2326 Barefoot Trace Arborist LetterDear Mr. Trumble,
On February 7, 2024, I evaluated the health and structure of a mature laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia)
growing on the north side of your residential property at 2326 Barefoot Trace in Atlantic Beach,
Florida. I performed a Level 2 Basic Assessment, which is a detailed visual inspection of a tree and its
surrounding site. The Level 2 Assessment includes a 360-degree visual inspection from ground level
on the tree and a sounding test of the accessible portions of the trunk with a rubber mallet to listen
for tonal variations that may indicate dead external tissue or internal hollows. The inspection was
done in accordance with ANSI A300 Standards on Tree Risk Assessment and the companion
publication Best Management Practices, Tree Risk Assessment., 1 2
Laurel Oaks. University of Florida Professor Emeritus of environmental horticulture, Ed Gilman
describes the tree, “Laurel Oaks have a life span of 50 to 70 years. Tree trunks and large branches
often hollow from decay and wood rot. The smallest trunk injury or improper pruning cut can result in
columns of decay inside the trunk which are 10, 20 or more feet long.” Gilman goes on to say, “It (the
laurel oak) grows well as a street tree and will serve the community well, but hollows with age as it
approaches 50 years old.” 3
I determined the tree to have good health but poor structure. A tree risk rating of the tree was
generated following ANSI A300 Standards for tree risk assessment, and the corresponding Best
Management Practices publication. The risk rating of the tree is “High”. There are no practical options
for mitigation of the tree below “moderate” that would not likely kill the tree. You, being the owner of
the tree, expressed that this was an unacceptable risk. Tree removal is recommended.
See the attached Tree Risk Assessment report concerning the laurel oak mentioned in this report.
Advanced Tree Care, Inc.
605 NE 7th Terrace
Gainesville, FL 32601
www.shadetreeexpert.com
If you have any questions about my observations or recommendations, please feel free to contact
me.
Sincerely,
Danny Lippi
Advanced Tree Care, Inc.
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist #FL6145B
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
M.S. Soil and Water Sciences
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Risk Assessment Part 9 Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant 1
Management Standard Practices (Tree Risk Assessment a. Tree Structure Assessment), 2011.
Thomas Smiley, Nelda Matheny and Sharon Lilly, Best Management Practices Tree Risk Assessment, International 2
Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, Illinois, 2011.
Dr. Ed Gilman, Trees for Urban and Suburban Landscape, Delmar Publisher, New York, 1996, p. 483.3
Advanced Tree Care, Inc.
605 NE 7th Terrace
Gainesville, FL 32601
www.shadetreeexpert.com