Arborist Peer Review Report - 7752 Orion June 2022 June 13, 2022
Brianne Harkousha
City of Cupertino H O R T J C I E N C E
10300 Torre Avenue 9ARTlETT CONSULTING
Cupertino CA, 95014
Subject: Tree Removal Report Peer Review
7752 Orion Lane, Cupertino, CA
Dear Ms. Harkousha:
The City of Cupertino requested that HortScience I Bartlett Consulting, Divisions of The F. A.
Bartlett Tree Expert Company, provide a peer review of the Arborist Report prepared by Bo
Firestone Consulting & Design (dated April 15, 2022) and Planting Plan prepared by Gregory
Lewis Landscape Architect dated March 5, 2022. The report reviews the applicant's request
to remove and replace one tree due to sidewalk improvements planned at the parcel. You
asked that I provide professional opinions to verify:
1. If removal is recommended and assess the trees proposed to be removed. Are they
dead and should be removed with this permit? Is removal justified, please explain
why or why not.
2. If the replacement plan is acceptable/supported per your expertise of tree
replacements, to ensure that the tree being removed is adequately replaced.
3. If the replacement plan includes trees planted at grade level and that the trees being
replaced are located near or at similar locations as the ones removed.
4. That the timing for replacements would be sufficient and would ensure a healthy tree
will be grown. Please recommend specific timing for replacements.
5. Conduct a site visit to support analysis and findings.
The following summarizes my observations and assessment. I visited the site on April 22,
2022 and preformed a visual inspection from the ground.
1. Verify if removal is necessary based on the impacts and assess the trees proposed
to be removed.
The arborist report lists one 30-inch diameter deodar cedar tree for removal and replacement.
Removal is being recommended based on proposed impacts which would be significant and
beyond the tolerance of the tree. The arborist report indicated the tree was in fair condition;
however, I would rate the tree in good condition.
A sidewalk is planned that is located about 6 feet south of the trunk of the tree (Figure 1). On
the north side of the tree, the structure is proposed to be located at about 12 to 15 feet from
the tree. I agree with the arborist that root loss on the southern side of the tree where
sidewalk is proposed, is likely to be significant. However, large roots are unlikely to be
located in the area of the existing structure on the northern side and impacts there will likely
be minimal. The proposed covered porch will affect a small part of the root area and should
not be the deciding factor in the impact evaluation.
The application does not specify other factors that could impact the tree's preservation such
as grade changes, utility locations (existing and proposed) and underground irrigation lines.
Nor does it address design modifications to reduce impacts to the trees. For instance, could
the sidewalk be narrowed in the area of the tree or left at the sidewalk where both the
HortScience I Bartlett Consulting . Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company
325 Ray St. Pleasanton,CA . 925.484.0211 . www.hortscience.com
Tree Removal Permit Peer Review
City of Cupertino— 7752 Orion Lane, Cupertino, CA Page 2
adjacent properties will and have sidewalk located? Were other options explored prior to the
determination that tree removal was the best course of action?
Figure 1. Detail of I applicant's landscape plans showing the location of the tree and
adjacent construction.
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However, based on the City of Cupertino's Tree Protection ordinance removal could be
approved based on criteria 14.18.180#4 which allows removal of a mature protected tree
based on the replacement meeting the following matrix. In this case the 30-inch Deodar
cedar is proposed to be replaced with a 36-inch box tree. This meets the criteria matrix
below.
Diameter of Trunk Size of Removed Tree Replacement Trees
(Measured 4'/feet above grade)
Up to 12 inches* One 24"box tree
Over 12 inches and up to 18 inches Two 24"box trees or One 36"box tree
Over 18 inches and up to 36 inches
Over 36 inches One 36"box tree
Heritage tree One 48"box tree
*Does not apply to R1,Al,A,RHS,and R2 zones except required privacy plantings trees in R1
zones
2, Verify if the replacement plan is acceptable/supported per your expertise of tree
replacements, to ensure that the tree being removed is adequately replaced.
Based on the 30-inch trunk diameter, the applicant is required to plant two 24-inch box trees
or one 36-inch box tree. The applicant's plan showed planting one 36-inch box bigleaf maple
(Acer macrophyllum) in the back yard of the parcel. Bigleaf maple is a native deciduous tree
primarily found in streambeds with dense shade. The tree has a maximum height of 75 feet
and canopy width of 30-50 feet. I would not recommend the planting of bigleaf maple in this
landscape setting. If the applicant would like to plant a native tree, I recommend planting
naive species coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia)or valley oak (Quercus lobata)., There are
several other options for large canopy trees that would enhance the property.
HortScience I Bartlett Consulting • Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company
Tree Removal Permit Peer Review
City of Cupertino— 7752 Orion Lane, Cupertino, CA Page 3
3. Verify if the replacement plan includes trees planted at grade level and that the trees
being replaced are located near or at similar locations as the ones removed.
The tree is proposed to be removed from the front yard. The replacement tree will be planted
in the rear yard at grade. However, the applicant is proposing to plant a strawberry tree
(Arbutus marina) in the front yard close to where the deodar is proposed for removal. This
tree is smaller in size than the deodar but will be better suited for a small front yard planting
than the large deodar cedar.
Please verify that the timing for replacements would be sufficient and would ensure a
healthy tree will be grown. Please recommend specific timing for replacements.
Planting more trees will provide more benefits to the project. I recommend trees be installed
after work is complete to avoid construction impact on the young trees.
Summary and Recommendations
Based on my field inspection, review of the arborist report and plans, I recommend the City
investigate further if the sidewalk could be relocated to adjacent to the curb therefore
preserving the deodar cedar. However, the applicant has met the replacement findings.
Replacement with one 36-inch box large canopy tree in the rear yard and smaller canopy 24-
inch box strawberry tree be planted in the front yard.
All trees should be planted in accordance with American National Standards Institute A300
part 6 specifications for planting and Best Management Practices, Tree Planting, 2"d Ed.
(International Society of Arboriculture 2014). No root barriers surrounding the root ball should
be installed.
Please contact me if you have any questions regarding my opinions.
Sincerely,
HortScience I Bartlett Consulting
Darya Barar, Managing Consulting Urban Forester
ISA Certified Arborist No. WE-6757A
Registered Consulting Arborist#693
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
HortScience I Bartlett Consulting • Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company