Proposed Industrial Condominium at 1611 and 1623 West San Bernardino Road

Home , Ficus microcarpa

Arborist Report

prepared for

City of West Covina

1444 West Garvey Avenue, #317 West Covina, California 91790 Contact: Jo-Anne Burns, Planning Manager

prepared by

Rincon Consultants, Inc. 180 North Ashwood Avenue Ventura, California 93003

October 2019

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Regulatory Context ...... 1 1.2 Project Location and Description ...... 1

2 Protected Tree Survey Methodology...... 3

3 Protected Tree Survey Results and Discussion ...... 5

4 Impact Summary ...... 8

5 Required Mitigation ...... 10

6 References ...... 11

7 List of Preparers ...... 12

Tables Table 1 Overall Condition Rating Criteria ...... 4

Table 2 Protected Tree Matrix ...... 6

Table 3 Impact Summary ...... 8

Figures Figure 2 Non-Protected Trees and Project Site ...... 7

Appendices Appendix A Representative Photographs

Arborist Report i City of West Covina Proposed Industrial Condominium at 1611 and 1623 West San Bernardino Road

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ii Introduction

1 Introduction

Rincon Consultants, Inc. (Rincon) has prepared this Arborist Report for the City of West Covina (City) as a component of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review for the Proposed Industrial Condominium at 1611 and 1623 West San Bernardino Road (project).

1.1 Regulatory Context

This report has been prepared in accordance with the City’s Tree Ordinance (Division 9 – Preservation, Protection and Removal of Trees), hereinafter referred to as the Ordinance (City 1999). Pursuant to the Ordinance, a Significant and Heritage Tree Permit must be obtained prior to damaging or removing any significant or heritage trees. A heritage tree generally means any tree(s) identified as such by the City’s Planning Commission and/or any of the Southern California black walnut tree species (Juglans californica) located in the San Jose Hills, as found within West Covina's jurisdictional boundaries. A significant tree is a tree located on private and/or public property that meets one or more of the following requirements: . Tree is located in the front yard of a lot or parcel and has a caliper1 of one (1) foot or more, as measured four and one-half feet above mean natural grade. . Tree is located in the street-side yard of a corner lot and has a caliper of one (1) foot or more. . Tree is located anywhere on a lot, has a caliper of six (6) inches, or more, and is one of the following species: any native tree of the oak genus Quercus, California sycamore (Platanus racemosa), American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), and southern California black walnut (Juglans californica).

1.2 Project Location and Description

The project site is located generally west of State Route 39, north of Interstate 10, and east of Interstate 605, in the northern part of the City of West Covina, in southeastern Los Angeles County. Specifically, the site is located at 1611 and 1623 West San Bernardino Road on private commercial property and is bounded by railroad tracks carrying both freight and passenger trains to the north; private commercial property to the north and west; West San Bernardino Road to the south (and Manzanita Elementary School south of West San Bernardino Road); and a neighboring residential property to the east (Serrano Apartments). The site is depicted on the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Baldwin Park 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map and is within an un-sectioned portion of Township 1 South, Range 10 West (San Bernardino Meridian). The project site is located on Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 8435-011-005, 8435-015-037, and 8435-015-038 and is within a developed area.

1 Caliper is defined as the maximum diameter of the trunk of a tree measured at 4.5 feet above the natural grade. In the case of multi- trunked trees, caliper shall mean the sum of the calipers of each individual trunk measured at 4.5 feet above grade.

Arborist Report 1 City of West Covina Proposed Industrial Condominium at 1611 and 1623 West San Bernardino Road

Rincon understands that the project activities consist of removing the existing on-site uses, grading the site, and constructing a 106,026 square foot, 24-unit industrial condominium development on the existing 4.54-acre lot.

2 Protected Tree Survey Methodology

As part of the required CEQA review for the project, Rincon conducted a tree inventory and health assessment for all trees within the study area (within or immediately adjacent to and with any portion of their canopy overhanging the project site). The tree survey was conducted by Rincon International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist Ryan Gilmore (Certification # WE- 9009AM) on September 10, 2019, in accordance with the requirements set forth by the Ordinance. The following information was gathered for inventoried trees: . Scientific and common name . Geographic location of each tree using a Trimble® Geo 7x handheld with integrated rangefinder . Caliper of all trunks at four and one-half feet above natural grade (i.e., diameter at standard height or DSH)2 using an English unit diameter tape or caliper . Visual estimation of tree height and canopy spread . Health assessment of tree characteristics including evidence of disease, presence of insect pests, structure, damage, and vigor. Results were incorporated into the overall condition rating based on archetype trees of the same species with criteria described in Table 1 below . Representative photographs of project site, provided in Appendix A

All trees inventoried were mapped as individual tree locations and visually evaluated based only on the above-ground portions. None of the trees are considered protected trees and as such were not tagged. Relationships among the trees (i.e., multiple trunks arising from the same root, mature clones of a no longer present parent tree) were not determined, as only above-ground portions of the trees were examined.

2 DSH is used to determine the measurement of trunk size above the natural swelling at the base of the trunk, known as the trunk flare. Trees were considered to have multiple trunks when trunks were split below 4.5 feet above natural grade, and if physical contact of the trunks at the base of the tree could be observed without disturbing soil cover. In some cases, if leaf litter could be removed without disturbing soil and a connection was observed, the stem/trunk was lumped into the multi-trunk tree. DSH of each trunk was recorded for trees with multiple trunks at or below DSH and the GPS tree location was taken as close as possible to the largest/main trunk. Where deformity occurred at 4.5 feet, measurement was taken immediately below or above deformity, as close to 4.5 feet above natural grade as possible.

Arborist Report 3 City of West Covina Proposed Industrial Condominium at 1611 and 1623 West San Bernardino Road

Table 1 Overall Condition Rating Criteria Rating Structure

Excellent In addition to attributes of a ‘good’ rating, the tree exhibits a well-developed root flare and a balanced canopy. Provides shading or wildlife habitat and is aesthetically pleasing. Good Trunk is well developed with well attached limbs and branches; some flaws exist but are hardly visible. Good foliage cover and density, annual shoot growth above average. Provides shading or wildlife habitat and has minor aesthetic flaws. Fair Flaw in trunk, limb and branch development are minimal and are typical of this species and geographic region. Minimal visual damage from existing insect or disease, average foliage cover and annual growth. Poor Limbs or branches are poorly attached or developed. Crown is not symmetrical. Trunk has lean. Branches or trunks have physical contact with the ground. May exhibit fire damage, responses to external encroachment/obstructions or existing insect/disease damage. Dead Trunk, limbs or branches have extensive visible decay or are broken. Crown leaves are non-seasonally absent or uniformly brown throughout, with no evidence of new growth.

4 Protected Tree Survey Results and Discussion

3 Protected Tree Survey Results and Discussion

No protected (significant or heritage) trees are located within the study area, as summarized in Table 2. There are 15 trees within the study area that do not meet the size or species requirements for protection under the Ordinance, as shown in Figure 2. Of those 15 trees, 10 have trunks on the project site, and five have trunks immediately adjacent to the project site. Of the 10 on site trees, six are Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) trees, one is a Canary island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) tree, one is an Indian laurel fig (Ficus microcarpa) tree, and two are Canary Island pine (Pinus canariensis) trees. Of the five offsite trees, one is a Mexican fan palm tree, one is a blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) tree, and three are Canary Island pine trees. Based on site observations, the on-site trees do not appear to be irrigated or regularly maintained. Trees adjacent to the property site appear to be irrigated and regularly maintained. Off-site tree #1 was in Good overall condition per the rating criteria in Table 1 above. Off-site tree #s 12-15 were in Fair overall condition. On-site tree #9 was identified as having Fair overall condition. On-site tree #s 2 and 3-8 and 10-11 were in Good overall condition.

Arborist Report 5 City of West Covina Proposed Industrial Condominium at 1611 and 1623 West San Bernardino Road

Table 2 Protected Tree Matrix Tree ID Common Name/ Number of Caliper Height Canopy Spread Protected Overall Condition # Scientific Name Trunks (inches) (feet) (feet) Tree Rating Notes 1 Mexican fan palm 3 72 40 30 No Good Located outside of the project site. Dripline extends 15 feet Washingtonia robusta into property. 2 Mexican fan palm 1 13 16 12 No Good Located in between two fences. Access limited. Washingtonia robusta 3 Mexican fan palm 1 6 10 10 No Good Located in between two fences. Access limited. Washingtonia robusta 4 Mexican fan palm 1 26 35 18 No Good Located in between two fences. Access limited. Washingtonia robusta 5 Mexican fan palm 1 26 25 16 No Good Located in between two fences. Access limited. Washingtonia robusta 6 Canary Island date palm 1 20 18 14 No Good Located in between two fences. Access limited. Phoenix canariensis 7 Mexican fan palm 1 5 8 9 No Good Located in between two fences. Access limited. Washingtonia robusta 8 Mexican fan palm 1 13 10 12 No Good Located in between two fences. Access limited. Washingtonia robusta 9 Indian laurel fig 1 36 40 40 No Fair Located in between two fences. Access limited. Ficus microcarpa 10 Canary Island pine 1 13 50 30 No Good Located in between two fences. Access limited. Pinus canariensis 11 Canary Island pine 1 18 55 35 No Good Located in between two fences. Access limited. Pinus canariensis 12 Blue gum 1 22 65 60 No Fair Located outside of the project site. Dripline extends 35 feet Eucalyptus globulus into property. 13 Canary Island pine 1 22 70 35 No Fair Located outside of the project site. Dripline extends 7 feet Pinus canariensis into property. 14 Canary Island pine 1 18 70 25 No Fair Located outside of the project site. Dripline located 5 feet Pinus canariensis outside of property boundary. 15 Canary Island pine 1 18 65 25 No Fair Located outside of the project site. Dripline extends 5 feet Pinus canariensis into property.

6 Protected Tree Survey Results and Discussion

Figure 1 Non-Protected Trees and Project Site

Arborist Report 7 City of West Covina Proposed Industrial Condominium at 1611 and 1623 West San Bernardino Road

4 Impact Summary

No protected trees are located within the study area, and no protected trees would be impacted by project activities. Ten (10) non-protected trees are located on the project site and are anticipated to be removed to allow for grading of the site. Five (5) non-protected trees are located immediately adjacent to the project site and are anticipated to have impacts to their roots from site grading.

Table 3 Impact Summary Tree ID # Location of Tree Impact Development Activity

2-11 On-site Removal Grading

1, 12 Off-site Approximately 50% or less of Grading canopy and roots

13-15 Off-site Approximately 25% or less of Grading canopy and roots

Please note that none of the trees within the study area are protected, and therefore they may be impacted and/or removed without a tree permit from the City. The following recommendations are provided as guidance for impacting the non-protected trees that will remain off-site. The ISA typically recommends that not more than 25% of the crown or foliage of a tree be removed in an annual growing season (American National Standards Institute [ANSI] 2017). The ISA also recommends that activities affecting the roots of a tree impact no more than 25% of the root zone. Impacts to more than 25% of the root zone of a tree can lead to rapid decline in tree health and impacts up to 50% of the root zone of a tree typically result in death of the tree (United States Department of Agriculture 2003; California Department of Forestry (CDF) 1989a; CDF 1989b). Removal of larger roots (particularly lateral or sinker roots and roots greater than two inches in diameter) can severely impact the stability of the tree. Healthy and young trees may tolerate impacts to as much as 50% of their canopy or root system, which are located within the TPZ (Sinclair, Lyon, and Johnson; 1987). However, trees that are relatively large and/or old for the species or already under stress will have lower tolerances. Tree #1 is a large, mature, Mexican fan palm tree that is in Good overall condition. Tree #12 is a large, mature, eucalyptus tree that is in Fair overall condition. As shown in Table 3, the proposed impacts may be up to 50% of the trees’ canopy and roots, which would exceed the ISA impact thresholds and likely result in the serious decline of the trees’ health and structure. If roots greater than two inches are severed during construction, the tree may become structurally unstable and hazardous and is recommended to be removed. Tree #s 13-15 are anticipated to be impacted by 25% or less of their canopies and roots, are in Fair overall health, and are likely to survive such impacts.

8 Impact Summary

Based on the flat topography of the project site, drainage conditions are not anticipated to become an issue during and subsequent to construction.

Arborist Report 9 City of West Covina Proposed Industrial Condominium at 1611 and 1623 West San Bernardino Road

5 Required Mitigation

No protected trees are located within the study area or proposed to be impacted. As such, no mitigation or replacement trees are required. Ten (10) non-protected trees are proposed to be removed for the project but do not require mitigation or replacement.

10 References

6 References

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 2012. Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management - Standard Practices (Management of Trees and Shrubs During Site Planning, Site Development, and Construction) 2017. Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management - Standard Practices (Pruning)

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) 1989a. Tree Notes: Protecting Trees from Construction Impacts. 1989b. Tree Notes: Tree Roots; Major Considerations for the Developer.

City of West Covina, Community Development, Planning Division 1999. Oak Tree Ordinance - Division 9 Preservation, Protection and Removal of Trees. Available on line at: https://library.municode.com/ca/west_covina/codes/ code_of_ordinances?nodeId=MUCO_CH26ZO_ARTVIPRHENOFECA_DIV9PRPRRETR.

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) 2000. Guide for Plant Appraisal (9th Edition), Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers. 2004. Western Chapter, Species Classification and Group Assignment: A Regional Supplement to the CTLA Guide for Plant Appraisal, 9th Edition 2008. Best Management Practices. Managing Trees During Construction. 2010. Arborist Certification Survey Guide.

Sinclair, W.A., Lyon, H.H., and Johnson, W.T. 1987. Diseases of Trees and Shrubs. Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca, NY.

Arborist Report 11 City of West Covina Proposed Industrial Condominium at 1611 and 1623 West San Bernardino Road

7 List of Preparers

Field Survey . Ryan Gilmore (#WE -9009AM), Arborist / Senior Biologist

Primary Report Author . Yuling Huo (#WE-11075A), Arborist / Associate Biologist

Technical Review . Stephanie Lopez (#WE-10442A), Arborist / Senior Biologist . Christopher Julian, Principal / Senior Regulatory Specialist

Graphics . Jon Montgomery, GIS Analyst

Appendix A Representative Photographs

Appendix A – Representative Photographs

Photograph 1. View of Tree #1 Photograph 2. View of Tree #3 (no available photograph of Tree #2)

Photograph 3. View of Tree #4 and Tree #5 Photograph 4. View of Tree #6 and Tree #7

Arborist Report A-1 City of West Covina Proposed Industrial Condominium at 1611 and 1623 San Bernardino Road

Photograph 5. View of Tree #8 and Tree #9 Photograph 6. View of Tree #10 and Tree #11

Photograph 7. View of Trees #12 to #15

A-2