Arborist Report S Smith RG Horticulture Consulting j%,.3249
Tree Management-Landsca a Mana ement
Community Development Uepartrr�ent
CUPERTINO ISA certified -3061A Roberto Guzman—Owner- President
Pest Control dvi r lff#075606 5994 Shaw croft Dr. San Jose, CA
Case# 95123 TR-2022-010
Application Number(s) Tel.408-921-5078
Approva I Body:134uctor/-Staff -
ApprovaI D ,jnr,0#A131M
Signature _ Brianne Harkousha
Steve ana 10221 Hillcrest Roay,
Cupertino, CA.
ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST REPORT
TREE ASSESSMENT
SUBMITTED TO
STEVE AND LOURDES SMITH
CUPERTINO, CA
PREPARED BY
ROBERTO GUZMAN
ISA CERTIFIED ARBORIST WE-3061 A
SAN JOSE, CA
F'EBRUARY, 2022
February, 2022.
RG Horticulture Consulting 3249
Tree Maria��eme t- Landsc a Man ement
Community development DeparMent
ISA certified&N �-3061A Roberto Guzman—Owner-President
CUPERTINO pest Contro r E #075606 5994 Shaw Croft Dr. San Jose, CA
Case# 95123 TR-2022-010
Application Number(s) Tel. 408-921-5078
STEVE AND LOlVEW SMITH Cedar tree Blue Atlas
Approval Body: Director a
Approva I DIRKMODM
Signature Thi4wrl�C,�O 4a- sffiefit of (1) Cedar tree—Blue Atlas, located on the back patio of a
prop0erty atc1102Y H rest Road in Cupertino. Mr. And Mrs. Smith, owners of the property hired me as a
professional arborist to make an assessment of the tree and give them my advice about the best way to
manage such a giant tree. They both are tree lovers and would like to preserve this beautiful piece, but at
the same time, have their strong concerns about safety.
The owners have had the tree trimmed on a regular basis for the last 29 years to make sure it was
maintained in the best way possible. However in late 2020 and early 2021, the heavy winds caused a large
branch to break and fall over the roof.They were more concerned for the safe of building and occupants,
later on the owners started to notice root damages(cracks)on sidewalk and pathways, as well as invasion
of roots at the base of the foundation.
In January 2022, the property owners asked the tree company to give them an opinion about the safe
condition of the tree, and their advice was to consult a professional arboristwho could make a
completeevaluation and risk assessment of the tree.
BACKGROUND AND SEQUENCE OF WORK
THE TREE
This is a gorgeous—magnificent Blue Atlas tree (Cedrus atlantica—Glauca)48" DBH, and 75' high.The
tree age is estimated in 75 -80 years, based on its size, trunk width, and massive canopy. In general and
according with the owners' statement, the tree has had a very healthy life. And good management. The
tree is upright in form and pyramidal shaped.
At this point, the owners of the property are very concerned about fate of the tree because it is too big and
too close to the property, (4' from the foundationO; the tree is also leaning in a 15%angle from center
toward the house; One of the lower side limb is very strong and very close to the house, a significant
amount of the canopy mass is hanging over the roof.
I noticed some uplifted areas on the walkway along the foundation of the house, and some repairs have
been done in the pass. Even though the tree looks and is very healthy, the owners are afraid that the tree
could collapse and fall at any time in the future, causing damage to the property and inhabitants_They are
applying for the removal of the tree, and this report will serve as a companion for such application_
Mr. Smith has already contacted a tree company for the removal of the tree and is just waiting for the
City's approval to remove it.
MY ASSIGNMENT
The owners of the property, contacted me in early February and asked me to visit his site, examine the
Cedar tree, determine it stability—, and make recommendations for the fate of the tree, based on safety,
mostly because its closeness to the structure.They asked me to summarize my assessment and
recommendation in an arborist report to submit to the city_
RG Horticulture Consulting . 3249
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CUPERTINO ISA certified p&#W-3061A Roberto Guzman—Owner- President
Case# Pest Col�tr� js r� c. #�075606 5994 Shaw croft Dr. San Jose, CA
95123 I LULL _I U
Application Number(s) Tel. 408-921-5078
Approva 18b1 't� t $g 9 �f 1=ebruary and met with Mr. and Ms. Smith they related me the background of the
tre an nce work involved around it. There were three issues that called my attention during my
Approva I DatersSl ��the nronertv owners_ 11 The very good health condition and structures of the tree, 2)the
Signature ve%� 55'�%!ggoAA Lfoliage on the top branches, and 3)the slow and continuous leaning of the tree
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CONCLUSION.
After reviewing the tree's root area, stem, and structure, my conclusion is that this beautiful specimen of
tree has become a potential hazard for the structure and family, due mainly to its location, too close to the
structure.,
MITIGATION PLAN
There is not much that can be done to correct the existing condition of the tree in order to preserve it and
make it to co-exist with the house. The safety of the structure and human beings is the predominant factor
on this case; a potential failure and collapse of the tree will become destructive and devastating for the
property and owners.
RECOMMENDATION.
My recommendation is: 1) remove the tree immediately, 2) Replace with friendly and smaller trees.
Given the semi-shaded environment of the backyard area, I would recommend replacements with New
Zealand Christmas trees (Metrosideros excelsa) and Japanese maple trees.
End of report.
Roberto Guzman