17 ATTACHMENT 03 - Laserfiche WebLink

Tree Report, Vineyard Gardens, LLC, Pleasanton, CA HortScience, Inc. December 10, 2007 Page 6 Evaluation of Impacts and Recommendations for Preservation Appropriate tree retention develops a practical match between the location and intensity of construction activities and the quality and health of trees. The Tree Survey Form was the reference point for tree condition and quality. Potential impacts from construction were evaluated using the Site Plan by M I Architects (June 12, 2007) and Grading Plan by Alexander & Associates Inc. (December 5, 2007). The plan depicted the footprint of the proposed building pads, driveways, sidewalks and landscaped areas. A drainage swale is proposed near the east property line. Proposed elevations for building pads and spot elevations were included. Tree locations and dripline were shown on the Topographic Map by Alexander & Associates Inc. (June 2007). Impacts to trees will occur in several ways. Demolition of existing site improvements such as the house, outbuildings, driveway, retaining wall, walkways and hidden features may damage both tree roots and crowns. Providing access for construction may require pruning of tree crowns. Excavation and grading to construct the proposed improvements may damage tree roots both directly through mechanical injury, and indirectly by altering soil structure, drainage, and biology. Using these Plans potential impacts from construction were estimated for each tree. The most significant impacts to the trees would occur as a result of the demolition, grading and construction for building pads, driveway, retaining wall and utilities. Based upon our evaluation of the Plans, I recommend the preservation of 4 off-site trees (Table 3 next page). This includes 2 Heritage trees (coast redwood #284 and 285). I recommend removal of all 26 on-site trees including 3 Heritage trees (Table 3 next page). Nineteen (19) trees are recommended for removal because of their poor condition and poor suitability for preservation, including Heritage trees #263, 271 and 288. Two trees, #268 and 269, were dead. The remaining 5 trees are recommended for removal because of development impacts.