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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSE202100038 Correspondence 2021-10-22BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS 1185 Five Springs Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902 a Telephone 434-971-3020 a Fax 434-971-1331 8/12/21 Christopher D. Morin Brian M. Quinn BC Architects Engineers, PLC 5661 Columbia Pike, Suite 200 Falls Church, VA 22041-2868 Dear Mr. Morin and Mr. Quinn, Enclosed you will find a Tree Conservation Plan for the proposed project entitled "CV336 Union Run." The plan is designed to specify the necessary tree protection methods and procedures required to minimize construction stress on the trees that will be impacted by this project, as well as to identify existing hazardous trees that are recommended for removal. Trees are recommended for removal when they are located within 1.5 times their height from the proposed structure and meet the following criteria: o The tree is dead or in irreversible decline. o The tree is an unreasonable risk due to a structural defect that cannot be reduced to a reasonable risk level through the implementation of standard arboricultural practices. The site is an existing cell tower with an unimproved access road that leads though a pasture. The tower is not visible from any residential or commercial area. Minimal tree disturbance is expected considering all access and construction should occur in or immediately adjacent to established construction areas. No additional tree root or canopy damage is expected. There are no trees along the access road so there is no concern for damage or disturbance there. The trees that surround the lease area (Redcedar, Loblolly Pine, Hackberry, and Black Cherry) are early successional species that are some of the first to come in when a pasture is allowed to grow back into woods. They are far enough from the tower that minimal root damage is expected. Other than soil sampling and fertilization to correct any deficiencies no other care is expected on this site/project . The reference tree is a 23" hackberry. This tree is in reasonable condition. This tree has lost some of its leaves early due to drought stress, but should leaf out fine in the spring. All other "screening" or woods trees are in reasonable condition as well and do a good job of screening the site naturally. The required tree protection procedures are broken up into 3 categories, pre -construction, during construction, and post -construction. Michael Abbott Arborist and Local Manager - Bartlett Tree Experts ISA Board Certified Master Arborist MS in Forestry THE F.A. BARTLETT TREE EXPERT COMPANY SCIENTIFIC TREE CARE SINCE 1907 CORPORATE OFFICE: P.O. BOX 3067, STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT 06905-0067 - (203) 323-1131, FAX (203) 325-1 12Y www.bartlecc.com ITS Tree Conservation Plan CV336 Union Run Tree Protection Procedures Pre -construction o A composite soil sample shall be taken from the site for analysis of soil pH, organic content, nutrient levels of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and manganese, and to establish cation exchange capacities. o The following trees/shrubs shall be removed without damage to surrounding trees. No trees to be removed on this site. o The following tree(s) shall be pruned to remove hazardous dead limbs. No trees need to be pruned on this site. o A tree protection zone shall be established to minimize soil compaction, and root, stem and branch damage during construction. The zone will be defined as an area that is 9 inches times the diameter at breast height (DBH) away from any tree to be protected. o A 4 foot high, orange, UV -resistant, high -tensile strength, barricade fabric fence shall be installed to define the Tree Protection Zone and limit access. Durina Construction o The Tree Protection Zone will be inspected and maintained on a daily basis when work is occurring on the property. o Trees shall be inspected on a regular basis by a certified Arborist to evaluate for construction trauma, as well as for secondary pest and disease concerns, and irrigation needs. o No construction equipment, supplies or debris will be allowed in the Tree Protection Zone. o Trenching or excavation within the Tree Protection Zone will not be allowed without consultation with certified Arborist and will require specialized equipment to perform proper root pruning. o Root pruning will be performed under the supervision of a certified Arborist and will be performed in such a manner, and with equipment designed to cut through roots cleanly, o as not to tear roots. If roots greater than 2 inches in diameter are encountered ® during root pruning, they shall be traced back towards the tree using an air -spade and runed by hand at a point specified by the Arborist. o Grade changes around trees shall be avoided. Excess soil and debris must be removed from site. Post -construction o Tree protection fencing shall be removed. o The following trees shall be fertilized based on specific needs as determined by soil analysis. Fertilization should include Mycorrhizae inoculation for mature trees, and should be applied using the sub -surface soil injection method. All trees surrounding tower compound within the lease area. These trees are shown on the Union reference tree survey dated 9.26.20. o Trees that have been affected by construction shall be pruned to remove any dead or damaged limbs. Any bark wounds shall be traced to promote wound closure. o Trees shall be inspected during the growing season following construction by a certified Arborist to evaluate for construction trauma, as well as for secondary pest and disease concerns, and irrigation needs. The inspection period will extend for up to 18 months following completion of construction.