arborist’s report - city of st pete beach - official ... a feasibility study regarding the...

1

ARBORIST’S REPORT At: Saint Pete Beach

Pass-A-Grill Way

For: John Kretzer, Operations Manager City of St. Pete Beach

1565 Corey Ave. St. Pete Beach, FL 33706

(727) 363-9243

By: Rick Albee ISA Certified Arborist

SO-0989A

DATE: December 22, 2014

2

PAG Report/Tree Inventory The following report includes the results of our inspection of 104 palms and one tree growing in the street rights of way of Pass A Grille Way and associated side streets. The report also includes a feasibility study regarding the transplanting of existing palms. In addition, the report contains a cost analysis comparing the cost of transplanting existing palms versus planting new Washington palms. Part one of the report contains a comprehensive species overview of the characteristics of the Washington palm (Washingtonia robusta) a.k.a. Mexican fan palm. Part two includes the feasibility study and cost analysis. Part three is the report summary and will include our recommendation. The tree/palm inventory follows the report and includes an evaluation of 104 individual palms and one tree.

Part One – Species Overview Washingtonia robusta a.k.a. Washington palm, Mexican fan palm

The Washington palm (Washingtonia robusta), a.k.a. the Mexican fan palm, is native to Mexico where it grows in Mexican Sonora and the Baja California Peninsula. The palm reproduces in South and Central Florida and is consequently classified as a Category Two invasive exotic plant species by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Category Two species have increased in abundance and frequency but have not yet altered natural communities, as opposed to Category One species which are identified as being highly invasive and disrupt and sometimes destroy natural plant communities. The invasive nature of the Washington palm causes considerable maintenance problems as seedlings germinate in flower beds or street rights of way areas and fronds grow laterally into sidewalks or upward blocking traffic signs. The edges of the frond petiole are lined with sharp teeth that can injure pedestrians or personnel pruning the palms. Nonetheless, they are a popular choice for enhancing the tropical effect desired in tourist oriented communities. The Washington palm stands alone in producing the unique effect of a very tall slender trunk topped by a symmetrically rounded crown. The palm grows to heights of 70’ to 90’ with a crown spread of 10-15’ in diameter. One University of Florida publication refers to the Washington palm as a “telephone pole with a green hat”. It is widely planted in the coastal areas of Central and South Florida where it is silhouetted along causeways or planted to break up the vertical planes of tall buildings. It is a fast growing species that in its native environments can live for 150-200 years but typically lives for 70-100 years in urban areas as the Washington palm’s health suffers cumulatively from potassium deficiency and from adverse cultural practices. The Washington palm requires proper fertilization to maintain optimum health; however this is difficult when the palms are growing in narrow landscape islands with the majority of their roots covered by impermeable surfaces. The roots of the Washington palm may extend 50’ or more from the trunk. The crown of a Washington palm typically consists of 30 fronds but in urban areas many only have 12 – 20 fronds. Proper fertilization will increase the number of

3

fronds. The Washington palm should be fertilized four times a year with a ratio of 8N-2P-12-K-4Mg at the rate of 1.5 pounds of palm formula (not nitrogen) per 100 square feet of palm canopy. It is essential that the nitrogen, potassium and magnesium be in a slow release form and the magnesium derived from a kieserite base. From June 1 – September 30th, a formula of 0-0-12-4 can be used to be in compliance with the Pinellas County’s Fertilizer Ordinance. If Washington palms are to be used in the landscape proper fertilization, irrigation and pruning will keep the palm in optimal health and make it less susceptible to serious diseases. In pruning palms, only dead fronds should be removed. Keep all green fronds and partially green fronds on the palm! The palm is cold hardy down to twenty degrees and has a moderate salt tolerance which is fine for the Pass A Grille Way street tree planting. Although the Washington palm is a desert palm it needs a water source to avoid prolong drought events which will stress this species. Conversely, too much water can invite diseases and lead to decline or death. Watering once or twice a week is sufficient provided there is adequate drainage in the landscape strip. In addition to nutritional deficiencies the Washington palm is subject to several leaf surface diseases and four major fatal diseases: Ganoderma butt rot is a serious and incurable disease of older palms. It is very contagious and persists in the soil for many years. Numerous palms die every year from this disease. Thielaviopsis trunk or bud rot is uncommon but is increasing in frequency. It is caused by a soil borne fungus that enters through wounds. Infected palms blow over easily. Phytophthora bud rot is a warm season disease frequently causing problems in wet climates. It kills the younger fronds then the spear leaf which leads to death. Fusarium wilt of queen palm and Mexican fan palm is a deadly incurable disease that is on the rise in Florida and could have major consequences in the future. The disease spreads rapidly in infected palms causing death in two to three months. The trunk of the Washington palm averages 2’ in width at the base and can taper to 8” near the top. Since they are typically the tallest object around they are more prone to lightning strike than almost all other trees and palms. They are wind resistant in normal storms but the trunks may snap or the entire palm may uproot in severe weather events. In 2007, scientists from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) led by Dr. Mary Duryea studied the effects of 10 hurricanes on trees to determine why trees fail and what species are the most wind firm and which species are the weakest. The research project studied over 150 common species of hardwood trees, conifer trees and palms. In the end, the study grouped the trees by highest wind resistance, medium wind resistance and lowest wind resistance. Of 22 palm species studied 16 species were in the high wind resistant group, four palm species were in the medium group and only two in the lowest wind resistant group, queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) and the Washington palm (Washington robusta).

4

Part Two Feasibility of transplanting existing palms/Cost analysis of planting new palms

In conducting a tree inventory the health and structure of individual trees and palms are assessed. The tree/palm is assigned an overall rating and a recommendation is made whether to remove or preserve the tree/palm. If individual palms are assessed to be healthy two concerns relating to recommending transplanting are feasibility of transplanting and long term viability. In general, the existing palms are in average to below average condition. The crowns are anemic reflecting chronic potassium deficiency, inadequate irrigation and adverse cultural conditions. Several of the trunks exhibit physical damage such as chainsaw or climbing spike wounds, vehicular damage and wounds from nails, screws etc. The outer portion of the trunk (referred to as pseudo bark) has eroded away on most of the palms and the erosion has penetrated into the central cylinder of the trunk. This is not a serious concern as the trunk of a palm is composed primarily of fibers and the trunk will remain functional even when 80% of the trunk is eroded. However, the erosion does cause some loss of nutrient and water intake and loss of stability. If transplanting is to occur it should involve palms identified in the tree inventory as having an overall condition rating of 3.0 or higher. The cost and success of transplanting the existing palms are dependent on several factors including:

The ability to attain a root ball of at least one foot radius from the trunk and two feet deep. Success in this area will depend on the location of existing utilities and adjacent curbs and sidewalks.

The ability to transplant the palm into the new landscape area or hold the palm in a holding area under irrigation until the planting area is ready.

The ability to stake the palms at a minimum diameter of 10’. NOTE: If a root ball size 4’ height, x 4’ width and 4’ in depth can be attained, staking will not be necessary.

Cost of Transplanting of Existing Palms The following is the cost, per palm, for transplanting an existing palm from the right-of-way of Pass A Grille Way and installing the palm at a designated area. The cost includes one move with staking if needed, but does not include irrigation set-up. Vendor: Cost Belleair Palms $25 per foot or

roughly $1250 per palm. Morelli Landscaping $700 per palm Tom Hughes $650 per palm

5

Cost of planting new Washingtonia robusta palms

The following is the cost per palm for planting new Florida Grade #1 or greater, 20’ overall height Washington palms including staking. All palms to be warrantied for a period of one year. The planting does not include irrigation set-up. Vendor: Cost Belleair Palms, Bob Deegan $25 per foot of clear trunk Morelli Landscaping, Joe Morelli $25 per foot of clear trunk Sunscape Inc. $27 per foot of clear trunk

Part Three - Summary In all, 104 palms were inventoried including 101 Washington palms (Washingtonia robusta) and 3 foxtail palms (Wodyetia bifurcata) and one trumpet tree (Tabebuia caraiba). The foxtail palms are all recommended for transplanting. The trumpet tree is difficult to transplant and if this species is desired, we recommend planting a new trumpet tree. Of the 101 Washington palms inventoried, 28 have sufficient health and structure to warrant preservation considerations. Of the 28 palms 21 received an overall condition rating of 3.0, 6 were rated 3.5 and 1 was rated 4.0. The 0-6 rating system is equivalent to the following classifications: 0=dead, 1=very poor, 2=poor, 2.5 below average, 3=average, 3.5=slightly above average, 4=good, 5=very good, 6= excellent specimen. The characteristics of these palms are trunks with bark and trunk erosion, scars, wounds and substandard crowns that reflect general neglect and improper maintenance. As noted, they have sufficient structure and health to warrant preservation considerations. There is however concerns related to preserving these palms:

Age: Long term viability is low. The palms are nearing the end of their life span for this species growing in an urban environment. They are in senescence and do not have the vascular system, cellular power or undisturbed rooting area that is sufficient to restore their vitality. The transplanting process will have at least a minor adverse effect on the health of these palms. Even with proper treatment, it is too late to reverse the trend of decline in the palms and restore them to an acceptable level of health. They are equivalent to overly mature hardwood trees that have characteristically thinning canopies with small leaves during senescence.

Appearance: The crowns of the palms identified as candidates for preservation are anemic in comparison to healthy young Washington palms. The crown of a healthy Washington palm has 25-30 leaves that are 4’ – 6’ long with deep green color. The existing Washington palms have 12 – 15 fronds 3’ – 4’ long with muted green color.

6

Height: The palms identified as having the potential for preservation vary in heights ranging from 21’ to 60’ (see table #1 below). When palms are utilized in formal landscapes a great effort is made to attain palms that are even aged and matched in regard to height, trunk appearance and crown size. Use of the existing palms will produce a disjointed appearance.

Value: The feasibility for removing the palms has yet to be determined. If there are no prohibitive underground conflicts or overhead wire issues the palms can be transplanted. However, consideration should be given to the practicality of spending money on transplanting palms that may have to be removed within the next five to ten years. It may be more advisable to plant new palms that will provide a sustainable landscape for the next 50 – 100 years.

TABLE #1 Rating 3.0 Rating 3.5 Rating 4.0 Quantity – Height Quantity – Height Quantity - Height 3 30’ 1 21’ 1 30’ 4 33’ 3 33’ 2 36’ 1 39’ 3 39’ 1 54’ 2 42’ 2 48’ 3 51’ 2 60’

The best argument for transplanting the existing Washington palms is to retain a link to a past era when these palms were planted. If this is important to the community, we recommend planting a grouping of the palms in a designated area but not as part of the new Pass A Grille Way Streetscape. The improvements proposed for Pass A Grille Way present an opportunity to

make a bold landscape statement. An attractive streetscape design utilizing palms has the potential to attract tourists and raise the property value of the area where the palms are planted and in the surrounding community. To maximize the benefits of a palm streetscape we recommend utilizing palm species that have the best overall characteristics in regards to sustainability, beauty, and future maintenance requirements. The Palms should be matched and in scale with the corridor width and adjacent properties. Some palms impart a distinctive tropical look while another palm may create the natural Florida look. In addition, some palms are relatively low maintenance while others are high maintenance. We recommend previewing images of the palms as individuals and as part of a streetscape before choosing a species. The following is a profile of six recommended species and their characteristics: Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) Height: 75’ Crown spread: Up to 40’ wide Trunk width: 16”

7

Drought tolerance: High Salt tolerance: High Wind resistance: High Cold tolerance: Down to 15 degrees Growth rate: Slow Maintenance needs: Annual pruning to remove very large fronds with needle like spines along the petiole. Comments: Green to bluish gray leaves with orange-red fruit. There are several cultivars including ‘Medjool’. This palm is a larger version of the wild date palm. It has a thicker trunk and longer feather like fronds than its cousin. This palm is an excellent overall palm with a majestic appearance as a single specimen or in a colonnade. This is a very popular palm in high end landscapes. It is however, one of the most expensive palms. Wild date palm (Phoenix sylvestris) Height: 50’ Crown spread: Up to 30’ wide Trunk diameter: 13” Drought tolerance: High Salt tolerance: Moderate Wind resistance: High Cold tolerance: Down to 15 degrees Growth rate: Slow Maintenance needs: Annual pruning needed to remove the large fronds that have needle-like spines along the petiole. Comments: Blue-green leaves, yellow fruit, large fronds with needle-like spines. Fruit is showy and attractive. Beautiful appearance but are generally one of the more expensive palms. However, this palm is one of the very best overall palm species and one of the most attractive. Royal palm (Roystonea elata) Height: 70’ Crown spread: Up to 26’ Trunk diameter: 18” Drought tolerance: Moderate Salt tolerance: Moderate Wind resistance: Moderate - High Cold tolerance: To 28 Degrees Growth rate: Moderate Maintenance needs: Self – cleaning – remove dead fronds before they fall Comments: Regal elegance and beautiful feather like fronds. Stout trunk has smooth bark and a green crown shaft that gives the palm a striking appearance. Cold hardy to 28 degrees and

8

will be protected by warmer air by the water but may succumb in severe freeze event. A defining palm that stands out in any landscape. Washington palm (Washingtonia robusta) Height: 90’ Crown spread: 16’ Trunk diameter: 10” Drought tolerance: High Salt tolerance: Moderate Wind resistance: High in normal weather; can snap in severe winds Cold tolerance: Down to 20 degrees Growth rate: Fast Maintenance needs: Annual pruning needed until palm grows too tall to reach. Remove fruit to control aggressive seedling germination. Comments: Tall slender trunk with small crown produces a unique effect. Fronds are fan shaped with sharp-toothed petiole. This palm is a Category Two invasive exotic species. Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis) Height: 30’ Crown spread: 16’ Trunk diameter: 12” Drought tolerance: Moderate Salt tolerance: Moderate Wind resistance: Moderate Cold tolerance: Down to 20 degrees Growth rate: Slow Maintenance needs: Minimal pruning to remove dead fronds Comments: Attractive large blue-green fruit. Fan shaped fronds droop at the tips giving the palm its nickname “fountain palm”. New plantings take a while to establish and put on growth but evolve into an attractive specimen. Sabal palm (Sabal palmetto) Height: 40’ Crown spread: 16’ Trunk diameter: 14” Drought tolerance: High Salt tolerance: High Wind resistance: Very High Cold tolerance: Below 20 degrees Growth rate: Slow Maintenance needs: Annual pruning of fronds and removal of fruit to control seedlings

9

Comments: A Native and the State tree of Florida. Great all around palm! The most adapted for Florida landscapes. Fronds are fan shaped with smooth petiole. This palm is ubiquitous in coastal Florida and creates the “natural Florida” look.

Tree Inventory Saint Pete Beach Pass-A-Grill Way

The following report is submitted by Urban Forestry Solutions, LLC, and includes findings that

we believe are accurate based on our education, experience and knowledge in the field of

Arboriculture. We have no interest personally or financially in this property and the report is

factual and unbiased.

The following Tree Inventory Report will identify each tree by its size, species and overall

condition with accompanying notes justifying the Condition Rating. The Tree Survey indicates

the location of the tree on the site by the tree identification number. This tree identification

number corresponds to the number on the Tree Inventory Report.

Tree Inventory Data

A tree inventory is a written record of a tree’s condition at the time of inspection. Problems not

apparent upon visual observations cannot be noted and were not noted. A tree inventory is also

a valuable tool to prioritize tree maintenance and/or removal of trees with problems that could

lead to failure and cause personal injury or property damage. The following is an explanation of

the data used in the inventory:

Tree# - location - Each tree is assigned a number for reference in the inventory that

corresponds with a number on the Tree Survey that identifies the location of the tree in the

field.

Size – Diameter at breast height (DBH) is the size of the tree’s trunk measured at 4.5’ above

grade. If there is a fork in the trunk at that point, the diameter is measured at the narrowest area

below the fork. Palm species are measured in feet of clear trunk (C.T.).

Species – Each tree is listed by its common and botanical name the first time it is listed in the

inventory. For simplicity the tree is listed by its common name thereafter.

10

Condition Rating – The Condition Rating is an assessment of the tree’s overall structural

strength and systemic health.

Elements of structure include: 1) the presence of cavities, decayed wood and/or split,

cracked, or rubbing branches etc., 2) branch arrangements and attachments (i.e., well-spaced

branches vs. several branches emanating from the same area on the trunk; co-dominant stems

vs. single leader trunk; presence of branch collars vs. included bark). Co-dominant Trunk

with Included Bark Co-dominant trunk attachments are structural defects that can lead to failure if the bark is

included at the base or on the trunk. Some co-dominant attachments can be corrected through

structural pruning and or mechanical bracing. Trees with this potential will be noted. Otherwise

these trees will be recommended for removal.

Elements of systemic health relate to the tree’s overall energy system measured by net

photosynthesis (food made) vs. respiration (food used). A tree with good systemic health will

have a vascular system that moves water, nutrients and photosynthate around the tree as

needed. Indicators of a healthy systemic system used in the overall condition rating include: 1)

live crown ratio (the amount of live crown a tree has relative to its mass), 2) crown density

(density of the foliage). Poor density typically indicates a declining tree and/or the tree’s crown

does not have adequate space to develop, generally due to competition from adjacent trees, 3)

tip growth (shoot elongation is a sign that the tree is making and storing energy.) The overall

condition rating also takes into consideration the species, appearance and any unique features.

The rating scale is 0-6 with 0 being a dead tree and 6 a specimen. Increments of 0.5 are used to

increase accuracy. Examples of the tree rating system are as follows:

TREE INVENTORY REPORT

Please note: Trees are living organisms, and with all living organisms, certain degrees of stress

may be experienced when they are disturbed in any way. It must be pointed out that it is not

humanly possible to entirely ascertain the full extent of stress that the tree may experience. Nor

is it possible to assure with 100% probability that the trees will survive. However, with

professional arboricultural consulting, it is hoped that the stress factors can be held to a

minimum and that the trees will continue to thrive during and following construction.

Tree # Size Species Rating 1 30’ CT Washington palm (Washingtonia robusta) 2.5

Severe bark erosion impacting the core of the trunk.

2 30’ CT Washington palm 2.0






11






Minor bark erosion impacting the core of the trunk.

Transplantable.



Extended root initiation zone.







Bend in the trunk.



Transplantable.



Bend in the trunk.

14 . 45’ CT Washington palm 2.5



Minor trunk restriction 12’ above grade. 16 39’ CT Washington palm 2.5

Severe bark erosion impacting the core of the trunk. 17 42’ CT Washington palm 2.0

12




Severe decay Northeast side. 20 51’ CT Washington palm 2.5



Transplantable.





Transplantable.



Transplantable.



Transplantable.


Dead.

27 12” Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia caraiba) 3.0

These trees do not transplant well and there is not adequate area between the back of

curb and sidewalk to obtain a large enough root ball.

Not recommended for transplant.

13

28 42’ CT Washington palm 2.0 29 42’ CT Washington palm 2.0 30 42’ CT Washington palm 2.0

Trees 28, 29 and 30 are a cluster of three trees attached at the base. They cannot be

moved as a cluster or as individuals due to the basal attachments.

Moderate bark erosion impacting the core of the trunk.


Severe decay on the base on the East side.

Carpenter ants present in the decay.


Lean to the East.


Severe decay on the base.










Transplantable.




Transplantable.

14


Transplantable.


This tree is worth transplanting, however, there is a ficus tree and a plam tree growing

at the base of this tree with will hinder transplanting it.



Transplantable.



Transplantable.



Transplantable.

Trees 45, 46, 47 and 48.




Transplantable.




15


Trees 49 and 50 are a cluster of two trees as a cluster or as individuals due to the basal

attachments. attached at the base. They cannot be moved




This tree is in a 3.5’ wide strip with the curb only 2” from the root flare.

Not recommended for transplant.





Some trunk restrictions.

55 30’ CT Washington palm 3.0 56 27’ CT Washington palm 2.5 57 30’ CT Washington palm 2.0



59 45’ CT Washington palm 2.5 60 30’ CT Washington palm 3.0

One foot from the sidewalk.

16




The adjacent driveway and sidewalk will make this tree difficult to transplant.


Large basal wound.


This tree is in a 4’ wide strip.


Large wound on the base on the East side.


This tree is in a 4’ wide strip.


Transplantable.


Decay present with insect frass on the East side.

Trunk is split.


Decay present with insect frass on the South and East sides.


Decay present on the lower trunk.




Transplantable.


The curb is 1’ to the East.

Transplantable.


Transplantable.


17

Transplantable.



Large cavity about just under the bud.




Transplantable.


Minor decay on the trunk on the South side.

This tree is in a 3.5’ wide strip.

Transplantable.


Severe decay present on the lower trunk.


Transplantable.


Minor trunk restrictions.

Bend in the trunk.

The curb is 1’ to the West.

Transplantable.




Severe decay present on the lower trunk on the East side.


Large wound on the base on the West side.


This tree is in a 3.0’ wide strip.

88 21’ CT fox tail palm (Wodyetia bifurcate) 3.5

This tree is close to the overhead wires.

18

Transplantable, use caution.

89 21’ CT fox tail palm 3.0


Wound present on the crown shaft.


90 21’ CT fox tail palm 3.5




Minor decay on the trunk on the North side.





The adjacent driveway, sidewalk and underground cables will make this tree difficult to

transplant.




Transplantable.






Transplantable.


Minor trunk restrictions.

Transplantable.


Transplantable.

19


Transplantable.


Transplantable.


Trees 104 and 105 are growing in close proximity to each other and the adjacent seawall

to allow for a sufficient root ball.

They are not recommended for transplanting.

arborist’s report - city of st pete beach - official ... a feasibility study regarding the...

Documents