Arboriculture Assessment Report 52 Long St Strathfield NSW - Strathfield Council
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Arboriculture Assessment Report 52 Long St Strathfield NSW The Tree MD Pty Ltd A.C.N 609 764 936 Managing Director: Geoffrey Ashton 0488 222 061 Site Assessment conducted by Aaron Erbacher– Arboriculture AQF 5 Report Prepared By: Geoffrey Ashton – Arboriculture AQF 5
Table of Contents 1 Summary ............................................................................................................................................................... 2 2 Disclosure Statement.............................................................................................................................................. 3 3 Introduction............................................................................................................................................................ 3 4 Site ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4 5 Methodology .......................................................................................................................................................... 4 6 Observations ......................................................................................................................................................... 4 7 Discussion ............................................................................................................................................................. 4 8 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................................. 5 9 Appendix A Tree Location Plan Diagram .................................................................................................................. 6 10 Appendix B Tree Profile Table ................................................................................................................................. 7 11 Appendix C Images ................................................................................................................................................ 8 12 Appendix D Glossary .............................................................................................................................................. 9 13 Appendix E –IACA Significance of a Tree Assessment (Stars) ................................................................................. 10 14 Bibliography/References ....................................................................................................................................... 12 1 Summary This report was commissioned by Ashwin Singh with a request for an assessment of a palm tree in his back yard at 52 Long St Strathfield NSW. Ashwin wishes to remove and replace the tree to access the damaged pipes beneath the tree. A site assessment was conducted on 5th August 2021, the report is limited to the one palm tree Bangalow Palm Archontophoenix cunninghamiana. A letter from AUSGAZ PLUMBING & CONTRACTORS identifies a need to excavate and replace the damaged pipe beneath the subject tree. Mr Singh wishes to remove the tree and replant with another tree in a more appropriate location. The palm was assessed as a medium retention value utilising the STARS1 assessment tool attached to this report, it is identified the tree is offers minimal amenity and habitat value and a replacement planting would allow for the best long-term management of the area. ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021 52 Long St Strathfield NSW Page 2 of 12
2 Disclosure Statement Trees are living organisms that provide numerous benefits to the environment; Trees within an urban environment often pose some degree of risk, this risk must be weighed up against the benefits that trees provide. Often the risks associated from trees are minimal when compared to the commonly accepted risks associated with everyday living. Some examples would be commuting in a motor car, using a stairwell or crossing a road. There is no warranty or guarantee expressed or implied that the subject trees are defect free or do not pose any risk of harm to persons or property. Visual Tree Assessment (VTA2) as well as additional tree assessment techniques cannot identify or eliminate all tree defects and failure potential. The Tree MD Pty Ltd provides professional tree management options in line with industry standards to allow customers or relative legislative bodies to make informed choices. The report findings, conclusions, specifications or recommendations are often based on information provided whether it is measurements, site plans, official reports or verbal discussions. The Tree MD Pty Ltd cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information provided although it may be taken in good will and utilised to make findings, conclusions, specifications or recommendations within this report. Findings, conclusions, specifications and recommendations are given on the information provided or present at the time of inspection, the condition of the subject trees may change over time or in the event of adverse weather where further additional assessment is recommended. The Tree MD Pty Ltd or anyone employed or working on behalf of The Tree MD Pty Ltd is not to be held liable for any damage or loss due to decisions made or not made regarding findings, conclusions, specifications or recommendations provided in this report. This Document remains the property of The Tree MD Pty Ltd and is subject to Copyright laws. A copy of the document is provided to the client upon a fee agreement or payment and may not be used by any third party other than what is permitted by law. The document may not be reproduced unless written permission on behalf of The Tree MD Pty Ltd is provided. The document may only be used in its entirety and must be taken in the context of the report. 3 Introduction This tree report was commissioned by Ashwin Singh with a request for an assessment of a palm tree in his back yard at 52 Long St Strathfield NSW. A site assessment was conducted on 5th August 2021 by Aaron Erbacher , the report is limited to the one palm tree Bangalow Palm Archontophoenix cunninghamiana. There was ample lighting for the purpose of assessment for this report. The documentation utilised for the assessment of this report: - AUSGAZ PLUMBING & CONTRACTORS letter author Dinesh Ram3 The objective of this report is to provide a document that may be submitted to Council with appropriate recommendations. The document provides recommendations that are in line with current arboriculture industry standards. The author of this report has no affiliation or conflict of interest regarding this development. ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021 52 Long St Strathfield NSW Page 3 of 12
4 Site 52 Long St Strathfield NSW is zoned Low Density Residential (R2)4, the site is a residential property located within the Strathfield Council and governed by the Council’s Local Environment Plan5 & Development Control Plan6. A search of the council’s website and Local Environment Plan found no Heritage Conservation Area or Heritage Item listing associated with the site7. The site is north facing to Long St. The subject tree is in the back yard along the western boundary between the pool and fence line, it is reported the damaged pipe runs beneath the subject tree. 5 Methodology The site inspection consisted of a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA2). This technique assesses trees from ground level identifying features, symptoms and signs. VTA2 is a useful tool but can be limiting as it does not inspect below ground or within the internal structure of a tree, it is also limited in the upper canopy where it may not identify concerns that may be seen from an aerial inspection. Despite its limitations, VTA2 is an industry recognised and accepted approach. Any further diagnostic or assessment methodology would only be incorporated where requested; further information has been obtained warranting the need for further investigation or a VTA2 has identified the need for further investigation. Additional methodology utilised within this report is to assess the site and implement practices that will establish a compliance with Australian Standard Protection of trees on development sites AS 4970 2009. All Trees in excess of 3m that may potentially be affected by the development were assessed for the purpose of this report. 6 Observations Tree 1 Bangalow Palm Archontophoenix cunninghamiana 10-11m tall, 2m spread in each direction. The subject tree is located on the western boundary 1.5m from fence and end of pool. It is reported the sewer is located beneath the tree and due to the location of the pool and other services it would be difficult to reroute. Potential habitat is minimal with an individual specimen, the tree offers little food source and little UV protection. A replacement planting could allow for the repair of the pipe and the replacement of the tree with a more substantial specimen in an appropriate location. 7 Discussion Trees offer numerous benefits such as aesthetics, shade, UV reflection as well as a food source for local fauna. The associated impacts from tree removal should be considered even when the trees are not assessed as a high retention value. It is identified as in this situation that site constraints can limit a trees long term retention value. As a result of the limited site constraints and the difficulty replacing the pipes without the removal of the tree. It is recommended the tree be replaced with native species that is planted away from the repaired pipe and with sufficient area to reach its projected dimensions. ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021 52 Long St Strathfield NSW Page 4 of 12
8 Recommendations The governing body should consider the removal and replacement of Tree 1 Bangalow Palm Archontophoenix cunninghamiana that was assessed as a medium retention value tree utilising the STARS8 assessment tool attached to this report. Following tree removal, a garden bed is to be prepared for planting with AQF level 5 arborist consultation to assist with replacement tree utilising species within the Strathfield Council Recommended Tree List.3 If council permits the arborist removing the trees is to have a minimum certificate 3 in arboriculture, the arborist must have Workers Compensation insurance and Liability insurance with all work complying with the Amenity Tree Industry Code of Practice and the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011.11 ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021 52 Long St Strathfield NSW Page 5 of 12
9 Appendix A Tree Location Plan Diagram Image1) 52 Long St Strathfield NSW (Sixmaps®9) ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021 52 Long St Strathfield NSW Page 6 of 12
10 Appendix B Tree Profile Table Notes/Comments Recommendations DBH Stem1 Canopy W Age Class Canopy N Height(M) Canopy E Canopy S Structure Life Exp. STARS© STARS© DAB (M) Tree no. RATING Health Genus Species Common Name 1 Bangalow Palm Medium 1-15 G G M 10 2 2 2 2 0.31 0.26 . The subject tree is located on the Remove and replace Archontophoenix The tree is in fair western boundary 1.5m from fence with native species cunninghamiana condition with good and end of pool. It is reported the vigour, the tree has a sewer is located beneath the tree. form typical of its species, and the trees growth is moderately restricted Age Class I = Immature Recommendations Remove M = Mature O = Over mature or senescence Health G = Good Prune A= Average P= Poor Structural Form G = Good Protect A= Average P= Poor ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021 52 Long St Strathfield NSW Page 7 of 12
11 Appendix C Images ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021 52 Long St Strathfield NSW Page 8 of 12
12 Appendix D Glossary Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) A systematic method of tree assessment (developed by Claus Mattheck & Helge Breloer) using biological and biomechanical indicators to evaluate overall vitality and structural integrity of a tree. AQF Level 5 Arborist An Arborist with a AQF level 5 qualification such as a Diploma in Arboriculture 10 This with relevant experience enables the person to perform the tasks required by the standard AS 4373 2007 and legislative bodies Arborist11 An Arborist with a AQF level 3 qualification 12 or above of equivalent recognised and relevant experience that enables the person to perform the tasks required by the standard AS 4373 2007 and legislative bodies Tree As determined by the Burwood Council Tree Preservation Order. Tree Worker A worker who through related training ( minimum AQF level 2 in Arboriculture) or equivalent recognised and relevant on the job experience has demonstrated competence in pruning in accordance to the standard AS 4373 2007 Selective pruning The removal of target branches Crown thinning The selective removal of branches that does not alter the overall size of the tree. Dead wooding The removal of dead branches Non invasive excavation Excavation that does not damage a tree Tree Protection Zone (TPZ ) A specified area at a given distance from Or Modified Tree Protection Zone the trunk set aside for the protection of a trees root system and canopy during land development works to ensure the long term viability and stability of a tree, calculated in accordance with AS 4970:2009. Canopy The crown of a tree, comprising all of the foliage and branches Pruning The selective removal of branches, severed at the branch collar near the junction with another branch in accordance with Natural Target Pruning techniques as specified in AS4373:2007. Structural Root Zone (SRZ ) The Structural Root Zone is located within the Tree Protection Zone; it provides the bulk of mechanical support and anchorage for the tree. ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021 52 Long St Strathfield NSW Page 9 of 12
13 Appendix E –IACA Significance of a Tree Assessment (Stars) ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021 52 Long St Strathfield NSW Page 10 of 12
©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021 52 Long St Strathfield NSW Page 11 of 12
14 Bibliography/References 1 IACA 2010 IACA Significance of a Tree, Assessment Rating System (STARS) Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturalists Australia www.iaca.org.au 2 Matheck,C.Updated Field Guide For Visual Tree Assessment.Karlsruhe: Forschungszentrum Karlsuhe, 2007. 3 AUSGAZ PLUMBING & CONTRACTORS letter author Dinesh Ram 4 NSW Legislation. 2017. NSW Legislation. [ONLINE] Available at:https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/~/view/EPI/2013/115/maps[Accessed 12th August 2021] 5 Strathfield Local Environmental Plan 2012 NSW Legislation. 2017. NSW Legislation [ONLINE] Available at: https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/~/view/EPI/2013/115/full[Accessed 12th August 2021] 6 Strathfield Development Control Plan (DCP) 2005 » Strathfield Council. 2016. Strathfield Development Control Plan (DCP) 2005 » Strathfield Council. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/council/council- documents/development-policies-and-plans[Accessed 12th August 2021] 7 NSW Legislation. 2017. NSW Legislation. [ONLINE] Available at: 7100_COM_HER_005_010_20150401_AMENDED (windows.net) [Accessed 12th August 2021] 8 IACA 2010 IACA Significance of a Tree, Assessment Rating System (STARS) Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturalists Australia www.iaca.org.au 9 Sixmaps. 2021. Sixmaps. [ONLINE] Available at: https://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/. [Accessed 12th August 2021] 10 Australian Standard Pruning of Amenity Trees AS 4373 2007 11 WorkCover. 2016. Home - WorkCover. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au[Accessed 12th August 2021] 12 Australian Standard Pruning of Amenity Trees AS 4373 2007 ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021 52 Long St Strathfield NSW Page 12 of 12
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