2328 Oceanforest Drive W Arborist LetterThomas Allan Selvig
Master Arborist Emeritus
11170 Patton Road Jacksonville, FL 32246
904.631.4663 thomasaselvig@gmail.com
September 30, 2024
Mr. William M. O’Brien
2328 Oceanforest Dr W
Atlantic Beach, FL
32233 (919) 917-5573
human1801@gmail.com
Hello Mr. O’Brien,
At your request I have examined the trees at your home, and submit the following
report regarding their condition:
Observations
• 24” and 26” DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) binary Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia)
• 22” DBH Laurel Oak
• 28” DBH Laurel Oak
• Binary 18”/12” DBH Laurel Oak
• Binary 18”/14” DBH Laurel Oak (leaning over road near mailbox)
• Binary Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
I examined (7) Laurel Oaks and (1) binary Live Oak. Some of the Laurel Oaks have
health issues that warrant urgent attention. There are clearly visible weeping wounds,
fungal fruiting bodies indicative of rot/decay, and hollow spots. The binary Live Oak is
visibly flourishing with a full canopy, and the foliage is of excellent size, color, and
turgor. This tree is a significant asset to the surrounding landscape.
Recommendations
1. The 24”/26” DBH twin Laurel Oaks located on the south lawn are hollow and
the canopy is overfull, creating a risk of sudden failure, especially during a
storm. Recommend removal as soon as is practicable.
2. The binary 18”/12” DBH Laurel Oaks on the east lawn are hollow and their
canopies are overfull. Recommend removal as soon as is practicable.
3. The 22” DBH” Laurel Oak located in the north bed is healthy and vigorous.
Recommend pre-emptive bio-inoculation to maintain vigor.
4. The 28” DBH Laurel Oak located on the east lawn is also healthy and vigorous.
Recommend pre-emptive bio-inoculation to maintain vigor.
5. The binary 18”/14” DBH Laurel Oak leaning over the road (Oceanforest Dr W)
presents an immediate risk. Recommend Removal ASAP.
6. The binary Live Oak is healthy and vigorous. Recommend pre-emptive bio-
inoculation to maintain vigor.
Note on revisions: An earlier draft of this letter included some awkward phrasing
that was cause for confusion. Namely, the first 2 items in the list above included
recommendations that were presented as equally viable alternatives, when this is
not the case. In discussing these recommendations with the homeowner, it was
made clear that he might have to prioritize which trees were removed, and that it
may be some time before he would have some of the problematic trees removed.
It was thereupon recommended that if he could not soon have the trees removed,
then at minimum, the previously mentioned steps should be taken to reduce the
likelihood of structural failure for as long as possible. This was not intended as a
long-term solution, but merely a means to buy time until the trees in question
could be removed. This report has since been amended to explicitly state this
professional opinion.
Fee for Professional Services
$400.00
Please submit payment via Zelle (details below).
With your approval, I can provide a quote for the maintenance and/or removal of the
above-mentioned distressed trees if so desired. There is no additional fee for obtaining
pricing quotes.
Thank you,
Thomas A. Selvig Master
Arborist Emeritus FL 05
21 - RT
Ken Cason
Certified Arborist
FL 91 92 - A
Sean Selvig
B.S., B.A.
Zelle Info
Phone:(708) 510-3836
Email: seanpselvig@gmail.com
