04 ATTACHMENT 6 - Laserfiche WebLink

35570 Palomares Rd. Castro Valley CA 94552 PHONE: (510) 538-6000 FAX: (510) 538-6001 E-MAIL: tyoung@dryadllc.com WEB SITE: www.dryadllc.com Dryad, LLC September 15, 2020 Torrey Young, Dryad, LLC 19053-20078 Resurrection Greek Orthodox Church Site: Dublin Canyon Rd., north of Laurel Creek Dr. Page 14 of 20 DISCUSSION: General comments: Virtually all 28 trees within the construction zone have excess soil over the root collars. Any trees to be retained should have root collars excavated and inspected before deciding to preserve the tree. Doing so is not construction related but can be critical to discovering or preventing serious root decay disease.  Trees nos. 941-945, 948, 949, 958-960, 1-9: Comments: This group of 19 trees are to the south, bordering Dublin Canyon Rd. These trees were specifically called out as of critical importance in the City of Pleasanton’s letter entitled “Subject: P20-0549 Preliminary Review Application”, from Jennifer Hagen, Associate Planner, dated June 24, 2020. Trees nos. 950 & 951 also border Dublin Canyon Blvd., but are not included here as they are in direct conflict with the access road. I understand the overhead utility lines are planned for undergrounding (G. Houston), but many of these trees have been topped for clearance, some repeatedly and severely. Others exhibit inherent and irreparable structural weaknesses and prior failures of major parts (nos. 957, 960). For these reasons and in consideration of proximity to future development and activity, I judged 7 of these 19 trees as poor candidates for preservation based upon their condition. Eight of this group could be retained based upon their condition, but their proximity to the adjacent pathway renders that ill advised. Where the trees are not immediately in the line of the pathway, it falls immediately next to trunks, which will result in significant root loss and hardscape displacement in the future. Two trees (nos. 2 & 957) are of such poor condition that removal is recommended regardless of construction impacts. Recommendations: It is my opinion that the project and the community would be better served by replacing all 19 trees with new trees, located for maximum growing space, which can thrive for decades. In the absence of overhead utility lines and allowing for sufficient growing space, replacing with CA coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) is reasonable.  Trees nos. 946, 947, 950-953: Comments: This group of six larger trees is located in direct conflict with construction, including the western access road and the structure (FF432.0). Recommendations: Remove all six trees.  Tree no. 955: Comments: This large CA live oak originates in the Riparian Corridor, but its severe lean places most of its canopy within the Limit of Grading. A visual inspection suggests this tree is worth preservation. However, there is significant excess fill soil over the south side of the root collar that could be covering significant root disease and decay. The tree is also significantly stunted, with no measurable increase in trunk diameter and poor twig growthH over the last 5 years. Recommendations: 1. Perform a root collar excavation and inspection before a decision to preserve this tree. 2. If the root collar is sound, extend the protective fencing to the south as far from the trunk as possible (at least at the dripline).  Tree nos. A-F, J: Comments: Although their condition warrants removal, I recommend some or all of these seven trees be considered for preservation in view of their value for wildlife habitat and creek bank erosion mitigation. These seven trees are not tagged, not appraised and not re-inspected, but are labeled on the tree location diagrams. Their condition and disposition is not relevant to construction activities. Recommendations: I recommend some or all of these seven trees be considered for preservation in view of their value for wildlife habitat and creek bank erosion mitigation. Riparian Corridor (trees nos. A-J and 955): Although not within the grading limit, protection from construction activities is appropriate. Recommendations: Install protective fencing at least along the Limit of the Riparian Corridor or closer to the Limit of Grading. Install erosion control to prevent accumulation of soil or debris around trees.   