Arborist Report an Assessment on the Health and Structure of Nine Trees
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TREE SPECIALISTS Arborist Report An assessment on the health and structure of nine trees. For: Nambucca Shire Council SITE ADDRESS: River St, Macksville NSW 2447 23 February 2019 Prepared by Alyx Capper Diploma of Horticulture (Arboriculture) Ref No: 3199 ARBPRO PTY LTD 150 Heritage Dr Telephone: 0400 822 848 ABN 84123994570 Moonee Beach Email: [email protected] NSW 2450 Web: www.arbpro.com.au Contents Summary ..................................................................................................................................................1 1 Introduction .....................................................................................................................................2 1.1 Background ..............................................................................................................................2 1.2 Aim ...........................................................................................................................................2 1.3 The Trees..................................................................................................................................2 1.4 Disclaimer ................................................................................................................................2 2 Methodology ...................................................................................................................................3 2.1 Visual Tree Inspection ..............................................................................................................3 2.2 Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) ............................................................................3 2.3 Tree Life Expectancy and Significance .....................................................................................3 2.4 Photos ......................................................................................................................................3 3 Observations ....................................................................................................................................4 3.1 Site Description ........................................................................................................................4 3.2 The Trees..................................................................................................................................4 3.2.1 Tree Inventory ....................................................................................................................5 3.3 Included Bark and Wind Exposure ...........................................................................................8 3.4 Cavities .....................................................................................................................................8 4 Discussion ........................................................................................................................................8 4.1 Harpephyllum caffrum (Kaffir Plum) – T1, T2, T5, T6, T7, T8 ..................................................8 4.2 Ficus microcarpa var. Hillii (Hills Fig) – T3, T4 ..........................................................................8 4.3 Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaf Paperbark) – T9 ...........................................................9 4.4 Tree Retention Value ...............................................................................................................9 5 Recommendations ...........................................................................................................................9 References ............................................................................................................................................ 11 Appendix A – Photos ............................................................................................................................. 12 Appendix B – Retention Value .............................................................................................................. 17 Appendix C – Glossary of Terms for Tree Inventory ............................................................................. 20 Appendix D – Replacement Tree Species ............................................................................................. 21 Tree Waratah Fact Sheet .................................................................................................................. 22 Golden Penda Fact Sheet .................................................................................................................. 23 Ivory Curl Fact Sheet ......................................................................................................................... 24 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville Summary On 6 February 2019, Alyx Capper of Arbpro Tree Specialists, completed a ground level assessment of nine trees at River St, Macksville NSW 2447. The inspection was initiated in regards to the health, structure and long-term sustainability of each tree. Six trees (T1, T2, T5, T6, T7, T8) were identified as mature Harpephyllum caffrum (Kaffir Plum), which are exotic species native to South Africa. They were assessed as having a low retention value and their removal is recommended. It is recommended that they are replaced with an Australian native species that is better suited to the area. Two trees (T3, T4) were identified as mature Ficus microcarpa var. Hillii (Hills Fig), which is native to Queensland. They were assessed as having a high retention value and they should be retained with some minor crown thinning. It is also recommended that a catch cable support system be installed in the over-extended north growing branches. This can be designed by Kayne Smith, AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist, from Arbpro Tree Specialists. One tree (T9) was identified as a semi-mature Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaf Paperbark), which is native to New South Wales and Queensland. It was assessed as having a high retention value and it should be retained. Mulch should be applied to the base of the tree to reduce the likelihood of whipper snipper damage and there is no pruning working necessary at this stage. The recommendations in this report were calculated using modern arboricultural techniques and aim to retain trees where can be done so safely and effectively without compromising tree health and longevity. Figure 1 The trees at River St, Macksville. ARBPRO PTY LTD 1 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville 1 Introduction 1.1 Background Nambucca Shire Council has commissioned Arbpro Pty Ltd to prepare an arboricultural risk assessment on nine trees located on River St, Macksville NSW 2447. The report was prepared for Mr Tim Woodward, employed as Green Space Coordinator, for Nambucca Shire Council. 1.2 Aim The aim of the inspection was to: • Assess the current overall health and structural condition of nine trees. • Evaluate the relationship between the likelihood of failure and likelihood of impact. • Determine the potential consequences of the likelihood of failure and likelihood of impact. • Determine the retention value of the trees. • Make recommendations based on the results of the inspection. 1.3 The Trees The trees were inspected during a site visit on 6 February 2019. The site consists of 2 x Ficus microcarpa var. hillii (Hills Fig), 6 x Harpephyllum caffrum (Kaffir Plum), and 1 x Melaleuca quinquenervia (Broad-leaved Paperbark). In this report, the trees will be referred to as T1-T9. 1.4 Disclaimer The information in this report is for the use of the client and Arbpro Pty Ltd only. Arbpro limits the use of this document solely to the client and no permission is granted for the forwarding or reproduction of this report to any other parties. No responsibility will be accepted by any other use or interpretation of this report. Any information provided from others about the condition of the trees and the site can only be assumptions. All inspections are carried out using Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) methods from ground level only and do not include the use of any diagnostic devices. Roots and internal defects that are now compartmentalised cannot be assessed as they are not visible. Arbpro cannot determine the structural integrity of internal defects or roots due to this reason. Extreme and adverse weather conditions are unpredictable and can cause unexpected or inexplicable tree failure. Trees are living organisms whose health and condition can change rapidly. The recommendations in this report are valid for twelve (12) months from the date of this report providing the site remains the same. If the site changes in any way, the report will be invalidated. ARBPRO PTY LTD 2 Arborist Report – River St, Macksville 2 Methodology 2.1 Visual Tree Inspection The inspection included the notation of the dimensions of the tree and an assessment of the health, structure and form. Measurements of diameters at breast height (DBH) were taken with a diameter tape at approximately 1.4 metres from ground level and expressed in millimetres. Measurements of diameter at base (DAB) were taken immediately above the root buttress and expressed in millimetres. Tree heights and canopy spreads were estimated and expressed in metres. A soil compaction test was carried out using a flat head screwdriver to test the penetration in to the soil. The inspection included a visual examination of the tree from ground level only. The assessment did not include any woody tissue testing. 2.2 Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) Tree