HOR CURA
Associates
Consultants in Horticulture and Arboriculture
TREE INVENTORY REPORT
Lund Hill Lane
Cotati, CA
Prepared for:
Synergy Communities
435 E Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Prepared by:
John C. Meserve
International Society of Arboriculture
ISA Certified Arborist, WE #0478A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor/TRAQ
January 2, 2026
HORTICUMURAL
Consultants in Horticulture and Arboriculture
Associates P.O Box 1261, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
January 2, 2026
Andy Christopherson
Synergy Communities
435 E Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
Re: Tree Inventory Report Lund Hill Lane, Cotati, California Andy,
Attached you will find our Tree Inventory Report for the above noted project site in Cotati. A total of 69 trees which are 3 inches or greater in trunk diameter have been included in this study.
Each tree in this report was evaluated and documented for species, trunk diameter, health, and structural condition. The Tree Location Plan shows the location and numbering sequence of all evaluated trees. Also included are a Tree Fencing Detail, Tree Pruning Standards, and Tree Preservation Guideline for future reference.
This report is intended to be a basic inventory of trees present at this site. We evaluated trees using a Level 2 Basic Visual Assessment following International Society of on this study except for representing the observations and recommendations that were made on the date of our inspections. We recommend that the trees included in this study be regularly evaluated to document any changes that do occur over time.
No other trees were included in this report, and if other trees need to be included it is your responsibility to provide that direction to us.
~ Voice 707-935-3911 Fax 707-935-7103 ~
Andy Christopherson
1-2-26
EXISTING SITE CONDITION SUMMARY
The project site consists primarily of many small regenerating Oaks in proposec building areas, and large established Blue Gum Eucalyptus along two property lines.
EXISTING TREE SUMMARY
Tree species that are native to the site include Valley Oak, Coast Live Oak, and Black Oak.
Tree species that are native to California, but not native to this site include Monterey Pine.
Non-native trees include Blue Gum Eucalyptus.
CONSTRUCTION IMPACT SUMMARY
All trees within the designated building areas will require removal. These are primarily small native Oaks.
Large Blue Gum Eucalyptus at the rear of the site were not included in this inventory, but large Blue Gums on the south end of the site were included. This species is not considered to be suitable for preservation near a dense urban housing project. Their root systems are extensive and often damaging to improvements, large lateral limbs are prone to failure causing damage and injury, and they produce copious quantities of leaf and litter debris. All Blue Gums should be removed from this site.
Oaks growing in the area of Blue Gums, and other perimeter areas, appear to be preservable.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions regarding this report, or if further discussion about any tree issue is required.
Regards,
John C. Meserve
International Society of Arboriculture BOCIETY OF
ISA Certified Arborist, WE #0478A
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor/TRAQ
ED ARBO
TREE INVENTORY CHART
Inventory of Existing Trees TREE INVENTORY 1-2-26
O Lund Hill Lane
Cotati, CA
Trunk Diameter Height Radius Health Structure Expected
Tree # Species Common Name Inches (dbh 1-5 1-4 Recommendations (+ feet) (+ feet) Impact
@4.5")
Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 20 14
Quercus lobata Valley Oak 2+2+2.5 13
Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak 15+18 40
Quercis lobata Valley Oak 3.5+4 14 10
Quercis lobata Valley Oak 12 12
Quercis lobata Valley Oak 3+4 16 10
Quercis lobata Valley Oak 4+4+4 16 12
Quercus lobata Valley Oak 18
Quercus lobata Valley Oak 20 12
10 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 12
11 Quercus kellogii Black Oak 18
HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 1261, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707.935.3911
Inventory of Existing Trees TREE INVENTORY 1-2-26
O Lund Hill Lane
Cotati, CA
Trunk Diameter Height Radius Structure Expected
Common Name Inches (dbh Health Recommendations
Tree # Species (t feet) (+feet) 1-5 1-4 Impact
(4.5")
12 Quercus kellogii Black Oak 2+3 14 10
13 Quercus Lobata Valley Oak 4.5 16
14 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 5+5 15 10
15 Quercus lobata Valley Oak 14
16 Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 4.5 14
17 Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 3+3 14
18 Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak 6+9 14
19 Quercus lobata Valley Oak 15 10
20 Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 3+3 14
21 Quercus Lobata Valley Oak 10+12 35 20
22 Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 18 18
HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 1261, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707.935.3911
Inventory of Existing Trees TREE INVENTORY 1-2-26
O Lund Hill Lane
Cotati, CA
Trunk Diameter Height Radius Health Structure Expected
Tree # Species Common Name Inches (dbh Recommendations
(+ feet) (+ feet) 1-5 1-4 Impact
@4.5")
23 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 2.5+5 14 15
24 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 3.5+8.5 18 15
25 Quercus Lobata Valley Oak 13 12
26 Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak 18 12
27 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 18
28 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 5.5 16
29 Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 4.5 14
30 Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 16
31 Quercus lobata Valley Oak 18
32 Querces lobata Valley Oak 18
33 Quercus lobata Valley Oak 3.4+3.5 18 10
HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 1261, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707.935.3911
Inventory of Existing Trees TREE INVENTORY 1-2-26
O Lund Hill Lane
Cotati, CA
Trunk Diameter Height Radius Health Structure Expected
Tree # Species Common Name Inches (dh (t feet) Recommendations @4.5") (+ feet) 1-5 1-4 Impact
34 Quercus lobata Valley Oak 3.5 18
35 Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak 2+3+4 14 10
36 Quercus lobata Valley Oak 4+4 14 10
37 Quercus lobata Valley Oak 15
38 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 18
39 Valley Oak 20
Quercus lobata Valley Oak 16 10
41 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 5.5 18
42 Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 16 10
43 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 5.5 18 10
Quercus lobata Valley Oak 4.5 15
HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 1261, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707.935.3911
Inventory of Existing Trees TREE INVENTORY 1-2-26
O Lund Hill Lane
Cotati, CA
Trunk Diameter Height Radius Health Structure Expected
Tree # Species Common Name Inches (dbh Recommendations
(+ feet) (feet) 1-5 1-4 Impact
@4.5")
45 Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 21 10
46 Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 24 12
47 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 5.5 15 10
48 Quercus Lobata Valley Oak 5+6+7 12
49 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 4.5+5+5 18 12
50 Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 5+7+7 30 18
51 Quercis lobata Valley Oak 26 15
52 Quercis Labata Valley Oak 20 12
53 Quercis Lobata Valley Oak 6.5 18 10
54 Eucalyptus globulus Blue Gum 48 100 35 2,5
55 Eucalyptus globulus Blue Gum 48 100 35 2,5
HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATES
PO. Box 1261. Glen Ellen. CA 95442
707 935 3911
Inventory of Existing Trees TREE INVENTORY 1-2-26
O Lund Hill Lane
Cotati, CA
Trunk Diameter Height
Common Name Radius Health Structure Expected Recommendations Tree # Species Inches (dbh (+ feet) (t feet) 1-5 1-4 Impact @4.5")
56 Eucalyptus globulus Blue Gum 25 30 2,5
57 Quercus Lobata Valley Oak 6+6 35 1, 6, 7, 8, 9
58 Eucalyptus globulus Blue Gum 25 25 2,5
59 Eucalyptus globulus Blue Gum 48 100 35 2,5
60 Eucalyptus globulus Blue Gum 50 100 35 2,5
61 Eucalyptus globulus Blue Gum 30 75 35 2,5
62 Eucalyptus globulus Blue Gum 100 35 2,5
63 Eucalyptus globalus Blue Gum 50 100 35 2,5
64 Eucalyptus globales Blue Gum 25 2,5
65 Encalyptus globalus Blue Gum 20 25 2,5
66 Pinus radiata Monterey Pine 16.5 35 20 2,5
HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 1261, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707.935.3911
Inventory of Existing Trees TREE INVENTORY 1-2-26
O Lund Hill Lane
Cotati, CA
Trunk Diameter Height Ra dius Health Structure Expected Tree # Species Common Name Inches (dbh Recommendations
(+ feet) (*feet) 1-5 1-4 Impact
@4.5")
67 Pines radiata Monterey Pine 19 35 20 2,5
68 Pinus radiata Monterey Pine 25 35 20 2,5
69 Pines radiata Monterey Pine 28 35 20 2,5
HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATES
P.O. Box 1261, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707.935.3911
KEY TO TREE
INVENTORY CHART
KEY TO TREE INVENTORY CHART
Lund Hill Lane
Cotati, CA
Tree Number
Each tree has been identified in the field with an aluminum tag and reference number. Tags are attached to the trunk at approximately eye level. The Tree Location Plan illustrates the location of each numbered tree.
Species
Each tree has been identified by genus, species and common name. Many species have more than one common name.
Trunk
Each trunk has been measured or estimated, in inches, to document its diameter, at 4.5 feet above adjacent grade. Trunk diameter is a good indicator of age, and is commonly used to determine mitigation replacement requirements.
Height
Height is estimated in feet, using visual assessment.
Radius
Radius is estimated in feet, using visual assessment. Since many canopies are asymmetrical, it is not uncommon for a radius estimate to be an average of the canopy size.
Health
The following descriptions are used to rate the health of a tree. Trees with a rating of 4 or 5 are generally poor candidates for preservation.
(5) Excellent - health and vigor are exceptional, no pest, disease, or distress symptoms. (4) Good - health and vigor are average, no significant or specific distress symptoms, no significant pest or disease.
(3) Fair - health and vigor are somewhat compromised, distress is visible, pest or disease may be present and affecting health, problems are generally correctable. (2) Marginal - health and vigor are significantly compromised, distress is highly visible and present to the degree that survivability is in question. (1) Poor - decline has progressed beyond the point of being able to return to a healthy condition again. Long-term survival is not expected. This designation includes dead trees.
Structure
The following descriptions are used to rate the structural integrity of a tree. Trees with a rating of 3 or 4 are generally stable, sound trees which do not require significant pruning, although cleaning, thinning, or raising the canopy might be desirable. Trees with a rating of 2 are generally poor candidates for preservation unless they are preserved well away from improvements or active use areas. Significant time and effort would be required to reconstruct the canopy and improve structural integrity. Trees with a rating of 1 are hazardous and should be removed.
(4) Good structure - minor structural problems may be present which do not require corrective action.
(3) Moderate structure - normal, typical structural issues which can be corrected with pruning. (2) Marginal structure - serious structural problems are present which may or may not be correctable with pruning, cabling, bracing, etc.
(1) Poor structure - hazardous structural condition which cannot be effectively corrected with pruning or other measures, may require removal depending on location and the presence of Expected Impacts
Considering the proximity of construction activities, type of activities, tree species, and tree condition - the following ratings are used to estimate the amount of impact on tree health and stability. Most trees will tolerate a (1) rating, many trees could tolerate a (2) rating with caretul consideration and mitigation, but trees with a (3) rating are poor candidates for preservation. (4) Impacts are unknown at this time and will depend on the location of improvements inside the illustrated building envelope.
3) A significant impact on long term tree integrity can be expected as a result of proposed development.
(2) A moderate impact on long term tree integrity can be expected as a result of proposed development.
(1) A minor impact on long term tree integrity can be expected as a result of proposed development.
Recommendations
Recommendations are provided for removal or preservation. For those being preserved, protection measures and mitigation procedures to offset impacts and improve tree health are provided.
(1) Preservation appears to be possible.
(2) Removal is required due to significant development impacts. (3) Removal is required due to poor health or hazardous structure. (4) Removal is required due to significant development impacts and poor existing condition. (5) Removal is recommended due to poor species characteristics. (6) Install temporary protective fencing at the edge of the dripline, or edge of approved construction, prior to begınning grading or construction. Maintain fencing in place for duration of all construction activitv in the area.
(7) Maintain existing grade within the fenced portion of the dripline. Route drainage swales and all underground work outside the dripline.
(8) Place a 4" layer of chipped bark mulch over the soil surface within the fenced dripline prior to installing temporary fencing. Maintain this layer of mulch throughout construction. (9) Prune to clean the canopy, per International Society of Arboriculture pruning standards. (10) Prune to provide clearance for adjacent improvements, per International Society of Arboriculture pruning standards.
(11) This trunk is located off site, but the canopy overhangs the project site. (12) Excavation may be required within the TPZ and the dripline for development. Excavation within the TPZ of any type must adhere to the following guidelines:
All roots encountered that are 2 inches or larger in diameter must be cleanly cut as they are encountered by excavating equipment.
Roots may not be ripped from the ground and then trimmed. They must be trimmed as encountered and this will require the use of a ground man working with a suitable power Pruned and exposed roots greater than 2 inches in diameter must be protected from lesiccation if left exposed for more than 24 hours. Cover cut roots with heavy cloth, burlap Ised carpeting, or similar material that has been soaked in water, until trench or excavatior has been backfilled.
If excavation impacts more than 20% of the defined TPZ then supplemental irrigation may be required to offset loss of roots. Excavation in this case should be directed by the project arborist who will determine whether excavation is required, when, and how.
Any excavation within the defined TZ will require that the tree be monitored on a nonthly basis by the project arborist for the duration of construction and for one yeal evond completion of construction. Monitoring may determine other mitigation measures that may be required to offset root loss or damage.
(13) This tree is not a protected species and is exempt from preservation or mitigation based on the Tree Ordinance.
(14) No numbered tag was placed on this tree
TREE LOCATION PLAN
ALL EXISTING OAK TREES WITHIN
HATCHED AREA TO REMAIN
CONCRETE WALL
2000
JAGLA STREET NO ARE •
EXISTING SIDEWALKS- YAY Chird
HILL LANE
TREE LOCATION AND NUMBERING PLAN
O Lund Hill Drive
Cotati, CA
BENCH MARK 13119°
TREE FENCING DETAIL
NOTE
Metal Wire Tree Protection Fencing
Minimum 4-ft high steel welded wire
fencing with mesh size 2-in x 4-in, or
4,0' arborist approved wire fence substitute. Cut
and shape as needed for sloping terrain
Metal tie wire, flip tie, or
equivalent, 5 per post
Standard farm quality metal T' post,
1,5' 5.5' tall, placed 8' on center
METAL WIRE TREE PROTECTION FENCING
TREE PRESERVATION GUIDELINES
TREE PRESERVATION GUIDELINES
INTRODUCTION
Great care must be exercised when development is proposed in the vicinity of established trees of any type. The trees present at this site require specialized protection techniques during all construction activities to minimize negative impact on their long term health and vigor. The area immediately beneath and around canopy driplines is especially critical, and the specifications that follow are established to protect short and long term tree integrity. The purpose of this specification is therefore to define the procedures that must be followed durins any and all phases of development in the immediate vicinity of designated protected trees.
Established, mature trees respond in a number of different ways to the disruption of their natural conditions. Change of grade within the root system area or near the root collar, damage to the bark of the trunk, soil compaction above the root system, root system reduction or damage, or alteration of summer soil moisture levels may individually or collectively cause physiological stress leading to tree decline and death. The individual impacts of these activities may cause trees to immediately exhibit symptoms and begin to decline, but more commonly the decline process takes many years, with symptoms appearing slowly and over a period of time. Trees may not begin to show obvious signs of decline from the negative impacts of construction until many years after construction is completed. It is not appropriate to wait for symptoms to appear, as this may be too late to correct the conditions at fault and to halt decline.
It is therefore critical to the long-term health of all protected trees that a defined protection program be established before beginning any construction activity where protected trees are found. Once incorporated at the design level, it is the catal thatravele perhese tractorses, anconstruction pal penalties that stan be levied if they are not fully incorporated at every stage of development.
The following specifications are meant to be utilized by project managers and those supervising any construction in the vicinity of protected trees including grading contractors, underground contractors, all equipment operators, construction personnel, and landscape contractors. Questions which arise, or interpretation of specifications as they apply to specific site activities, must be referred to the project arborist as they occur.
Horticultural Associates
P.O. Box 1261
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-935-3911
TREE PROTECTION SPECIFICATION
PAGE 2
TREE PROTECTION ZONE
1. The canopy dripline is illustrated on the Improvement Plans and represents the area around each tree, or group of trees, which must be protected at all times with tree protection fencing.
2. No encroachment into the dripline is allowed at any time without approval from the project arborist, and unauthorized entry may be subject to civil action and penalties.
3. The dripline will be designated by the project arborist at a location determined to be adequate to ensure long term tree viability and health. This is to occur prior to installation of fencing and in conjunction with the fencing contractor
TREE PROTECTION FENCING
1. Prior to initiating any construction activity on a construction project, including demolition or grading, temporary protective fencing shall be installed at each site tree, or group of trees. Fencing shall be located at the dripline designated by the project arborist and generally illustrated on the Improvement Plans.
2. Fencing shall be minimum 4' height at all locations, and shall form a continuous barrier without entry points around all individual trees, or groups of trees. Barrier type fencing is recommended, but any fencing system that adequately prevents entry will be considered for approval by the project arborist. The use of post and cable fencing is not acceptable, however.
3. Fencing shall be installed tightly between steel fence posts (standard quality posts work well placed no more than 8 feet on center. Fencing shall be attached to each post at 5 locations with plastic electrical ties, metal tie wire, or flip ties. See attached fencing detail.
4. Fencing shall serve as a barrier to prevent encroachment of any type by construction activities, equipment, materials storage, or personnel.
5. All encroachment into the fenced dripline must be approved and supervised by the project arborist. Approved dripline encroachment may require additional mitigation or protection measures that will be determined by the project arborist at the time of the request.
Horticultural Associates
P.O. Box 1261
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-935-3911
TREE PROTECTION SPECIFICATION
PAGE 3
6. Contractors and subcontractors shall direct all equipment and personnel to emain outside the fenced area at all times until project is complete, and shal nstruct personnel and sub-contractors as to the purpose and importance o fencing and preservation.
7. Fencing shall be upright and functional at all times from start to completion of project. Fencing shall remain in place and not be moved or removed until all construction activities at the site are completed.
TREE PRUNING AND TREATMENTS
1. All recommendations for pruning or other treatments must be completed prior to acceptance of the project. It is strongly recommended that pruning be completed prior to the start of grading to facilitate optimum logistics and access.
2. All pruning shall be conducted in conformance with International Society of Arboriculture pruning standards, and all pruning must occur by, or under the direct supervision of, an arborist certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.
GRADING AND TRENCHING
1. Any construction activity that necessitates soil excavation in the vicinity of preserved trees shall be avoided where possible, or be appropriately mitigated under the guidance of the project arborist. All contractors must be aware at all times that specific protection measures are defined, and non conformance may generate stop-work orders.
2. The designated dripline is defined around all site trees to be preserved.
Fences protect the designated areas. No grading or trenching 1s to occur within this defined area unless so designated by the Improvement Plan, and where designated shall occur under the direct supervision of the project arborist.
3. Trenching should be routed around the dripline. Where trenching has been designated within the dripline, utilization of underground technology to bore, tunnel or excavate with high-pressure air or water will be specified.
Hand digging will be generally discouraged unless site conditions restrict the use of alternate technology.
Horticultural Associates
P.O. Box 1261
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-935-3911
TREE PROTECTION SPECIFICATION
PAGE 4
4. All roots greater than one inch in diameter shall be cleanly hand-cut as they are encountered in any trench or during any grading activity. The tearing of roots by equipment shall not be allowed. Mitigation treatment of pruned roots shall be specified by the project arborist as determined by the degree of root pruning, location of root pruning, and potential exposure to desiccation.
No pruning paints or sealants shall be used on cut roots.
5. Where significant roots are encountered mitigation measures such as supplemental irrigation and/ or organic mulches may be specified by the project arborist to offset the reduction of root system capacity.
6. Retaining walls are effective at holding grade changes outside the area of the dripline and are recommended where necessary. Retaining walls shall be constructed in post and beam or drilled pier construction styles where they are necessary near or within a dripline.
7. Grade changes outside the dripline, or those necessary in conjunction with retaining walls, shall be designed so that drainage water of any type or source is not diverted toward or around the root crown in any manner. Grade shall drain away from root crown at a minimum of 2%. If grading toward the root collar is unavoidable, appropriate surface and/ or subsurface drain facilities shall be installed so that water is effectively diverted away from root collar area.
8. Grade reduction within the designated dripline shall be generally discouraged, and where approved, shall be conducted only after careful consideration and coordination with the project arborist.
9. Femiatient at all types vite nethe dripeine shal be constral ged us: design techniques might include drilled piers, grade beams, bridges, or cantilevered structures. Building footprints should generally be outside the dripline whenever possible.
DRAINAGE
The location and density of native trees may be directly associated with the presence of naturally occurring water, especially ephemeral waterways. Project design, especially drainage components, should take into consideration that these trees may begin a slow decline if this naturally present association with water is changed or eliminated.
Horticultural Associates
P.O. Box 1261
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-935-3911
TREE PROTECTION SPECIFICATION
PAGE 5
TREE DAMAGE
1. Any form of tree damage which occurs during the demolition, grading, or construction process shall be evaluated by the project arborist. Specific mitigation measures will be developed to compensate for or correct the damage.
Fines and penalties may also be levied.
2. Measures may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• pruning to remove damaged limbs or wood
• bark scoring to remove damaged bark and promote callous formation • alleviation of compaction by lightly scarifying the soil surface • installation of a specific mulching material
• supplemental irrigation during the growing season for up to 5 years • treatment with specific amendments intended to promote health, vigor, or root growth
• vertical mulching or soil fracturing to promote root growth • periodic post-construction monitoring at the developer's expense • tree replacement, or payment of the established appraised value, if the damage is so severe that long term survival is not expected.
3. Any tree that is significantly damaged and whose survivability is threatened, due to negligence by any contractor, shall be appraised using the Trunk Formula Method provided in the 9th Edition of the Guide For Plant Appraisal. This praisal value will be the basis for anv fines levied on the offending contractor
MULCHING
1. Trees will benefit from the application of a 4 inch layer of chipped bark mulch over the soil surface within the Tree Protection Zone. Ideal mulch material is a chipped bark containing a wide range of particle sizes. Bark mulches composed of shredded redwood, bark screened for uniformity of size, dyed bark, or chipped lumber will not function as beneficially. All trees that are expected to be Horticultural Associates
P.O. Box 1261
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-935-3911
TREE PROTECTION SPECIFICATION
PAGE 6
impacted in any way by project activities shall have mulch placed prior to the installation of protection tencing.
2. Mulch should be generated from existing site trees that are removed or pruned as part of the project. Much brought onto the site from an outside source must be from trees that are verified to be free of the Sudden Oak Death pathogen Phytophtora ramorum.
Horticultural Associates
P.O. Box 1261
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-935-3911
TREE PRUNING STANDARDS
PRUNING STANDARDS
Purpose:
Trees and other woody plants respond in specific and predictable ways to pruning and other maintenance practices. Careful study of these responses has led to pruning practices which best preserve and enhance the beauty, structural integrity, and functional value of trees.
In an effort to promote practices which encourage the preservation of tree structure. and health, the W.C. ISA Certification Committee has established the following Standards of Pruning for Certified Arborists. The Standards are presented as working guidelines, recognizing that trees are individually unique in form and structure, and that their pruning needs may not always fit strict rules. The Certified Arborist must take responsibility for special pruning practices that vary greatly from these Standards.
I. Pruning Techniques
A. A thinning cut removes a branch at its point of attachment or shortens it to a lateral large enough to assume the terminal role. Thinning opens up a tree, reduces weight on heavy limbs, can reduce a tree's height, distributes ensuing invigoration throughout a tree and helps retain the tree's natural shape.
Thinning cuts are therefore preferred in tree pruning.
When shortening a branch or leader, the lateral to which it is cut should be at least one-half the diameter of the cut being made. Removal of a branch or leader back to a sufficiently large lateral is often called "drop crotching." B. A heading cut removes a branch to a stub, a bud or a lateral branch not large enough to assume the terminal role. Heading cuts should seldom be used because vigorous, weakly attached upright sprouts are forced just below such cuts, and the tree's natural form is altered. In some situations, branch stubs die or produce only weak sprouts.
C. When removing a live branch, pruning cuts should be made in branch tissue just outside the branch bark ridge and collar, which are trunk tissue. (Figure 1) If no collar is visible, the angle of the cut should approximate the angle formed Dy the branch bark ridge and the trunk. (Figure 2).
D. When removing a dead branch, the final cut should be made outside the collar of live callus tissue. If the collar has grown out along the branch stub, only the dead stub should be removed, the live collar should remain intact, and uninjured. (Figure 3)
E. When reducing the length of a branch or the height of a leader, the final cut should be made just beyond (without violating) the branch bark ridge of the branch being cut to. The cut should approximately bisect the angle formed by the branch bark ridge and an imaginary line perpendicular to the trunk or branch cut. (Figure 4)
F A goal of structural pruning is to maintain the size of lateral branches to less than three-fourths the diameter of the parent branch or trunk. If the branch is codominant or close to the size of the parent branch, thin the branch's foliage by 15% to 25%, particularly near the terminal. Thin the parent branch less, if at all. This will allow the parent branch to grow at a faster rate, will reduce the - weight of the lateral branch, slow its total growth, and develop a stronger branch attachment. If this does not appear appropriate, the branch should be completely removed or shortened to a large lateral. (Figure 5) G. On large-growing trees, except whorl-branching conifers, branches that are more than one-third the diameter of the trunk should be spaced along the trunk at least 18 inches apart, on center. If this is not possible because of the present size of the tree, such branches should have their foliage thinned 15% to 25%, particularly near their terminals. (Figure 6)
H. Pruning cuts should be clean and smooth with the bark at the edge of the cut firmly attached to the wood.
Large or heavy branches that cannot be thrown clear, should be lowered on ropes to prevent injury to the tree or other property.
Wound dressings and tree paints have not been shown to be effective in preventing or reducing decay. They are therefore not recommended for routine use when pruning.
2 branch
bark
ridge
FIGURE 1. When removing a branch, the final cut
branch should be just outside the branch bark
collar ridge and collar.
inge
FIGURE 2. In removing a limb without a
A
branch collar, the angle of the
final cut to the branch bark
ridge should approximate the
angle the branch bark ridge
*forms with the limb. Angle AB
should equal Angle BC.
FIGURE 3. When removing a dead branch, cut out-
side the callus tissue that has begun to
form around the branch.
3 FIGURE 4. In removing the end of a limb to a
large lateral branch, the final cut
is made along a line that bisects
the angle between the branch bark
ridge and a line perpendicular to
the limb being removed. Angle AB
is equal to Angle BC.
FIGURE 5. A tree with limbs tending to be equal- -
sized, or codominant. Limbs marked B
are greater than ¾ the size of the parent
limb A. Thin the foliage of branch B more
than branch A to slow its growth and
develop a stronger branch attachment.
FIGURE 6. Major branches should be well
spaced both along and around
the stem.
4 II. Types of Pruning - Mature Trees
A CROWN CLEANING
Crown cleaning or cleaning out is the removal of dead, dying, diseased, crowded, weakly attached, and low-vigor branches and watersprouts from a tree crown.
B. CROWN THINNING
Crown thinning includes crown cleaning and the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement into the crown. Increased light and air stimulates and maintains interior foliage, which in turn improves branch taper and strength. Thinning reduces the wind-sail effect of the crown and the weight of heavy limbs. Thinning the crown can emphasize the structural beauty of trunk and branches as well as improve the growth of plants beneath the tree by increasing light penetration. When thinning the crown of mature trees, seldom should more than one-third of the live foliage be removed.
At least one-half of the foliage should be on branches that arise in the lower two-thirds of the trees. Likewise, when thinning laterals from a limb, an effort should be made to retain inner lateral branches and leave the same distribution of foliage along the branch. Trees and branches so pruned will have stress more evenly distributed throughout the tree or along a branch.
An effect known as "lion's-tailing" results from pruning out the inside lateral branches. Lion's-tailing, by removing all the inner foliage, displaces the weight to the ends of the branches and may result in sunburned branches, water- sprouts, weakened branch structure and limb breakage.
C. CROWN REDUCTION
Crown reduction is used to reduce the height and/or spread of a tree. Thinning cuts are most effective in maintaining the structural integrity and natural form of a tree and in delaying the time when it will need to be pruned again. The lateral to which a branch or trunk is cut should be at least one-half the diameter of the cut being made.
D. CROWN RESTORATION
Crown restoration can improve the structure and appearance of trees that have been topped or severely pruned using heading cuts. One to three sprouts on main branch stubs should be selected to reform a more natural appearing crown. Selected vigorous sprouts may need to be thinned to a lateral, or even headed, to control length growth in order to ensure adequate attachment for the size of the sprout. Restoration may require several prunings over a number of years.
5 Il. Types of Pruning - Mature Trees (continued)
E. CROWN RAISING
Crown raising removes the lower branches of a tree in order to provide clearance for buildings, vehicles, pedestrians, and vistas. It is important that a tree have at least one-half of its foliage on branches that originate in the lower two-thirds of its crown to ensure a well-formed, tapered structure and to uniformly distribute stress within a tree.
When pruning for view, it is preferable to develop "windows" through the foliage of the tree, rather than to severely raise or reduce the crown.
III. Size of Pruning Cuts
Each of the Pruning Techniques (Section I) and Types of Pruning (Section II) can be done to different levels of detail or refinement. The removal of many small branches rather than a few large branches will require more time, but will produce a less-pruned appearance, will force fewer watersprouts and will help to maintain the vitality and structure of the tree. Designating the maximum size (base diameter) that any occasional undesirable branch may be left within the tree crown, such as ½, Î" or 2" branch diameter, will establish the degree of pruning desired.
IV. Climbing Techniques
A. Climbing and pruning practices should not injure the tree except for the pruning cuts.
B. Climbing spurs or gaffs should not be used when pruning a tree, unless the branches are more than throw-line distance apart. in such cases, the spurs should be removed once the climber is tied in.
C. Spurs may be used to reach an injured climber and when removing a tree.
D. Rope injury to thin barked trees from loading out heavy limbs should be avoided by installing a block in the tree to carry the load. This technique may also be used to reduce injury to a crotch from the climber's line.