245 Pine Street Arborist Letter Tree #5 ArborStar
Tree Management Consulting
Tree Assessment Report
Inventoried February 28th , 2025
Prepared For: Joey Palumbo
245 Pine Street
Atlantic Beach FL , 32233
Prepared By : David Martin
Certified Arborist # FL-9959A
ArborStar Tree Care Solutions
4930 Spring Park Road
Jacksonville , FL 32207
" - 904-200-3121
ArborStarjax@gmail . com
Notice of Disclaimer
Assessment data provided by ArborStar Tree Care Solutions is based on visual recording at the time of inspection .
Visual records do not include testing or analysis and do not include aerial or subterranean inspection unless
indicated . ArborStar Tree Care Solutions is not responsible for discovery or identification of hidden or otherwise
non-observable risks . Records may not remain accurate after inspection due to variable deterioration of surveyed
material . Risk ratings are based on observable defects and mitigation recommendations do not reduce potential
liability to the owner. ArborStar Tree Care Solutions provides no warranty with respect to the fitness of the trees for
any use or purpose whatsoever.
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Contents
Summary 3
Introduction 4
Observations 4
Methods 4
Purpose 5
Limits of the Assignment 5
Tree Data and Photos 6
Conclusion 7
Tree Locations 8 through 9
2
Summary
David Martin , an ISA certified arborist ( FL-9959A) , conducted an assessment on 1
Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) tree located at 245 Pine Street , on February 28th , 2025 . The
assessment was commissioned by Joey Palumbo . The findings are as follows :
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Introduction
During the assessment of the Longleaf Pine multiple defects were visually identified
putting the tree trees at a slightly greater than moderate risk to the property. These defects have
led to removal as an ethical and reasonable mitigation option to prevent future damage .
Observations
• The soil is composed mostly of sand .
• There is adequate drainage throughout the property
• The tree has limited planting space
• The tree has a significant bend approximately 1 /3rd of the way up from the ground . (see
photo 1 )
• Limb growth in the upper crown significantly favors the west which is the same direction
as the lean . (see photo 1 )
• The lean is calculated at approximately 8 degrees to the west .
• A significant longitudinal stress fracture extends 4 feet and 8 inches upward along the
stem from ground level , with a wound depth of approximately 1 . 6 inches , large enough
to accommodate a quarter. The tree's ability to respond and heal from this injury is
compromised by its aggressive lean and the stresses induced by wind . (see photo 2 )
• Evidence of past Southern Pine Beetle presence , White egg sack and small tunnel
holes . (see photos 3 and 4 )
• 4 breaks were observed in the upper crown ranging from 2-4 " in diameter
• Concrete damage which is believed to be from a dead root which caused the concrete to
collapse . (see photo 5 )
• The tree is the tallest tree within 1 . 5 times the tree's height in any direction . This
significantly increases the probability of failure in high wind events (greater than
60MPH ) .
Methods
Species : Tree genus and species were identified .
Diameter at Breast Height ( DBH ) : Trunk diameter was recorded to the nearest inch at 4 . 5 feet
( breast height) above grade , not exceeding 30 feet not to exceed +/- 1 . 5 " .
Height : Approximate tree height was visually estimated with a variance not to exceed +/- 10 ' . .
Crown Spread : Approximate crown diameter was visually estimated with a variance not to
exceed +/- 10 ' .
Condition : The arborist evaluated the structure and health of the tree compared to other trees
in surrounding landscapes . Excellent , good , fair, poor, or dead were used to describe conditions .
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Risk Level : The arborist evaluated the structure and health of the tree and documented any
defects . Low, moderate , high or critical were used to describe conditions . Note on empty lots ,
risk level is determined based on the proposed site and building plan .
Geolocation : Approximate locations were determined by adding points to geolocated aerial
tiles . Locations provided by the land surveyor are more accurate , and should be used for design
purposes .
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide an assessment of the tree in question and determine
their risk level as well as mitigation options .
Limits of the Assignment
Many factors can limit specific and accurate data when performing evaluations of trees , their
conditions , and values . The determinations and recommendations presented here are based on
current data and conditions that existed at the time of the evaluation and cannot be a predictor
of the ultimate outcomes for the trees . A visual inspection was used to develop the findings ,
conclusions , and recommendations found in this report . No physical inspection of any canopy,
sounding , root crown excavation , and resistograph or other technologies were used in the
evaluation of the trees .
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Tree Photos and Data
Tree Number: wc127
Species : Live Oak ( Pinus palustris)
Diameter at Breast Height : 22
Approximate Height : 82 feet
Estimated Spread : 27 feet
Condition : fair
Potential Targets ( 1 x the height of tree around circumference of base) : House ,
power lines , road , fence , plantings , busy street , cars and pedestrian traffic
Risk Level : Slightly greater than moderate , this risk increases to high in an active wind
event ( greater than 60 MPH )
Structural Defects : The tree assessed in this arborist report is situated in sandy soil with
adequate drainage , but it suffers from limited planting space , contributing to its compromised
health . A significant lean of approximately 8 degrees to the west is observed , along with a
noticeable bend about one-third of the way up the trunk . This lean correlates with the growth
pattern of the upper crown , which favors the same direction . A longitudinal stress fracture
extending 4 feet and 8 inches upward from ground level evidences severe structural stress , with
a wound deep enough to accommodate a quarter, further weakened by the tree 's aggressive
lean and wind - induced stress . Additionally, signs of past Southern Pine Beetle activity, including
white egg sacks and small tunnel holes , were noted , alongside four breaks in the upper crown
ranging from 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Concrete damage near the tree is likely attributed to a
dead root causing collapse . Given that this tree is the tallest within a radius of 1 . 5 times its
height , the risk of failure during high wind events , particularly those exceeding 60 MPH , is
significantly heightened .
Photos :
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Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5
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Conclusion
In conclusion , arborist David Martin 's assessment of the pine tree at 245 Pine Street uncovers
several significant structural defects and health issues that heighten the risk it poses to nearby
properties . The tree 's 8-degree lean , pronounced bending , and notable longitudinal stress
fracture indicate considerable structural stress , raising concerns about potential failure ,
particularly during high wind events .
While classified as posing a moderate risk to surrounding property, it is important to note that
there are no feasible mitigation plans available to lower this risk to an acceptable level besides
removal . The homeowner has expressed that a moderate risk is not tenable , given the
substantial value of the adjacent properties and severe weather events . He also noted that she
had a pine of similar size and age uproot during the last hurricanes .
7
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Q Trees Count - Calumbo
All Trees - sequential order
Tree Id Latitude Land Use DBH Scientific Name Condition Maintenance Sidewalk
Collection Date Longitude Site Common Name Public/Private Task Overhead/Wire
wc135 30 .3275181 Residential 21 " Pinuspolustris Fair (60% 1 ive crown) Priority > 1 .5in
2/28/25 5 :27 PM -81 .4028121 Front Yard Longleaf pine Private Remove Present & Conflicting
Crew Residential Other Conflicts House, fence, plantings, cars, street, pedestrians
Inventory Calumbo Comments
Count = 1
Trees Count Inventory —All Trees - sequential order Page 2 of 2
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