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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1845 Sea Oats Drive 01.21.2026 Arborist Letter 1/21/26,5:22 PM mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ogbl&hl=en#inbox/FMfcgzQfBQMjDtdzQWxTdGkTnvFKFRpp?projector=l r .� '. Environluftlowntal and f ,V% Amok urban C ' 1 . Ray Biologist ISA Certified •; 4 ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified CEKTrfFIED ARBORIST 386,,295-046' ISA ! ! rrettl @gma . https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ogbl&hl=en#inbox/FMfcgzQfBQMjDtdzQWxTdGkTnvFKFRpp?projector=l 1/1 1121/26,5:21 PM mail.google.com/mail/u/O/?ogbl&hl=en#inbox/FMfcgzQfBQMjDtdzQWxTdGkTnvFKFRpp?projector=l * Fertilizing and disease management '�` a Tree surveys * Tree health assessments / arbor reports # Tree health recovery plans * Tree protection plans for construction • DEP Professional 'Mangrove Trimmer (PMT) • Land Management- Defensible Space & Rx Fire It ~N , UF/lFAS Land Manager PTE*-,scribed Bairn ivlanager #2019-4937 L Certifield Arbo,rist #FL-5343 ISA Tree Risk Assessrrient Qualified Certified Laindscape Irsoector (LIAF) Certified Sltornwate, - Ihnspector #38419 (FDEP) L',pniled C-for-rinse rcia Uhtc-y-i F-c-rtilizeir Appficator Li(-c-, https://maiI.google.com/mai1/u/O/?o.qbl&hI=en#inbox/FMfcgzQfBQMjDtdzQWxTdGkTnvFKFRpp?projector=1 Arbor Report January 21, 2026 Deborah Sheldon 1845 Sea Oats Dr. Atlantic Beach, Florida Re: Tree Health and Risk Assessment for one (1)peppermint tree (Agonis flexuosa). Scone: Services were retained to assess the health and risk for one (1) tree located at 1845 Sea Oats Drive, Atlantic Beach, Fl. (Figure 1). Ile ' 1' J kk ■ �Y} ' r Figure 1.Aerial view and tree location. This tree was identified to species and visually inspected using a Level 2, Tree Risk Assessment (Ground Based Visual Inspection) as defined by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). A Level 2, Tree Risk Assessment type of evaluation includes an on-site, 360-degree view of the tree from the ground to inspect the trunk, root crown and above-ground roots. This type of assessment looks for visual signs of decay, pests, disease and structural defects. This tree was measured for Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) using a standard forestry DBH tape or field calipers. Tree height was estimated using a clinometer and/ or tangent height gauge. Live Crown Ratio (LCR) was estimated using aerial imagery, ground observation and / or a convex spherical densiometer. LCR is a useful measurement to indicate tree vigor using a ratio of crown length to total tree height or the percentage of a tree's total height that has foliage. Risk and liability determinations include location to potential targets such as building structures, automobiles, streets, sidewalks, and nearby utilities. The Level 2 Inspection is used to help determine three main categories of risk: Likelihood of Failure (Imminent, Probable, Possible, and Improbable), Likelihood of Impact (High, Medium, Low, Very Low), and Consequences of Failure (Severe, Significant, Minor, Negligible). Together, these three risk categories can be used to help the property owners in making decisions for pruning and / or removal. Observations / Discussion: This tree is approximately 45' tall with a combined DBH of around 34" and a LCR of around 50%. This was a planted ornamental tree and is retrenching. There are multiple stems with included bark. The homeowner wishes to remove this tree to eliminate the risk of it failing and impacting the home during a tropical storm or high wind event. This tree poses an unacceptable risk for the homeowner. Height reduction pruning is not a practical solution for this tree. Reducing the height and lateral limbs to lower the overall risk rating would remove most of the living canopy of the tree and may accelerate decline. Included Bark, also known as Ingrown Bark, occurs when two trees, stems, or branches grow closely together creating a weak branch union. This narrow branch angle creates a weak union and is often `V' shaped. The competing stems or branches produce and push bark between each other, creating a weals attachment that can lead to splitting or failing during extreme weather events. Retrenchment is the process of natural canopy height reduction of older trees that are beginning to decline due to old age or environmental stress. As trees start to deteriorate with age, they cannot support a full canopy, and a new canopy is flushed at a lower height allowing the tree to sustain itself for a while longer. Retrenchment is also a pruning strategy that reduces and removes the dying canopy in older trees and encourages new, lower canopy growth. This pruning strategy allows the tree to sustain itself longer and make it safer in urban areas. Any tree can fail under extreme weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes. The following risk categories are standardized ratings that follow the International Society of Arboriculture, Tree Risk Assessment Guidelines. These ratings are based on available targets in which the tree could impact if it were to fail. The Likelihood of Failure rating in this report is for a 2-year time frame from the date of inspection. Conclusion / Risk Ratin s: The categories of risk for this tree: Likelihood of Failure—Possible Likelihood of Impact—High Consequences of Failure—Significant Potential Targets—Home Overall Risk Rating—:Moderate for home Tree Risk Assessment Evaluation Matrices and Definitions provided by the International Society of Arboriculture, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Training: Matri71mprobabte ood Matrix. Likelihood of Impact LiFailure Very Low Low Medium High t UnlikelySomewhat Likely Likelv Ver Likely e Unlikely Unlikely ____,Somewhat Likel Likely e UnlikelyUnlikelyUnlikelySomewhat Likely ble Unlikely Unlikely Unlikely UnlikelMatriating Matrix. Likelihood of Failure& Conse uences of Failure Impact Negligible Minor Significant Severe Very Like! Low Moderate High Extreme Likely Low Moderate High High Somewhat Likely Low Low Moderate Moderate Unlike l Low Low Low Low Likelihood of Failure Likelihood of Impact Consequences of Failure Imminent: Failure has started or is most High: The failed tree or tree part is Severe: Serious personal injury or likely to occur in the near future, even if likely to impact the target. death, high-value property damage, or there is no significant wind or increased major disruption of important load. activities. Probable: Failure may be expected Medium: The failed tree or tree part Significant: Substantial personal under normal weather conditions. could impact the target but is not injury, moderate to high-value expected to do so. property damage, or considerable disruption of activities. Possible: Failure may be expected in Low: There is a slight chance that the Minor: Minor personal injury, low to extreme weather conditions,but it is failed tree or tree part will impact the moderate -value property damage, or ,unlikely during normal weather target. small disruption of activities. Improbable: The tree or tree part is not Very Low: The chance of the failed tree Negligible: No personal injury, low- likely to fail during normal weather or tree part impacting the specified value property damage, or disruptions conditions and may not fail in extreme target is remote. that can be replaced or repaired. weather conditions. Risk Tolerance Risk tolerance is the amount of risk you are willing to accept. Different people have varying amounts of risk they will tolerate. You will have to decide your own risk tolerance and decide on a course of action for this tree. Risk Miti.ttation Options There are a few options that can be considered for mitigation to lower your risk for this tree. 1. Prune to reduce the length of lateral branches and tree height by 30%. Reducing the height and length of lateral branches that cover targets could reduce the risk from Moderate to Low. This tree poses an unacceptable risk for the homeowner. Height reduction pruning is not a practical solution for this tree. Reducing the height and lateral limbs to lower the overall risk rating would remove most of the living canopy of the tree and may accelerate decline. 2. Do nothing and continue to monitor the tree with regular inspections. 3. Remove the tree. This would eliminate all risk. SINCERELY, -)�Ic t Ray Jarrett Biologist/Arborist ISA Certified Arborist FL-5343A (Nov 2005) ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) • Fertilizing and disease management + ' t' • Tree surveys • Tree health assessments/arbor reports • • Tree health recovery plans • • Tree protection plans for construction • -. • .. • DEP Professional Mangrove Trimmer(PIV1T) - "• • Land Management-Defensible Space&Rx Fire ., .i .�1., r.t,,. , }r.t.,.�5� ..°F2"ii:t la Fes;�'^ '} ASSUMPTIONS, LIMITING CONDITIONS and DISCLAIMER My inspection was a ground based visual inspection that sometimes includes a sounding test with a mallet to detect decay. The inspection was limited to defects that can be seen while standing on the ground. There may be defects below ground or in the canopy that were not visible from this perspective. These hidden defects may result in the failure of branches,trunks, or roots. No other trees on this property were inspected other than those specifically addressed in this report. Trees and plants are living things and are subject to an array of potential health problems,abiotic factors and unpredictable weather that can cause healthy trees and plants to fail.Information provided in this report is for consideration; and is based on my professional experience, formal education, and methodologies of the International Society of Arboriculture(ISA).Ultimately the client must make their own judgment and decisions but may consider these recommendations. Technical Literature References American National Standard'Institute (ANSI) A300 (Part 9) 2017. Tree Risk Assessment, Tree Care Industry Association, Inc. (TCIA), Manchester,NH. American National Standard Institute (ANSI) A300 (Part 8) 2020. Tree, Shrub, and Woody Plant Management —Standard Practices (Root Management), Tree Care Industry Association, Inc. (TCIA), Manchester, NH. Black, Robert J. and Kathleen C. Ruppert. 1995. Your Florida Landscape; A Complete Guide to Planting and Maintenance. University of Florida. Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.2000. Guide for Plant Appraisal, 91 Edition. International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, Illinois. Costello, L.R. and K.S. Jones. 2003. Reducing Infrastructure Damage by Tree Roots: A Compendium of Strategies. Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture) WCISA). Porterville, CA. Deitz, Katy. Field Guide to Diseases on Florida Trees. 2025. Florida Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture. Dunster, Julian A. Tree Risk Assessment Manual, Second Edition. 2017. International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, Illinois. Fite, Kelby and E. Thomas Smiley. 2016. Best Management Practices, Managing Trees During Construction. International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, Illinois. Fishel, Frederick M., Susan W. Williams and O. Norman Nesheim. 2013. Ornamental and Turfgrass Management. University of Florida. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. 2005. List of Florida's Invasive Species. Internet: http://fleppc.9r9. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Gilman, Ed. 2012.An Illustrated Guide to Pruning, 3`d Ed. Delmar, Cengage Learning. Clifton Park,NY. Hodel, Donald R. 2012. The Biology and Management of Landscape Palms. University of California Cooperative Extension. 176pp. Luley, Christopher J., 2023. Wood Decay Fungi Common to Urban Living Trees in the Northeast & Central United States. Urban Forest Diagnostics LLC in Cooperation with Draves Arboretum. Darien Center NY. Matheny, N. (2000). Trees and development: A technical guide to preservation of trees during land development. International Society of Arboriculture. Matheny, Nelda P., and James R. Clark. Evaluation of Hazard Trees in Urban Areas. 1994. International Society of Arboriculture. Champaign, Illinois. Merullo, Victor D and Michael J. Valentine. Arboriculture & The Law. 1992. International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, Illinois. Purcell, Lindsey. Arboricultural Practices: A Science-Based Approach. 2024.Waveland Press, Inc. Long Grove, Illinois. Smiley, E. Thomas, Nelda Matheny and Sharon Lil. 2017. Best Management Practices, Tree Risk Assessment. International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, Illinois. Watson, Gary. 2014. Best Management Practices, Tree Planting. International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, Illinois. Wunderlin, R. P., and B. F. Hansen. 2004. Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants (http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu/).[S. M. Landry and K. N. Campbell (application development), Florida Center for Community Design and Research.] Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa. fAl �r 7 yy :14 i.rtirf rr. pq we .'-'S'��ti�� _ ��• ��!'' .577.: :��'.li, fes. l��F �'y'-ti ' 64 U"I .{ •''fig.• [�1 i _s ':4i'., L� . 'c�`• J;`' ryt: ''wZ., ;r•rc.,�t'•7� 5'!: 4. �t:� '�. ..y�.�Yl- �.•.. �+� '� _ 5. � Y' -rim % •- �,per-�� •,�• .'� ..� J' Y• f ' '��.n mak: