Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
CERTIFIED ARBORIST #WE4264A ● [email protected] ● T 626.272.8444 359 North Westridge Avenue , Glendora, C A 91741
JUNE 29, 2023
David Volz ASLA, Luis Pedraza
David Volz Design Landscape Architects, Inc
151 Kalmus Drive, M8
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Subject: Marina Park Preliminary Assessment and Summary Report Dear David and Luis,
This report is provided to document the results of a health and structure survey of the trees in Marina Park, Huntington Beach. In addition, our office prepared a data matrix and tree map showing the surveyed trees with unique tag numbers correlating with aluminum tags at the site which are provided in the Appendices at the end of this report.
David Volz Design Landscape Architects, retained Rebecca Latta Consulting for three tasks:
1. Preliminary survey and tree map.
2. Preliminary assessment and summary report
3. Final tree impact analysis and preservation report for submission to the City of Huntington Beach.
Referenced documents:
1. Original proposal from Rebecca Latta Consulting dated October 1, 2022, with subconsultant services agreement signed by David Volz Design on January 25, 2023.
2. Marina Park Reconfiguration Project Site Map
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting
Marina Park Preliminary Assessment and Summary Report
Huntington Beach, CA 2
June 29, 2023
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
3. Topographic Survey by DMS Consultants dated February 21, 2023.
The findings in this report are based solely on a visual inspection of the site and trees observed during the site visit. The tree inspections were limited to ground level basic visual observations (Level 2); advanced decay detection, root crown inspections and aerial inspections were not conducted. No risk assessments were performed as a part of this assignment.
METHODS
Field visits were performed on April 3 and 6, 2023, to inspect the trees. A basic visual assessment was performed by walking around each tree and inspecting both the site and tree condition.
Binoculars were used to look at cavities in the upper canopy and a mallet was used to sound trunks. The trees were assessed for defects such as depressions, structural defects, cavities, wounds, cracking bark, sap flow, insect damage and deadwood. The inspections were conducted during daylight hours, under good weather conditions, and in light sufficient for detecting details such as surface decay and leaf color. The influence of adjacent trees and other factors affecting the growth of a subject tree, such as wires, cables, or nesting holes were also taken into consideration when assessing tree condition. Trees were inspected for wildlife or sign s of occupation by wildlife . The trees should be reinspected for nesting activity and wildlife by a qualified biologist just prior to removal, if approved.
SITE VISIT RESULTS
A total of ninety -two (92) trees were identified on the site. Six (6) trees are recommended for removal now regardless of project impacts due to their poor health and structure. Twenty-three (23) trees are recommended for pruning for structure . Fifteen (15) trees are recommended for structural pruning or consideration for removal at a later time due to disease, insect or structural issues that may cause permanent decline.
Marina Park Preliminary Assessment and Summary Report
Huntington Beach, CA 3
June 29, 2023
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
Species # of
trees
Removal
Recommended
Now
Trees
recommended to
prune for structure
or remove
Disease or
Insect
Infestation
Advanced
Assessment
Recommended
California
Sycamore
3 (85, 87) (85, 85, 86)
Invasive Shot
Hole Borer
(84, 86) Sonic
Tomography
lower trunk
Canary
Island Pine
28 (#18, 19, 37) (3, 42, 71, 73, 75,
(15, 16, 17, 18,
19, 20, 21, 22,
34, 35, 39, 74,
77, 81)
Western Gall
Rust
77 (Root crown
Excavation)
Chinese
Fringe
1 Coastal Coral
Tree
2 (82, 83)
Evergreen
Pear
3 (11) Clearance
pruning
(11, 13, 76)
Fireblight
Jacaranda 1
London
Plane
42 (#45, 70) (14, 26, 43, 52, 53,
54, 55, 56, 57, 58,
59, 63, 64, 65, 66,
67, 68, 69, 87, 88,
89, 90, 91) prune for
structure
(67, 68, 69, 87,
88, 89, 90)
(59, 61, 64)
Root crown
excavation
(62, 66,
Monterey
Pine
5 (49, 50) (50) Climbing
Inspection
Peruvian
Pepper
1 (8)
Maidenhair
Tree
2 (#6)
White Alder 4 (10, 92) (10, 92)
Invasive Shot
hole borer
Marina Park Preliminary Assessment and Summary Report
Huntington Beach, CA 4
June 29, 2023
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
The most significant disease issue in the park is Western gall rust in the Canary Island Pines. The identification of the disease can be confirmed with a lab test through Waypoint Labs in Orange.
I believe that the pathogen is Peridermium (Endo -cronartium) harknessii which causes cankers that can strangle branches and weaken tissue. It has already killed and significantly impacted two trees (#17,18) and was identified in fourteen (14) of the 28 Canary Island Pine trees. Trees with large galls on the trunk or main branches may be susceptible to structural failures.
Many of the forty-two London Plane trees across the park have poor structure with co-dominant or same sized upper branches and included bark which can lead to branch or trunk failures because the branches are weakly attached at the point of attachment. Where these trees are adjacent to the entry driveway, walking paths or use areas, there are consequences to people and cars if branches or trunks fail. While co-dominant structure is mostly correctable in young trees, it can be difficult to correct in mature trees like the ones being recommended for pruning or removal.1 Many of the trees have evidence of anthracnose disease, pit scale on the trunks and canker disease.
The two large Coral trees are being used as climbing trees and have low branching structure. The trees had evidence of frost damage and powdery mildew on the leaves at the time of the site visit but had not fully leafed out. These trees need to be carefully pruned for structure and monitored yearly for any changes. Bracing with posts under low branches is recommended if they are retained.
The two evergreen pear trees had some fire blight, a bacterial disease that is common in the foliage of pears. It can be managed by pruning the diseased foliage in the dry season. Pruning in wet or cool weather is not recommended. One of the trees (#76) had a large wound from a failed branch and poor structure with many same sized branches . It may drop more branches if not pruned for structure.
There is evidence that Invasive Shot Hole Borer disease complex was present on the Alders, Coral trees, Sycamores and London Plane trees. It has impacted a few trees that are recommended for removal. At this time, it does not seem to be active, but the trees should be monitored as it warms up in July/August/September for new insect activity.
It is strongly recommended that any new trees planted in the park have budgeted structural training pruning at 3 years, 7 years, and 12 years to develop strong structure and avoid expensive large pruning wounds to correct structural defects in an older tree.
1 An Illustrated Guide to Pruning 2nd Edition. Edward F. Gilman. Delmar Thompson Learning. 2002.
Marina Park Preliminary Assessment and Summary Report
Huntington Beach, CA 5
June 29, 2023
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
SURVEY RESULTS RECOMMENDED FOR REMOVAL NOW
Tree # DBH (in.) HXW (ft.) Health (%) Structure (%) Comments #6 -Maidenhair
2 15x6 68% 65% Struggling, very poor
structure, girdling roots,
mechanical damage on
East side of trunk
#17 – Canary Island
Pine
21 50x16 40% 55% Western gall rust, tree is
mostly dead with brown
foliage.
#18 – Canary Island
Pine
16 50x20 50% 60% Western gall rust, heavily
diseased, dying
#37 – London Plane 14.5 25x25 40% 50% Tree in decline, struggling #45 – London Plane 10.5 20x20 65% 65% Tree in decline, struggling #70 – London Plane
8 30x16 68 65 Poor vigor, root damage,
beetle damage,
deadwood, invasive shot
hole borer (ISHB) disease
complex
Marina Park Preliminary Assessment and Summary Report
Huntington Beach, CA 6
June 29, 2023
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
Rating
Category
Condition Components Percent
Rating
Health Structure Form
Excellent High vigor and nearly perfect
health with little or no twig
dieback, discoloration, or
defoliation.
Nearly ideal and free
of defects.
Nearly ideal for the species,
generally symmetrical, and
consistent with intended use.
81%-100%
Good Vigor normal for species. No
significant damage due to
disease or pests. Twig
dieback, discoloration and
defoliation is minor.
Well-developed
structure. Defects
are minor and are
correctable.
Minor asymmetries or
variations from species norm.
Function and aesthetics are
not compromised.
61%-80%
Fair Reduced vigor. Damage due
to insects or diseases may be
significant and associated
with defoliation but is not
likely to be fatal. Twig
dieback, defoliation,
discoloration, may comprise
up to 50% of the crown
A single significant
defect or several
moderate defects.
Defects are
impractical to treat
or would require
multiple treatments
over several years.
Major asymmetries or
deviations. Function and
aesthetics are compromised.
41%-60%
Poor Unhealthy and in visual
decline. Poor vigor, low
foliage density and
compromised foliage color are
present. Insect and pest
infestations may be fatal.
Extensive dieback.
A critical defect or
several significant
defects. Failure may
occur at any time.
Abnormal or asymmetrical.
Function and aesthetics are
significantly compromised.
21%-60%
Dead 0%-20%
Table 1. Condition Ratings – Explanation Chart
Marina Park Preliminary Assessment 2
Huntington Beach, CA
June 29, 2023
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITING CONDITIONS
1. Care has been taken to obtain all information from reliable sources. All data has been verified insofar as possible; however, Rebecca Latta Consulting can neither guarantee nor be responsible for the accuracy of information provided by others.
2. The consultants shall not be required to give testimony or attend court by reason of this report unless subsequent contractual arrangements are made, including payment of an additional fee for such services.
3. Loss or alteration of any part of this report invalidates the entire report.
4. Possession of this report or a copy thereof does not imply right of publication or use for any purpose other than the person to whom it is addressed, without the prior expressed written or verbal consent of Rebecca Latta Consulting.
5. Neither all or any part of the contents of this report shall be conveyed by anyone, including the client, to the public via advertising, public relations, news sales or other media without the prior expressed or written consent of Rebecca Latta Consulting particularly as to value conclusions, identity of consultant, or reference to any professional society or institute or any initialed designation conferred upon the consultant as stated in their qualifications.
6. This report and values expressed herein represent the opinion of the Rebecca Latta Consulting and the fee is in no way contingent upon the reporting of a specified value, stipulated results, the occurrence of subsequent event, nor upon any finding to be reported.
7. Unless expressed otherwise: (1) information contained in this report covers only those items that were directly examined and reflects the condition of those items at the time of inspection(s) and (2) the inspection is limited to macro-level visual examination.
Marina Park Preliminary Assessment 3
Huntington Beach, CA
June 29, 2023
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
DISCLAIMER
Arborists are tree specialists who employ their education, knowledge, training, and experience to examine trees, recommend actions to improve the health and structure of trees, and suggest measures to reduce the risk of having activities under trees. Clients may decide to accept or disregard the recommendations of the arborist or seek additional advice.
Arborists cannot detect every condition that could possibly lead to structural failure of a tree or anticipate extreme weather events that could contribute to failure. Trees are living organisms that fail in ways we do not fully understand. Conditions are often hidden inside trees and below ground. Arborists cannot guarantee that trees will be healthy or safe under all circumstances, or for a specific time period.
Likewise, responses to remedial treatments much like any medicine cannot be guaranteed.
Treatment, pruning and removal of trees may involve considerations beyond the scope of the Arborists services (assignment) such as property ownership, property boundaries, site lines, neighbor’s disputes, and other issues. Arborists cannot take such considerations into account unless complete and accurate information is disclosed to the arborist. An arborist should then be expected to reasonably rely upon the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.
Trees can be managed, but they cannot be controlled. To live near trees is to accept some degree of risk.
The only way to eliminate all risk associated with trees is to eliminate all trees.
Marina Park Preliminary Assessment 4
Huntington Beach, CA
June 29, 2023
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
CERTIFICAT E OF PERFORMANCE
I, Rebecca Latta certify that:
• I have personally inspected the trees described in this report and have accurately stated my findings. The extent of the evaluation is stated in the attached report. • I have no current or future interest in the vegetation or the property that is the subject of the report and no bias with respect to the parties involved. • The analysis, opinions, evaluation, investigation, and conclusions have been prepared using accepted arboricultural practices.
• I performed the work myself and prepared the report and reviewed the report, except as specifically indicated in the report.
• That my compensation is not contingent upon the reporting of a predetermined conclusion that favors the cause of the client or any other party nor the results if the assignment, attainment of stipulated results or the occurrence of any subsequent events. • I further state that I am a member in good standing with American Society of Consulting Arborists and the International Society of Arboriculture. I have been involved in the practice of arboriculture and the care and study of trees since 1990.
Rebecca Latta
CONSULTING ARBORIST, HORTICULTURALIST
T: 626 272-8444
E: [email protected]
WEB: www.rebeccalattaconsulting.com
ISA Certified Arborist WE4264A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Member, American Society of Consulting Arborist
Member, California Native Plant Society
Marina Park Preliminary Assessment 5
Huntington Beach, CA
June 29, 2023
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
TREE MAP
Marina Park Preliminary Assessment 6
Huntington Beach, CA
June 29, 2023
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
TREE DATA MATRIX
Marina Park Preliminary Assessment 7
Huntington Beach, CA
June 29, 2023
Rebecca Latta Arboricultural Consulting ◦ [email protected] ◦ T 626.272.8444
PHOTO APPENDIX
Photos taken April 6 and 7, 2023