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Table 3 <br /> Suitability Factors for Tree Preservation <br /> Suitability Factors <br /> To assist in the design process assessed trees have been rated as to suitability for <br /> preservation. Factors that influence suitability include: <br /> Health: Overall tree vigor, extension of new growth, proper closing of wounds and the <br /> presence of plant pathogens. <br /> Structure: The overall tree architrave, including roots,trunk,limbs,and branches are <br /> visually assessed for defects. A defect that can be corrected by proper arboricultural <br /> practices may allow a tree to be preserved. <br /> Safe and Useful Life Expectancy: The life of a tree is much like a bell-shaped curve; <br /> where aging accentuates tree vigor until a point at the top of the curve where aging <br /> now reduces tree vigor and decline begins. A species may be long lived but have a <br /> poor structure that is prone to fail (e.g.blue gum) and should not be considered safe or <br /> useful. <br /> Tree Species: The factors described above are predicated on the tree species. Certain <br /> species grow slowly and decline slowly (e.g. coast live oak). Other species grow quickly <br /> and decline quickly(e.g.Monterey pine). Tree species that are invasive,or a nuisance or <br /> have an inherently poor structure are to be avoided (e.g.Bailey acacia). <br /> Suitability Ratings <br /> When the above factors are considered,assessed trees were rated as HIGH,MODERATE <br /> or LOW in suitability for preservation. An explanation for each rating is provided below. <br /> HIGH: Trees which are significant and expected to provide long-term contributions to the <br /> site. They display fair or better health and fair or better structural condition.On-going <br /> suitability may require typical maintenance practices commonly associated with the tree <br /> species. These trees are the most suitable for retention measures and are worthy of <br /> consideration during the design process or design revision. <br /> MODERATE: Trees which contribute to the site but provide less than significant <br /> contributions for reasons of health,structural condition or appearance. On-going <br /> suitability will require properly implemented maintenance practices. Design revisions to <br /> preserve these trees may not be warranted. <br /> LOW: Trees which provide minor contributions to the property for reasons of poor health, <br /> structural condition or appearance. A tree species that is a nuisance due to litter,will <br /> grow too large for the area or is known to develop a structure prone to failure is also <br /> rated low in suitability. Generally speaking,trees in this category are not expected to <br /> benefit or respond to acceptable corrective measures. Removal of these trees will often <br /> allow the safe, useful and aesthetic enjoyment of the property. Preservation of low rated <br /> trees is not recommended. <br /> Ralph °sterling Consultants,Inc. I 7 <br />