (CRZ) is equivalent to the canopy spread. Location abbreviations: OS- Off Site, L1-Lot 1, L2-Lot 2, L3-Lot 3, L3SPL- Lot 3 South Property Line, L3C-Lot 3 Covenant, L2C-Lot 2 Covenant.

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Appendix ‘B’ – Photos and Site Plan

Figure 1. Site Plan. Yellow lines indicate Tree Protection Fencing. PRZ is indicated in black, CRZ indicated in Orange, CRZ will overlap PRZ where both are the same. See Appendix C for Tree Protection Fencing specifications.

Figure 2. View from Walfred Rd of proposed lots. Lot 2 centre left, lot 1 right side of photo.

Figure 3. TBD trees N12, N13, N14, N15 — View up slope to west end of lot 2 from centre of lot.

Figure 3. TBD trees 577, 578, 579, 580 — View up slope to west end of lot 2 from centre of lot.

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Appendix ‘C’ – Tree Protection Fencing

Figure 1. Tree Protection Fencing. In rocky areas, metal (t-posts or rebar) drilled into rock will be accepted instead of wooden posts.

Attach a sign with a minimum size of 407mm x 610mm (16”x24”) with the following wording:
a) DO NOT ENTER – Tree Protection Zone (for retained trees) or;
b) DO NOT ENTER – Future Tree Planting Zone (for tree planting sites).

These signs must be affixed on every fence face or at least every 10 linear meters.