Haywood County Historic Courthouse

Transcription

1 Haywood County Historic Courthouse Tree Health and Safety Analysis Prepared by Bill Leatherwood Certified Arborist SO-5350A February 15, 2013

2 Arborist Report for Haywood County Historic Courthouse Waynesville, NC (Tree locations are approximate) 2013 Plant Health Care Tree Evaluation The following is a summary of my visual inspection conducted on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 of the trees surrounding the Haywood County Historic Courthouse. More detailed descriptions and recommendations are enclosed. Map ID DBH Common Name Species Hazardous Defects Hazard Rating 1 24" sugar maple Acer saccharum 3, 4, 7 medium 2 20" sugar maple Acer saccharum 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 high 3 26" sugar maple Acer saccharum 3, 4, 7 medium 4 18" sugar maple Acer saccharum 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 medium 5 24" sugar maple Acer saccharum 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 high 6 24" sugar maple Acer saccharum 3, 4, 7 medium 7 36" sugar maple Acer saccharum 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 high 8 30" sugar maple Acer saccharum 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 high 9 24" sugar maple Acer saccharum 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 high 10 35" sugar maple Acer saccharum 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 high 11 43" sugar maple Acer saccharum 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 high 12 26" red spruce Picea rubens 1 low Hazardous Defects 1 - Deadwood 2 - Cracks 3 - Weak branch unions 4 - Decay 5 - Cankers 6 - Root problems 7 - Poor tree architecture See Appendix 1 for general descriptions Bill Leatherwood Certified Arborist SO-5350A Hazard Rating low - little or no risk of tree failure. medium - moderate risk of tree failure, corrective actions needed. high - life and property at risk, immediate action required NORTH MAIN ST 7 DEPOT ST Feet 1

3 Arborist Report Haywood County Historic Courthouse Assignment and Scope of Work The undersigned has been retained to provide a general analysis of the health and safety of the trees surrounding the Haywood County Historic Courthouse. All field data and pictures used to compile this report were collected during a site visit conducted on February 13, Other pertinent information was collected from a December 12, 2007 news article (Appendix 2) and from local interviews. This Analysis is based on the Following Information 1) Observations, measurements and pictures collected during site visit. 2) Trees #1 6 were planted in the early 1970 s making them a little over 40 years old. About 20 years later the trees were topped. For a few years after the topping some work was done each summer to help correct the damage done. Over the past 18 + years nothing has been done except maybe some deadwood removal. 3) Trees #7 11 are probable between 80 and 100 years old. These trees were also topped in the past and appear to have been mostly neglected. Construction damage by soil compaction may have fatally damaged the largest maple #11 Analysis and Recommendations All of the maples have serious structural problems as indicated on page 1 under hazardous defects. The combination of weak branch unions, decay and cracks place s several of these trees in a high risk category to life and property within the surrounding environment. The exposed, twisted and girdling roots are amplifying the deteriorated health of several trees. Other than the spruce the overall health and safety conditions of all these trees is poor to severe. Appendix 3 illustrates many of the problems found. Pruning to correct problems Fifteen years ago some pruning to help correct the damage done could have extended the life of these trees. At this point I don t feel the use of any proper pruning methods would prove to be beneficial. The density and overgrowth of the crowns could never be shaped into a healthy attractive tree. With the amount of internal decay present other problems would quickly develop. Removal Trees like humans have an expected life span. The overall neglect to properly maintain these trees has shortened this and now makes it necessary to remove them and start over. The hazardous conditions that exist make this a matter of extreme urgency for several trees as they are a liability to the county. Include stump grinding to a depth of at least 18 to lessen soil disturbance and prepare the site for replacement. Replacement Work with a landscape design to coincide with the Town of Waynesville s active street tree program and replace the trees with species and designs that allow the grass to grow and the beautiful historic building and memorials to be visible year round. Incorporate several larger replacement trees to lessen the impact of the sudden removals. Follow proper planting practices and develop and implement a routine maintenance program for tree care, including tree inspection, mulching, fertilization, pruning, and tree removal. 2

4 Arborist Report Haywood County Historic Courthouse Summary I consider myself as somewhat of a tree hugger. I have a passion to diagnose and treat problems in older and historic trees, bringing them back to life or extending their life. Sometimes this is not possible and with this recommendation it is not what I like, but what is necessary. Anytime we start to remove public trees or historic trees we hit on the emotions people have or a connection they have to those trees. I too have a connection to the maples in the courthouse lawn. I have a picture of my greatgreat grandfather, William H. Leatherwood sitting under the maples on the courthouse lawn in the late 1890 s or early 1900 s. He was elected three times as sheriff, two terms register of deeds, Clerk of the Court, and for a number of year s Justice of the Peace and served repeatedly as county commissioner. My great grandfather, Joe Leatherwood came frequently to sit under the maples as it was a common gathering place. Those maples they sat under were probably replaced in the early 1970 s or could perhaps be one of the larger trees in the side lawns. Replacing these trees doesn t stop the history of maples on the courthouse lawn, it only allows it to continue in a safe and healthier environment. With that said make sure some sugar maples are part of that replacement plan. I would be glad to provide the planning, coordination and supervision to safely remove the trees through available county resources and local contractors. I can also work with your landscape plans to replacement the trees and develop a maintenance program to ensure the public has a safe and healthy open space to enjoy for generations to come. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Sincerely, Bill Leatherwood Phone: (828) arborist@wncgis.com Web: Bill Leatherwood ISA Certified Arborist SO-5350A 3

5 Consider the following factors when inspecting trees: Tree Condition: Trees in poor condition may have many dead twigs, dead branches, or small, off-color leaves. Trees in good condition will have full crowns, vigorous branches, and healthy, full-sized leaves; however, green foliage in the crown does not ensure that a tree is safe. Tree trunks and branches can be quite defective and still support a lush green crown. Tree Species: Certain tree species are prone to specific types of defects. For example, some species of maple and ash in the Northeast often form weak branch unions, and aspen is prone to breakage at a young age (50-70 years) due to a variety of factors, including decay and cankers. Tree Age and Size: Trees are living organisms subject to constant stress. Pay particular attention to older trees, which may have accumulated multiple defects and extensive decay. What to Look For Hazardous defects are visible signs that the tree is failing. We recognize seven main types of tree defects: dead wood, cracks, weak branch unions, decay, cankers, root problems, and poor tree architecture. A tree with defects is not hazardous, however, unless some portion of it is within striking distance of a target. Dead wood Dead wood is not negotiable -- dead trees and large dead branches must be removed immediately! Dead trees and branches are unpredictable and can break and fall at any time (Fig. 1). Dead wood is often dry and brittle and cannot bend in the wind like a living tree or branch. Dead branches and tree tops that are already broken off ( hangers or widow makers ) are especially dangerous! Take immediate action if... A broken branch or top is lodged in a tree. A tree is dead. A branch is dead and of sufficient size to cause injury (this will vary with height and size of branch). Figure 1. Dead branches can break and fall at any time. (photo right) Cracks A crack is a deep split through the bark, extending into the wood of the tree. Cracks are extremely dangerous because they indicate that the tree is already failing (Fig. 2). Take action if... A crack extends deeply into, or completely through the stem. Two or more cracks occur in the same general area of the stem. A crack is in contact with another defect. A branch of sufficient size to cause injury is cracked. Figure 2. A serious crack like this one indicates that the tree is already failing! (photo right) Weak Branch Unions Weak branch unions are places where branches are not strongly attached to the tree. A weak union occurs when two or more similarly-sized, usually upright branches grow so closely together that bark grows between the branches, inside the union. This ingrown bark does not have the structural strength of wood, and the union is much weaker than one that does not have included bark (Fig. 3). The included bark mayalso act as a wedge and force the branch union to split apart. Trees with a tendency to form upright branches, such as elm and maple, often produce weak branch unions.weak branch unions also form after a tree or branch is tipped or topped (page 15), i.e., when the main stem or a large branch is cut at a right angle to the direction of growth leaving a large branch stub. The stub inevitably decays, providing very poor support for new branches ( epicormic branches) that usually develop along the cut branch. Take action if... A weak branch union occurs on the main stem. A weak branch union is cracked. A weak branch union is associated with a crack, cavity, or other defect. Figure 3. This weak branch union has failed, creating a highly hazardous situation. 4

6 Decay Decaying trees can be prone to failure, but the presence of decay, by itself, does not indicate that the tree is hazardous. Advanced decay, i.e., wood that is soft, punky, or crumbly, or a cavity where the wood is missing can create a serious hazard. Evidence of fungal activity including mushrooms, conks, and brackets growing on root flares, stems, or branches are indicators of advanced decay. A tree usually decays from the inside out, eventually forming a cavity, but sound wood is also added to the outside of the tree as it grows. Trees with sound outer wood shells may be relatively safe, but this depends upon the ratio of sound to decayed wood, and other defects that might be present. Evaluating the safety of a decaying tree is usually best left to trained arborists (Fig. 4). Take action if... Advanced decay is associated with cracks, weak branch unions, or other defects. A branch of sufficient size to cause injury is decayed. The thickness of sound wood is less than 1" for every 6" of diameter at any point on the stem. Figure 4. This seriously decayed tree should have been evaluated and removed before it failed. (photo right) Cankers A canker is a localized area on the stem or branch of a tree, where the bark is sunken or missing. Cankers are caused by wounding or disease. The presence of a canker increases the chance of the stem breaking near the canker (Fig. 5). A tree with a canker that encompasses more than half of the tree's circumference may be hazardous even if exposed wood appears sound. Take action if... A canker or multiple cankers affect more than half of the tree's circumference. A canker is physically connected to a crack, weak branch union, a cavity, or other defect. Figure 5. The large canker on this tree has seriously weakened the stem. Root Problems Trees with root problems may blow over in wind storms. They may even fall without warning in summer when burdened with the weight of the tree s leaves. There are many kinds of root problems to consider, e.g., severing or paving-over roots (Fig. 6); raising or lowering the soil grade near the tree; parking or driving vehicles over the roots; or extensive root decay. Soil mounding (Fig. 7), twig dieback, dead wood in the crown, and off-color or smaller than normal leaves are symptoms often associated with root problems. Because most defective roots are underground and out of sight, aboveground symptoms may serve as the best warning. Take action if... A tree is leaning with recent root exposure, soil movement, or soil mounding near the base of the tree. More than half of the roots under the tree s crown have been cut or crushed. These trees are dangerous because they do not have adequate structural support from the root system. Advanced decay is present in the root flares or buttress roots. Figure 6. Severing roots decreases support and increases the chance of failure or death of the tree. (photo right) 5

7 Poor Tree Architecture Poor architecture is a growth pattern that indicates weakness or structural imbalance. Trees with strange shapes are interesting to look at, but may be structurally defective. Poor architecture often arises after many years of damage from storms, unusual growing conditions, improper pruning, topping, and other damage (Fig. 8). A leaning tree may be a hazard. Because not all leaning trees are dangerous, any leaning tree of concern should be examined by a professional arborist. Take action if... A tree leans excessively. A large branch is out of proportion with the rest of the crown. Figure 8. This tree is decayed and badly out of balance because of poor maintenance. It is dangerous, and extremely unattractive! (photo right) Multiple Defects The recognition of multiple defects in a tree is critical when evaluating the tree s potential to fail. Multiple defects that are touching or are close to one another should be carefully examined. If more than one defect occurs on the tree s main stem, you should assume that the tree is extremely hazardous. Corrective Actions Corrective actions begin with a thorough evaluation. If a hazardous situation exists, there are three recommended options for correcting the problem: move the target, prune the tree, or remove the tree. Move the Target Removing the target is often an inexpensive and effective treatment for correcting a hazard tree. Easily moved items like play sets and swings, RV's, and picnic tables can be placed out of the reach of the hazardous tree with little effort and expense. If the target cannot be moved and a serious hazard exists, consider blocking access to the target area until the hazard can be properly eliminated. Prune the Tree A hazardous situation may be caused by a defective branch or branches, even though the rest of the tree is sound. In this case, pruning the branch solves the problem. Prune when... A branch is dead. A branch of sufficient size to cause injury is cracked or decayed. A weak branch union exists and one of the branches can be removed. Branches form a sharp angle, twist, or bend. A branch is lopsided or unbalanced with respect to the rest of the tree. A broken branch is lodged in the crown. Remove the branch and prune the stub. Pruning a tree properly early in its life is a good way to effectively avoid many potential problems when the tree is older and larger. When done correctly, routine pruning of trees does not promote future defects. If done improperly, immediate problems may be removed, but cracks, decay, cankers, or poor architecture will be the ultimate result, creating future hazards. Remove the Tree Before cutting a tree down, carefully consider the alternatives. The effects of removing a tree are often pronounced in landscape situations and may result in reduced property values. Tree removal should be considered as the final option and used only when the other two corrective actions will not work. Tree removal is inherently dangerous and is even more serious when homes and other targets are involved. Removal of hazardous trees is usually a job for a professional arborist. Cabling and Bracing Cabling and bracing does not repair a hazard tree, but when done correctly by a trained arborist, it can extend the time a tree or its parts are safe. Done incorrectly, it creates a more serious hazard. We do not recommend cabling or bracing as treatment for a hazard tree unless the tree has significant historic or landscape value. Topping and Tipping--Poor Pruning Practices Topping is the practice of pruning large upright branches at right angles to the direction of growth, sometimes used to reduce the height of the crown. Tipping is the cutting of lateral branches at right angles to the direction of growth to reduce crown width. Both of these practices are harmful and should never be used. The inevitable result of such pruning wounds is decay in the remaining stub, which then serves as a very poor support to any branches that subsequently form. 6

8 Wednesday, 12 December 2007 Written by Admin By David Curtis Trees are making the news again in Haywood County as two commissioners are debating the sugar maples in front of the historical courthouse. To cut or not to cut is the question, but, as usual, the answer is not always black or white, chainsaw or shovel, tree hugger or developer. As work continues to restore the historic courthouse, a local landscape architectural firm has been hired to design a plan that will tie the courthouse to the adjoining justice center with a common landscape. The landscape design may, or may not, include the maples growing across the front of the courthouse. The firm will actually produce two plans, one that preserves the trees into the new landscape and one without the trees. And this is where the battle lines have been drawn those that want to keep the trees at any cost, and those that may support the removal of the trees to implement the new landscape. Notice I say, may, because the landscape design has not even been drawn, presented, or for that matter, even discussed amongst the commissioners at this time. I find this ironic because here are our local politicians debating a local issue nothing says issue on the local level more than dogs, kids and trees and they are acting a lot like their counterparts, their big brothers and big sisters in Washington, deciding on national and world issues. The comparisons can easily be made between the two; in one camp are the stay the course diehards. Do not cut the trees at any cost regardless of what intelligence, or lack of intelligence tells you. Be stubborn in your belief, don t waver, say it enough times and it will become true. Mission accomplished, trees saved, damn the future, lets save democracy... I mean trees in that adjoining country... I mean property. In the other camp we have those that want a plan for the early withdrawal of the courthouse trees. Maybe they all have to go, maybe some have to go, whatever the case, lets have a plan and a timetable for their removal so we can achieve a unified front across both properties. This camp is often referred to as the cut and run camp by the other side. As the great tree debate plays out in the local media, sides are being taken, letters are being written and other parties are jumping into the water not knowing how deep, how cold and how snapping turtle infested the water could actually be. OK, a little clarification the snapping turtle reference is to the things that could come back and bite you if you re not careful. Now, the next part is important so I m going to go slow just in case some of the involved parties are reading. Trees and kids and dogs are all emotional issues and decisions that are made concerning these issues are best made when emotions are set aside and decisions are then made using accurate facts, knowledge of the subject and advice from unbiased experts. So here we have a commissioner who, before there is a landscape plan, before all the options have been laid out, before any discussion has taken place, has drawn a line in the sand and will basically veto any proposal that requires the withdrawal of the trees. Hell no the trees WON T go, is the message to the other commissioners. The trees in question are primarily the six sugar maples that were planted in front of the courthouse in the early to mid 1970s. In the early 1990s the maples were approaching 25 feet tall and starting to shade the courthouse lawn, thinning the grass. Someone in charge, possibly the county chairman or county manager at that time whoever it was had little knowledge in arboriculture (tree care) gave the order to top the trees to help the grass and open up a better view of the courthouse. When trees are topped it ruins the natural form of the tree, leads to weak branching structure and predisposes the tree to insect and disease attack. On the day that the trees were being topped the workers got four of the six trees cut back before a woman who worked inside the courthouse ran outside and yelled at them to stop killing the trees. She accused them, rightly so, of not knowing what they were doing and that they should call someone for advice before they destroyed them all and so they called me. At that time I was the horticulture agent for the Cooperative Extension Service and 7

9 one of my areas of expertise was in public education of tree care and maintenance. The topping was stopped, and over the course of the next four years I climbed the trees each summer and pruned out the damage done from the topping. The crowns were thinned to allow more light to reach the ground to re-establish the lawn, diseased limbs that resulted from the topping were removed and the trees were limbed up, raising the canopy to allow more light, air circulation and visibility. Since then little has been done to the trees, and if you look today you can still see the damage done from the topping of 15 years ago. There are five more maples growing at the courthouse that are far older and more historic than the six maples getting all of the attention, three are growing along Depot Street and two growing between the courthouse and the justice center. These trees are closer to 80 years old, are much larger, much more neglected and are in much poorer condition than those being debated. The other irony of this whole senseless debate is that the largest maple on the property that is growing between the courthouse and the justice center is being damaged by the current construction and restoration activities at the courthouse. Soil compaction is occurring from construction traffic and pallets of concrete blocks that are stacked under the tree; all this leads to root damage resulting in decline and eventual death of the tree. Where s the concern, the debate, the uproar? To answer my own question, there isn t any, because those involved are unaware that there is a problem. They lack the knowledge to take action, or to make a decision, or to even understand the consequences of their lack of action until it is too late. So here s my advice to the commissioners about the trees at the courthouse and to the public who is weighing in on the matter. Educate yourself. Don t make an emotional decision without first knowing all of the facts. Look at the landscape plan that you are paying good money for (at one time the estimated amount that should be budgeted for landscape design and installation was at 10 percent of the project budget, considering the cost of the justice center and the restoration of the courthouse you re getting by cheap at $2,900), listen to the landscape architects who are the experts, consult with a certified arborist on the health and cost to correctively prune and maintain the trees if they are going to be preserved, and keep the public informed. Spend more time thinking about the future and less time dwelling in the past. That s not to say forget the past, but honor it, not use it as an excuse not to move forward. And always, keep a sharp eye out for snapping turtles. (David Curtis teaches middle school in Haywood County and has in the past had the opportunity to hug several of the courthouse maples. He can be reached at dcurtis@haywood.k12.nc.us.) 8

10 Arborist Report Haywood County Historic Courthouse Appendix 3 Tree #5 This is just one example of weak branch attachments. The included bark and decay in this union combined with the weight of the overgrown top make this an accident waiting on an ice or wind event. 9

11 Arborist Report Haywood County Historic Courthouse Appendix 3 Cracks, cankers and internal decay Tree #2 This is another example of the common problems within several of the maples. This limb will fall across the sidewalk at the foot of the front entrance steps. 10

12 Arborist Report Haywood County Historic Courthouse Appendix 3 Over weighted crown with weak supporting structure. Large crack weakens structural integrity. Bark pealing from dead areas. Tree #7 Exposed and girdling roots. 11

13 Arborist Report Haywood County Historic Courthouse Appendix 3 Tree #9 Weak branch attachments, internal decay and an over weighted crown have this maple poised to take out power and phone lines to the 911 Emergency Communications Center 12

14 Arborist Report Haywood County Historic Courthouse Appendix 3 This large mature spruce appears healthy. Tree #12 13

15 Arborist Report Haywood County Historic Courthouse Appendix 3 Tree #11 Tree #10 These older maples between the Historic Courthouse and the new Courthouse are in very bad shape. Images on the next page details some of the problems. 14

16 Arborist Report Haywood County Historic Courthouse Appendix 3 This older maple has large limb dieback, fungus growing on the trunk indicating internal decay, visible significant trunk and overall structure weakening. Much of this trees rapid decline is from root damage that occurred during past construction. Tree #11 A more recent limb loss has revealed the internal decay and is an example of how the weak branch attachments will continue to cause serious concerns to the safety around all the maples. Tree #10 15

17 Arborist Report Haywood County Historic Courthouse Appendix 3 This general analysis of the trees surrounding the Historic Courthouse has revealed hazardous defects in all the maples placing them in a category of hazard trees. Some are much more severe than others. Actions to reduce liability must be taken immediately. Phone: (828) arboristwncgis.com Web: Bill Leatherwood ISA Certified Arborist SO-5350A 16