Arboricultural Assessment Precinct Structure Plan - 1059 Beveridge North west. Prepared for: Fiona McDougal Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA) Prepared by: Bruce Callander | Tree Logic Pty Ltd 15 October 2013 Tree Logic Pty Ltd Unit 4, 21 Eugene Terrace Ringwood Vic 3134 Ph 03 9870 7700 treelogic.com.au Arboricultural Assessment Report – Beveridge PSP 1059. Contents. Arboricultural Assessment .............................................................................................................................................................. 1 Precinct Structure Plan - 1059 Beveridge North west. ....................................................................................................... 1 1 Executive summary ................................................................................................................................................................. 3 2 Client Brief .................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 3 Key Objectives: ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4 4 Method: ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 5 Observations .............................................................................................................................................................................. 7 6 Discussion: ............................................................................................................................................................................... 11 7 Photographic catalogue: ..................................................................................................................................................... 16 8 Conclusion and Recommendations: .............................................................................................................................. 18 References: ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19 Appendix 1A: Individual Tree assessment details: PSP 1059 - Beveridge North west .................................... 20 Appendix 1B: Individual Tree assessment details: PSP 1059 - Beveridge North west .................................... 21 Appendix 2: Tree numbers & locations: PSP 1059 - Beveridge North west........................................................... 22 Appendix 3: Arboricultural Descriptors ................................................................................................................................... 23 Appendix 4: Tree protection zones .......................................................................................................................................... 27 Precedent disclaimer and copyright .......................................................................................................................................... 31 Report assumptions ......................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Version Site Date Author Version File No control Version 1 PSP 1059 - Beveridge 19/09/2013 Bruce Callander Draft 13_5161 North west Version 2 PSP 1059 - Beveridge 15/10/13 Bruce Callander Final with amendments to 13_5161 North west plans and comments Arboricultural Assessment Report – Beveridge PSP 1059. 1 Executive summary 1.1 Tree Logic was commissioned to undertake an arboricultural assessment of trees in the Beveridge North West precinct on behalf Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA). 1.2 The tree population was relatively sparse across the site with most trees being concentrated into grouped plantings for the purposes of windbreaks, woodlots, revegetation, creek bank stabilisation, shade and ornamental garden plantings. 1.3 Three hundred and thirty five (335) tree features were inspected within the study area including two hundred and thirty three (233) individual trees and one hundred and two (102) tree group features comprising approximately 6,700 additional trees. 1.4 The grouped trees includes countless small planted mixed natives in numerous windrows around creek-lines and paddock or property boundaries. 1.5 Due to the grouped nature of the plantings many trees have grown in the shelter of surrounding vegetation. If surrounding trees are to be removed there is the potential for the remaining trees to be damaged by becoming exposed to new wind forces. 1.6 Within the tree population there were forty one specimens which were classed as remnant, naturally occurring indigenous trees based on the species, large size, old age and deteriorating condition. In arboricultural terms many of these trees are in poor condition and would be considered unsuitable to retain but may have higher ecological value due to presence of decayed hollows and cavities. 1.7 Based on observations the majority of other trees were considered to be planted for purposes of windbreaks, creek bank stabilisation, revegetation, shade and garden purposes. 1.8 Each of the assessed tree features was attributed an ‘Arboricultural Rating’. The arboricultural rating correlates the combination of tree condition factors (health, structure & form) with tree amenity value and reflects the retention value of the tree(s). Refer to Table 1. Total tree Trees in tree Table 1: Arboricultural rating Total trees groups groups Very High 2 0 High 30 3 ≈505 Moderate 101 29 ≈1,759 Low 93 67 ≈2,967 None 7 1 ≈67 Total 233 102 ≈2990 1.9 Not all ‘Moderate or Low’ rated tree features should be dismissed as candidates poorly suited for retention, though overall, the retention of such trees should not compromise design intent. 1.9.1 In general Moderate rated trees were of semi-mature age and size and could be readily replaced during development of the site. In certain landscape settings, smaller specimens in otherwise reasonable condition have the potential to offer an established tree resource, even if only as an interim measure. 1.9.2 Low rated trees with health or structural deficiencies are generally not desirable candidates for retention. Windrows with health and structural defects should generally be removed. 1.10 Many trees nominated for retention including those of Very High, High or Moderate arboricultural rating could benefit from some level of tree crown maintenance or reduction pruning to ensure they can be retained for the long term. Pruning can reduce the potential for further limb shed and thereby minimise problems associated limb failure and infection with decay organisms. 1.11 Trees attributed an arboricultural value of None are the least suited to retention on arboricultural grounds, having significant health and / or structural defects. arboricultural report 13_5161 psp 1059-beveridge north west v2 3 of 32 15/10/2013 Arboricultural Assessment Report – Beveridge PSP 1059. 2 Client Brief The Metropolitan Planning Authority (MPA) commissioned Tree Logic to undertake an arboricultural survey of tree features within the area defined as Precinct 1059 – Beveridge North-west region to inform the future precinct design process. The tree study area, Precinct Structure Plan 1059, comprised approximately 1,259 hectares and is defined by the Hume Freeway to the east, Camerons Lane to the south, Old Sydney Road to the west and by the urban Growth boundary and nominated property boundaries to the north. Refer to Plate 1. PSP 1059 Plate 1: Aerial image of tree study area PSP 1059 - Beveridge North-west Area. The land is currently used for a variety of rural purposes and is zoned Urban Growth Zone with a number of overlays affecting parcels within the site. It is divided into 9 allotments of varying size with the largest parcel being under the management of Yarra Valley Water indicated on the above plan by the number 1. 3 Key Objectives: The scope of the assessment included determining the species, origin, health and structural integrity of the trees within the precinct as well as the arboricultural value, landscape value and the ability to survive in an urban environment. arboricultural report 13_5161 psp 1059-beveridge north west v2 4 of 32 15/10/2013 Arboricultural Assessment Report – Beveridge PSP 1059. Whilst the assessment included reviewing all trees in the precinct, the scope was confined to recording only large and very large tree features that are of High or Very High arboricultural value. The assessment also included trees in the road reserves. Where access to private land was denied or unable to be obtained an assessment was undertaken from the boundary to obtain a basic understanding of the value of trees within the restricted site. Only Property 2 was not accessed. The purpose of the report is to identify the retention values of trees within the precinct. • The arboricultural report tables the collected data, illustrating the retention value of all surveyed trees on a plan of the PSP area, and includes discussion and recommendations regarding suitability for retention in an urban environment, required protection zones (AS4970-2009) and strategies to maximise longer term viability, where relevant. • The assessment data