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Home My WebLink About325 1st Street 06.11.2026 Arborist letterA R B O R S T A R T R E E C A R E S O L U T I O N S 21 2 9 I ND I A N S P R I N G S DR I V E · 9 04 -8 59 -0 04 5 · A R B O R S T A RJAX @ G M A IL .C O M Palm Tree Removal Inspection Date: 06/11/2026 P R E P A R E D F O R John McCarthy 325 1st Street, Atlantic Beach, FL, 32233 +19049235524 johnmc58@bellsouth.net P R E P A R E D B Y David Martin Sales Arborist ArborStar Tree Care Solutions 2129 Indian Springs Drive 904-859-0045 Notice of Disclaimer Assessment data provided 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. The assessing ﬁrm 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. T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Summary 2 Site Observations 3 Methods 4 Limits of the Assignment 5 Tree Survey / Data 6 Tree #1 — Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm)7 Tree #2 — Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm)8 Conclusion 9 Glossary of Terms 10 S U M M A R Y 2 T R EES AS S ESS E D 1 S P E C IES I DENT IF IED 6 D E F E C T S N O T E D 2 A CT IONS R EC O MM E N DE D The purpose of this arborist report is to provide a comprehensive risk assessment for two trees located at 325 1st Street, Atlantic Beach, FL, 32233. The assessment was commissioned by the property owner, John McCarthy, to evaluate potential risks posed by the trees to nearby structures. The evaluation was conducted by David Martin, a certiﬁed arborist with expertise in tree risk assessment. The site is a residential property characterized by sandy, dry soil conditions and exposure to wind, salt spray, ﬂooding, and drought. The assessment was performed on June 11, 2026, utilizing a Level 2 Basic Tree Risk Assessment methodology, which involves ground-level visual observations in accordance with ANSI A300 standards and ISA Best Management Practices (BMPs). This report includes detailed assessments of the individual trees, their risk ratings, and management recommendations based on observed defects and site conditions. S I T E O B S E R V A T I O N S Site Condition Value Site Type Residential Site Changes None Observed Soil Type Sand Soil Conditions Dry Compaction Level Moderate Standing Water No Sun Exposure Full Sun Overhead Utilities No Underground Utilities Yes Weather Exposure Wind, Salt Spray, Flooding, Drought M E T H O D S Species: Tree genus and species were identiﬁed. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): Trunk diameter was recorded to the nearest inch at 4.5 feet above grade. 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 structure and health. Excellent, good, fair, poor, or dead were used to describe conditions. Risk Level: Observable defects were evaluated using None, Low, Moderate, High, or Critical. Targets: Structures/items within potential impact zones that could sustain damage or pose a risk to life. Recommendations: Recommendations were provided in alignment with client objectives and arboricultural best management practices. L I M I T S O F T H E A S S I G N M E N T 1. The observations, ﬁndings, and recommendations presented in this report are based on conditions that existed at the time of the assessment and are limited to the scope of work outlined herein. Tree conditions are dynamic and can change rapidly due to weather events, biological processes, or site modiﬁcations. 2. A visual inspection methodology was used to develop the ﬁndings, conclusions, and recommendations contained in this report. Unless otherwise noted, no invasive or advanced diagnostic techniques were employed during the assessment. 3. Where site conditions limited access, measurements were estimated using professional judgment and standard arboricultural estimation methods. 4. This report has been prepared for the exclusive use of the client identiﬁed herein. The arborist assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information contained in this report. T R E E S U R V E Y / D A T A Tree Inventory Tree Species DBH (in)Height (ft)Health Condition Risk Action Tree 1 Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm)12 30 Fair Poor High Remove Tree 2 Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm)20 40 Poor Poor High Remove 12 T R E E #1 — S A B A L P A L M E T T O (C A B B A G E P A L M ) Species Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm) DBH (in.)12 in Height (ft.)30 ft Spread (ft.)10 ft Health/Vigor Fair Condition Poor Risk Level High Targets Structure Failure Proﬁle Root, Trunk Wind Exposure Full Crown Size Medium Crown Density Normal Root Defects Decay or soft, punky wood at the root ﬂare Trunk Defects Decay, rot, or fungal conks Defects Notes The Sabal palmetto exhibited decay or soft, punky wood at the root ﬂare, indicating signiﬁcant root defects. The trunk showed signs of decay, rot, or the presence of fungal conks, contributing to the tree's compromised structural integrity. No defects were observed in the crown or biological categories. Action Remove 12 inch diameter Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm) — The presence of decay at the root ﬂare and trunk of the Sabal palmetto has resulted in a high risk level, particularly given its proximity to a structure. The combination of root and trunk defects signiﬁcantly increases the likelihood of failure. It is recommended to remove the tree promptly to mitigate the risk to nearby targets. No pruning or plant health care interventions are advised due to the severity of the structural defects. Photos Crown overview Trunk / base detail Defect detail Root zone T R E E #2 — S A B A L P A L M E T T O (C A B B A G E P A L M ) Species Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm) DBH (in.)20 in Height (ft.)40 ft Spread (ft.)15 ft Health/Vigor Poor Condition Poor Risk Level High Targets Structure Failure Proﬁle Trunk Wind Exposure Full Crown Size Medium Crown Density Sparse Trunk Defects Cavities or hollows, Decay, rot, or fungal conks Biological Defects Soft, punky, or decayed wood, Cavities caused by internal decay Defects Notes The Sabal palmetto exhibited signiﬁcant trunk defects, including cavities or hollows and decay, rot, or fungal conks. Biological defects were also present, with soft, punky, or decayed wood and cavities caused by internal decay. No signiﬁcant defects were observed in the root or crown zones. Action Remove 20 inch diameter Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm) — The presence of extensive trunk and biological defects, such as cavities and decay, contributed to a high risk level for the Sabal palmetto. The tree's poor health and condition, combined with its full wind exposure and proximity to structures, increased the likelihood of failure. It is recommended to remove the tree promptly to mitigate the risk to nearby structures. Photos Crown overview Trunk / base detail Defect detail Root zone C O N C L U S I O N Of the two trees assessed, both were rated as High risk. The trees in question are Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm), with DBH measurements of 12 inches and 20 inches, respectively. The ﬁrst tree exhibited signiﬁcant root and trunk defects, including decay or soft, punky wood at the root ﬂare and decay, rot, or fungal conks on the trunk. These defects, combined with its proximity to a structure, necessitate removal to mitigate risk. The second Sabal palmetto displayed extensive trunk and biological defects, such as cavities or hollows, decay, rot, or fungal conks, and soft, punky, or decayed wood. Its poor health and condition, along with full wind exposure and proximity to structures, further increased the likelihood of failure. Consequently, removal is recommended to address the high risk posed by this tree. In summary, both trees are recommended for removal due to their compromised structural integrity and the potential threat they pose to nearby structures. No other management actions, such as pruning or plant health care interventions, are advised given the severity of the defects. G L O S S A R Y O F T E R M S ANSI A300 ANSI A300 is a set of industry standards for tree care operations, including pruning, soil management, and risk assessment. Cavities caused by internal decay Cavities caused by internal decay are hollow spaces within a tree's trunk or branches resulting from the breakdown of wood tissue by decay organisms. Cavities or hollows Cavities or hollows refer to empty spaces within the trunk or branches of a tree, often caused by decay or injury. DBH DBH stands for Diameter at Breast Height, a standard method of measuring the diameter of a tree trunk at 4.5 feet above ground. Decay Decay is the decomposition of wood ﬁbers within a tree, typically caused by fungi, which weakens the tree's structure. Decay or soft Decay or soft refers to wood that has lost its structural integrity due to decomposition, often feeling spongy or punky. Fair (health rating)A fair health rating indicates that a tree is in average condition, with some signs of stress or minor defects. Full wind exposure Full wind exposure means the tree is fully exposed to wind from all directions, increasing its risk of wind-related damage. High risk level A high risk level indicates a signiﬁcant likelihood of tree failure that could result in damage to targets such as structures or people. ISA ISA stands for the International Society of Arboriculture, a professional organization dedicated to the practice and promotion of arboriculture. Level 2 Basic Assessment A Level 2 Basic Assessment is a visual inspection of a tree from the ground, focusing on identifying defects and assessing risk without invasive techniques. Medium crown size Medium crown size refers to the average spread of a tree's branches and leaves, neither particularly large nor small. Normal crown density Normal crown density indicates a typical amount of foliage for the species, with no signiﬁcant thinning or overcrowding. Poor (condition rating) A poor condition rating signiﬁes that a tree has signiﬁcant structural or health issues that compromise its stability. Poor (health rating)A poor health rating means the tree is in declining health, often with visible signs of disease, decay, or damage. Pruning Pruning is the selective removal of tree branches to improve structure, health, or aesthetics. Remove Remove refers to the complete cutting down and disposal of a tree to eliminate risk or manage the landscape. Root The root is the part of the tree that anchors it to the ground and absorbs water and nutrients from the soil. Sabal palmetto (Cabbage Palm) Sabal palmetto, commonly known as Cabbage Palm, is a species of palm native to the southeastern United States, known for its resilience and distinctive fan-shaped leaves. Soft Soft refers to wood that has lost its ﬁrmness due to decay, often feeling spongy or pliable. Sparse crown density Sparse crown density indicates fewer leaves and branches than typical for the species, often a sign of stress or poor health. Structure Structure refers to buildings or other constructed elements that could be damaged by tree failure. TRAQ TRAQ stands for Tree Risk Assessment Qualiﬁcation, a certiﬁcation program by the ISA for professionals assessing tree risk. Trunk The trunk is the main stem of a tree, supporting the branches and transporting nutrients between the roots and leaves. or decayed wood Decayed wood is wood that has been decomposed by fungi or other organisms, weakening its structure. or fungal conks Fungal conks are fruiting bodies of fungi that appear on the trunk or branches, indicating internal decay. punky Punky refers to wood that is soft and crumbly due to decay, lacking structural integrity. punky wood at the root ﬂare Punky wood at the root ﬂare indicates decay at the base of the tree where the roots meet the trunk, compromising stability. rot Rot is the decay of wood caused by fungi, leading to structural weakness in the tree. A RB O R S T A R T R EE C A R E S O L U T I O N S Conﬁdential — Prepared for John McCarthy