HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com Arborist Report
500 Railroad Avenue
South San Francisco, CA
PREPARED FOR:
David J. Powers & Associates, Inc.
1871 The Alameda, Suite 200
San Jose, CA 95126
PREPARED BY:
HortScience | Bartlett Consulting
2550 Ninth St. Suite 112
Berkeley, CA 94710
March 2024
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com Arborist Report
500 Railroad Avenue
South San Francisco, CA
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction and Overview 1
Tree Assessment Methods 1
Description of Trees 2
Protected Trees in South San Francisco 4
Suitability for Preservation 4
Evaluation of Impacts & Recommendation for Action 6
Tree Preservation Guidelines 10
List of Tables
Table 1. Species present and tree condition. 2
Table 2. Suitability for preservation. 5
Table 3. Tree disposition. 6
Exhibits
Tree Assessment Form
Tree Assessment Map
HortScience | Bartlett Consulting, Divisions of The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company Arborist Report
500 Railroad Avenue
South San Francisco, CA
Introduction and Overview
David J. Powers & Associates is preparing plans to re-develop the property located at the 500 Railroad Avenue in South San Francisco. HortScience | Bartlett Consulting, Divisions of The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company, was asked to prepare an Arborist Report for the trees within the project area as part of the application to the City of South San Francisco.
This report responds to that request and provides the following information:
1. An assessment of the health, structural condition, and suitability for preservation of the trees located on and adjacent to the proposed project area.
2. An assessment of the trees that would be preserved and removed based on preliminary development plans.
3. Preliminary guidelines for tree preservation during the design, construction, and maintenance phases of development.
Tree Assessment Methods
Trees were assessed on March 14, 2024. The assessment included all trees measuring 6 inches and larger in diameter located within and adjacent to the project area. The assessment procedure was a visual assessment from the ground, consisting of the following steps:
1. Identifying the tree species.
2. Attaching a numerically coded metal tag to the trunk of each tree.
3. Recording the tree’s location on a map.
4. Measuring the trunk diameter at a point 54-inches (4.5 feet) above grade.
5. Evaluating the health and structural condition using a scale of 1 – 5:
5 - A healthy, vigorous tree, reasonably free of signs and symptoms of disease, with good structure and form typical of the species. 4 - Tree with slight decline in vigor, small amount of twig dieback, or minor structural defects that could be corrected.
3 - Tree with moderate vigor, moderate twig and small branch dieback, thinning of crown, poor leaf color, moderate structural defects that might be mitigated with regular care.
2 - Tree in decline, epicormic growth, extensive dieback of medium to large branches, significant structural defects that cannot be abated. 1 - Tree in severe decline, dieback of scaffold branches and/or trunk; most of foliage from epicormic shoots (secondary shoots that arise along the trunk and branches); extensive structural defects that cannot be abated.
6. Rating the suitability for preservation as “high”, “moderate” or “low.” Suitability for preservation considers the health, age and structural condition of the tree, and its potential to remain an asset to the site for years to come.
High: Trees with good health and structural stability that have the potential for longevity at the site.
Moderate: Trees with somewhat declining health and/or structural defects than can be abated with treatment. The tree will require more intense management and monitoring and may have shorter life span than those in ‘high’ category.
Low: Trees in poor health or with significant structural defects that cannot be mitigated. Tree is expected to continue to decline, regardless of treatment. The species or individual may have Arborist Report. 500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco. Page 2 March 2024
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com characteristics that are undesirable for landscapes, and generally are unsuited for use areas.
Description of Trees
Ninety-eight (98) trees representing seven (7) species were assessed. Twenty-one (21) offsite trees were included. Overall, 51 trees were in poor condition, 43 were fair, and four were good: trees #54, 55, 56 and 66. In general species present were non-natives that are commonly observed in the region. Monterey pine was the only species native to California.
Descriptions of each tree are provided in the Tree Assessment Form and locations are shown on the Tree Assessment Map (see Exhibits).
Table 1. Tree condition and frequency of occurrence.
500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco, CA.
Common Name Scientific Name Condition Total
Poor
(1-2)
Fair
(3)
Good
(4-5)
Blackwood acacia Acacia melanoxylon 30 1 - 31
River red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis 5 11 - 16
Blue gum Eucalyptus globulus 7 3 - 10
Compact blue gum Eucalyptus globulus 'Compacta' 4 17 - 21 Brisbane box Lophostemon confertus 5 10 - 15
Canary Island pine Pinus canariensis - - 3 3
Monterey pine Pinus radiata - 1 1 2
Total 51 43 4 98
The site consists of a long narrow vacant lot that grades up to Railroad Avenue at the north side, most steeply in the center. A thin strip of the property splits off to the southeast and continues south to North Canal Street.
Trees were growing at the perimeter of the
site.
Blackwood acacia was the most frequently
occurring species, with 31 trees. Most
were growing on the north slope near
Railroad Avenue (Photo 1). Condition was
almost uniformly poor (30 trees), due to
over-crowding and extensive dieback.
Photo 1. Most acacia were growing
on a slope below Railroad Avenue.
Arborist Report. 500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco. Page 3 March 2024
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com Acacia #73 was in fair condition with codominant stems with a narrow attachment. Like many of the trees assessed, it was engulfed in ivy. None of the acacias were in good condition.
Stage of development ranged from young (6 inches) to mature (27 inches).
Twenty-one (21) compact blue gums were growing at the edge of the site (Photo 2). Nine were off-site behind a fence on the south side. Most gums (17 trees) were large mature trees in fair condition. Four compact gums were in poor condition due to crowded growing conditions. Diameters
ranged from 12 to 50
inches, with an average
diameter of 28 inches.
Of sixteen (16) river red gums, 11 were fair and five were in poor condition. Single stem and trunk diameters ranged from one to 35 inches. Mature trees with room to grow were generally in better condition than trees suppressed or crowded closely together. Two gums were growing off-site to the south.
Fifteen (15) Brisbane boxes were in fair (10 trees) or poor condition (5 trees). Several were multi-stemmed at or near the base. Stem diameters ranged from 2 to 19 inches. Six trees were growing off-site (Photo 3).
Ten blue gums were growing
interspersed with the compact
blue gums. Most (7 trees) were
growing crowded together and
were in poor condition. Blue
gums #44, 95 and 96 were in fair
condition with more vigorous
crowns. Stage of development
ranged from young (13 inches) to
mature (42 inches).
Photo 2. Compact gums
#97 and 98 (at right) were
growing at the west end of
the property. Gum #98 was
off-site behind a fence.
Photo 3. Brisbane boxes
#90, 91 and 92 (L to R)
were growing off-site at
the southwest edge.
Arborist Report. 500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco. Page 4 March 2024
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com The remaining two species were represented by three and two trees, respectively:
Off-site Canary Island pines #54, 55 and 56 were semi-mature trees in good condition. Diameters ranged from 13 to 18 inches. The pines were crowded closely together but appeared vigorous.
Monterey pine #66 was 15 inches and in good condition with vigorous growth. Pine #71 was leaning south and growing in crowded conditions; diameter was 9 inches.
Protected Trees in South San Francisco
Per Municipal Code Section 13.30, South San Francisco protects:
Certain Heritage species (such as oaks) 9 inches and greater in trunk diameter (30 inches in circumference)
Most species 15 inches and greater in diameter (48 inches in circumference), Certain species (such as blackwood acacia) 24 inches and greater in trunk diameter (75 inches in circumference),
A stand of trees whereby each tree is dependent upon the others for survival, and A tree or stand of trees so designated based on findings that it is unique and is of importance to the public due to its unusual appearance, location, or historical significance.
Based on these criteria, 28 trees are considered Protected. These trees cannot be removed without a permit. Individual trees’ Protected status are described in the Tree Assessment Form (see Exhibits).
South San Francisco requires replacement of Protected trees with three 15-gallon-size or two 24-inch box minimum-size landscape trees for each tree removed, as determined by the City Planning director.
Suitability for Preservation
Trees that are preserved on sites where development or other improvements are planned, must be carefully selected to make sure that they may survive construction impacts, adapt to a new environment and perform well in the landscape. Our goal is to identify trees that have the potential for long-term health, structural stability and longevity. Evaluation of suitability for preservation considers several factors:
Tree health
Healthy, vigorous trees are better able to tolerate impacts such as root injury, demolition of existing structures, changes in soil grade and moisture, and soil compaction than are non-vigorous trees.
Structural integrity
Trees with significant amounts of wood decay and other structural defects that cannot be corrected are likely to fail. Such trees should not be preserved in areas where damage to people or property is likely. Defects such as codominant or multiple stems, lean and other deviations from the vertical, heavy branches and decay are problematic and may increase the potential for a tree to fail. For example, many of the blackwood acacia were leaning or failing downslope and had extensive branch dieback. I do not recommend preservation of these trees.
Arborist Report. 500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco. Page 5 March 2024
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com Species response
There is a wide variation in the response of individual species to construction impacts and changes in the environment. For instance, Brisbane box and Canary Island pine are tolerant of root and general construction impacts. River red gum has moderate tolerance to construction impacts. Blackwood acacia, blue gum and Monterey pine are intolerant of site disturbance.
Tree age and longevity
Old trees, while having significant emotional and aesthetic appeal, have limited physiological capacity to adjust to an altered environment. Young trees are better able to generate new tissue and respond to change.
Species invasiveness
Species which spread across a site and displace desired vegetation are not always appropriate for retention. This is particularly true when indigenous species are displaced. The California Invasive Plant Inventory Database (www.cal-ipc.org) lists species identified as being invasive. South San Francisco is part of the Central West Floristic Province. Blackwood acacia, blue gum and river red gum are considered invasive on a limited basis.
Each tree was rated for suitability for preservation based upon its age, health, structural condition and ability to safely coexist within a development environment (Table 2, below).
Table 2. Tree suitability for preservation.
500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco, CA.
High Trees with good health and structural stability that have the potential for longevity at the site. Monterey pine #66 had high suitability for preservation.
Moderate Trees in fair health and/or possessing structural defects that may be abated with treatment. Trees in this category require more intense management and monitoring, and may have shorter life-spans than those in the high category. Thirty-one (31) trees had moderate suitability for preservation including 12 compact blue gums, 9 river red gums, 4 Brisbane boxes, all 3 Canary Island pines, blue gums 95 and 96, and Monterey pine #71.
Low Trees in poor health or possessing significant defects in structure that cannot be abated with treatment. These trees can be expected to decline regardless of management. The species or individual tree may possess either characteristics that are undesirable in landscape settings or be unsuited for use areas. Sixty-six (66) trees had low suitability for preservation, including all 31 blackwood acacias, 11 Brisbane boxes, 9 compact blue gums, 8 blue gums, and 7 river red gums.
Arborist Report. 500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco. Page 6 March 2024
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com We consider trees with high suitability for preservation to be the best candidates for preservation during development. We do not generally recommend retention of trees with low suitability for preservation in areas where people or property will be present. Retention of trees with moderate suitability for preservation depends upon the intensity of proposed site changes.
Evaluation of Impacts and Recommendations for Action
Appropriate tree retention develops a practical match between the location and intensity of construction activities and the quality and health of trees. The Tree Assessment was the reference point for tree condition and quality. Impacts from the proposed project were evaluated using the Railroad Avenue Townhouse Design Charrette set (BKF Engineers, 07/31/2023) and the Railroad Avenue Townhouse Planned Development Design Review drawings (SIM Architects, 7/31/2023).
The proposed project would construct 73 townhouses along Railroad Avenue. Based on my assessment of the proposed plan and evaluation of the trees, I recommend the removal of all 77 trees on the site and preservation of off-site trees #45, 47– 49, 51 – 57, 65, 68, 75, 88 – 93, and 101 (Table 3, below and following pages). Nineteen (19) of the trees proposed for removal are Protected.
Successful retention of the trees to be preserved will require adherence to the Tree Preservation Guidelines (page 10).
Table 3. Tree disposition.
500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco, CA.
Tree
No.
Species Trunk
Diameter
(in.)
Protected
Tree?
Proposed
Action
Notes
1 Blackwood acacia 6 No Remove Within grading
2 Blackwood acacia 7,5 No Remove Within grading
3 Blackwood acacia 7,6 No Remove Within grading
4 Blackwood acacia 7 No Remove Within grading
5 Blackwood acacia 6 No Remove Within grading
6 Blackwood acacia 9 No Remove Within grading
7 Blackwood acacia 8,6 No Remove Within grading
8 Blackwood acacia 6 No Remove Within grading
9 Blackwood acacia 7 No Remove Within grading
10 Blackwood acacia 9 No Remove Within grading
11 Blackwood acacia 7,7 No Remove Within grading
12 Blackwood acacia 6 No Remove Within grading
13 Blackwood acacia 7 No Remove Within grading
14 Blackwood acacia 6 No Remove Within grading
15 Blackwood acacia 6,6,5 No Remove Within grading
Arborist Report. 500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco. Page 7 March 2024
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com Table 3, cont’d. Tree disposition.
500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco, CA.
Tree
No.
Species Trunk
Diameter
(in.)
Protected
Tree?
Proposed
Action
Notes
16 Blackwood acacia 7,6 No Remove Within grading
17 Blackwood acacia 7,6,6,6 No Remove Within grading
18 Blackwood acacia 7 No Remove Within grading
19 Blackwood acacia 8 No Remove Within grading
20 Blackwood acacia 9 No Remove Within grading
21 Blackwood acacia 13 No Remove Within grading
22 Blackwood acacia 7 No Remove Within grading
23 Blackwood acacia 7,6,5,5,4,
4,4
No Remove Within grading
24 Blackwood acacia 10 No Remove Within grading
25 River red gum 22 Yes Remove Within grading
26 River red gum 7 No Remove Within grading
27 River red gum 20 Yes Remove Within grading
28 River red gum 20 Yes Remove Within grading
29 River red gum 35 Yes Remove Within grading
30 River red gum 9 No Remove Within grading
31 Blue gum 15,11 No Remove Within grading
32 Compact blue
gum
7,6,4,4 No Remove Within grading
33 Compact blue
gum
30 Yes Remove Within grading
34 Blackwood acacia 13,8 No Remove Within grading
35 Blackwood acacia 7,6 No Remove Within grading
36 Compact blue
gum
24,22,12 Yes Remove Within grading
37 Blue gum 12,7,5 No Remove Within grading
38 Blue gum 7,5,3 No Remove Within grading
39 Compact blue
gum
20,16,16,
12,12,9
No Remove Within grading
40 Compact blue
gum
24,20,20,
20,12
Yes Remove Within grading
41 Blue gum 13 No Remove Within grading
42 Blue gum 14 No Remove Within grading
43 Blue gum 12,4,4 No Remove Within grading
44 Blue gum 16 No Remove Within grading
Arborist Report. 500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco. Page 8 March 2024
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com Table 3, cont’d. Tree disposition.
500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco, CA.
Tree
No.
Species Trunk
Diameter
(in.)
Protected
Tree?
Proposed
Action
Notes
45 Compact blue
gum
30 Yes Preserve Off-site
46 Compact blue
gum
13 No Remove Within grading
47 Compact blue
gum
45,20,15 Yes Preserve Off-site
48 Compact blue
gum
17,16,15,
14,12,8
No Preserve Off-site
49 Compact blue
gum
13,12,10,
10,10,7
No Preserve Off-site
50 Compact blue
gum
12 No Remove Within grading
51 Compact blue
gum
24,20,20,
19 Yes Preserve Off-site
52 Compact blue
gum
32 Yes Preserve Off-site
53 Compact blue
gum
20,17
16,14,10,
9 No Preserve Off-site
54 Canary Island
pine
13 No Preserve Off-site
55 Canary Island
pine
16 No Preserve Off-site
56 Canary Island
pine
18 No Preserve Off-site
57 Compact blue
gum
14,12,12,
12,10,10,
10,6,5
No Preserve Off-site
58 River red gum 10 No Remove Within grading
59 River red gum 29 Yes Remove Within grading
60 River red gum 14 No Remove Within grading
61 River red gum 24,18 Yes Remove Within grading
62 River red gum 12,9,8,8,7
,4
No Remove Within grading
63 River red gum 14 No Remove Within grading
64 River red gum 1'-10"
range
No Remove Within grading
65 River red gum 26 Yes Preserve Off-site
66 Monterey pine 15 Yes Remove Within grading
67 Blackwood acacia 16 No Remove Within grading
Arborist Report. 500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco. Page 9 March 2024
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com Table 3, cont’d. Tree disposition.
500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco, CA.
Tree
No.
Species Trunk
Diameter
(in.)
Protected
Tree?
Proposed
Action
Notes
68 River red gum 22 Yes Preserve Off-site
69 Blackwood acacia 9,5 No Remove Within grading
70 Compact blue
gum
18,13,13,
7,3,3,3
No Remove Within grading
71 Monterey pine 9 No Remove Within grading
72 Compact blue
gum
28 Yes Remove Within grading
73 Blackwood acacia 12 No Remove Within grading
74 Compact blue
gum
16 No Remove Within grading
75 Compact blue
gum
24,17,16,
13,12,10,
9,8
Yes Preserve Off-site
76 River red gum 27 Yes Remove Within grading
77 Blackwood acacia 11 No Remove Within grading
78 Brisbane box 7,6,6,6,4,
4 No Remove Within grading
79 Brisbane box 8,6,3 No Remove Within grading
80 Brisbane box 8,7,6,4,4,
3 No Remove Within grading
81 Blackwood acacia 27 Yes Remove Within grading
82 Brisbane box 15 Yes Remove Within grading
83 Brisbane box 16 Yes Remove Within grading
84 Brisbane box 14 No Remove Within grading
85 Brisbane box 13 No Remove Within grading
86 Brisbane box 16 Yes Remove Within grading
87 Brisbane box 8 No Remove Within grading
88 Brisbane box 19 Yes Preserve Off-site
89 Brisbane box 12,4,4,2,2 No Preserve Off-site
90 Brisbane box 10,6,3 No Preserve Off-site
91 Brisbane box 6,4,4 No Preserve Off-site
92 Brisbane box 8,8,7,6,2 No Preserve Off-site
93 Brisbane box 8,7,4,4,3 No Preserve Off-site
94 Blue gum 13,10 No Remove Within grading
95 Blue gum 37 Yes Remove Within grading
96 Blue gum 42 Yes Remove Within grading
Arborist Report. 500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco. Page 10 March 2024
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com Table 3, cont’d. Tree disposition.
500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco, CA.
Tree
No.
Species Trunk
Diameter
(in.)
Protected
Tree?
Proposed
Action
Notes
97 Compact blue
gum
50 Yes Remove Within grading
98 Compact blue
gum
40 Yes Preserve Off-site
Tree Preservation Guidelines
All on-site trees will be removed. Trees located off-site but close to the project boundary will be retained. The following recommendations will help reduce impacts to off-site trees from development and maintain their health and structural stability through the clearing, grading and construction phases.
Design recommendations
1. Where possible, include the location of all trees within 10 feet of the project limit.
Include trunk locations on all project plans.
2. The project’s perimeter security fence will also serve as the TREE PROTECTION ZONE.
No grading, excavation, construction or storage of materials should occur outside the project limit.
3. All plans affecting trees shall be reviewed by the Consulting Arborist with regard to tree impacts. These include, but are not limited to, demolition plans, grading plans, drainage plans, utility plans, and landscape and irrigation plans.
4. Irrigation systems must be designed so that no trenching severs roots larger than 2 inches in diameter will occur within the TREE PROTECTION ZONE.
5. Any herbicides placed under paving materials must be safe for use around trees and labeled for that use.
Pre-demolition and pre-construction treatments and recommendations
1. The project’s perimeter security fence will also serve as the TREE PROTECTION ZONE.
No grading, excavation, construction or storage of materials should occur outside the project limit.
2. Off-site trees to be preserved may require pruning to provide clearance for demolition, grading and construction. Tree care firm providing the pruning shall be a State of California Licensed Tree Contractor (C61/D49). All pruning shall be done by Certified Arborist or Certified Tree Worker in accordance with the latest edition of the Best Management Practices for Pruning (International Society of Arboriculture) and the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations (Z133.1) and Pruning (A300).
3. Tree(s) to be removed that have branches extending into the canopy of tree(s) to remain shall be removed by a Certified Arborist or Certified Tree Worker and not by Arborist Report. 500 Railroad Avenue, So. San Francisco. Page 11 March 2024
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com the demolition contractor. The Certified Arborist or Certified Tree Worker shall remove the trees in a manner that causes no damage to the tree(s) and understory to remain.
4. Trees to be removed shall be felled so as to fall away from TREE PROTECTION ZONE and avoid pulling and breaking of roots of off-site trees to remain. If roots are entwined, the Consulting Arborist may require first severing the major woody root mass before extracting the trees.
5. All tree work shall comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as well as California Fish and Wildlife code 3503-3513 to not disturb nesting birds. To the extent feasible tree pruning and removal should be scheduled outside of the breeding season. Breeding bird surveys should be conducted prior to tree work. Qualified biologists should be involved in establishing work buffers for active nests.
Recommendations for tree protection during construction
1. Any approved grading, construction, demolition or other work within 5 feet of the Tree Protection Zone should be monitored by the Consulting Arborist.
2. Any root pruning that will occur within 5 feet of the Tree Protection Zone shall receive the prior approval of and may be supervised by the Consulting Arborist.
Roots should be cut with a saw to provide a flat and smooth cut. Removal of roots larger than 2 inches in diameter should be avoided.
3. If roots 2 inches and greater in diameter are encountered during site work and must be cut to complete the construction, the Consulting Arborist must be consulted to evaluate effects on the health and stability of the tree and recommend treatment.
4. If injury should occur to any tree during construction, it should be evaluated as soon as possible by the Consulting Arborist so that appropriate treatments can be applied.
If you have any questions regarding my observations or recommendations, please feel free to contact me.
HortScience | Bartlett Consulting
Pam Nagle
Consulting Arborist and Urban Forester
Certified Arborist #WE-9617A
Registered Consulting Arborist #805
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
HortScience│Bartlett Consulting ● Divisions of The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company 2550 Ninth Street Suite 112, Berkeley, CA, 94710, 925.484.0211 ● www.hortscience.com Exhibits
Tree Assessment Form
Tree Assessment Map
Tree No. Species Trunk
Diameter
(in.)
Protected
Tree?
Condition
1=poor
5=excellent
Suitability for
Preservation
Comments
1 Blackwood acacia 6 No 1 Low Leans E.; suppressed; all but dead.2 Blackwood acacia 7,5 No 2 Low Codominant stems arise from base; trunk decay W. stem; suppressed.
3 Blackwood acacia 7,6 No 2 Low Codominant stems at 1' with narrow attachments; leans E.; extensive dieback.
4 Blackwood acacia 7 No 2 Low Failed downhill at base + correcting; branch dieback; suppressed.
5 Blackwood acacia 6 No 2 Low Bowed E.; dead top; suppressed.6 Blackwood acacia 9 No 2 Low Leans E.; branch dieback; suppressed.7 Blackwood acacia 8,6 No 1 Low Codominant stems arise from base; S. stem dead; all but dead.8 Blackwood acacia 6 No 1 Low Seam E. side; all but dead.9 Blackwood acacia 7 No 2 Low High crown; branch dieback. 10 Blackwood acacia 9 No 2 Low Leans S.; branch dieback.11 Blackwood acacia 7,7 No 2 Low S. stem dead.12 Blackwood acacia 6 No 2 Low High crown; crowded.13 Blackwood acacia 7 No 2 Low Decay column from base to top S.; branch dieback.14 Blackwood acacia 6 No 2 Low Leans S.; sparse top.15 Blackwood acacia 6,6,5 No 2 Low Multiple attachments at base; stump sprout.16 Blackwood acacia 7,6 No 2 Low Codominant stems arise from base; branch dieback.17 Blackwood acacia 7,6,6,6 No 2 Low Group of stems; 1 dead; extensive branch dieback.18 Blackwood acacia 7 No 2 Low Sinuous trunk; vigorous.19 Blackwood acacia 8 No 2 Low Decay at base; high crown.20 Blackwood acacia 9 No 2 Low Leans E.; crowded; branch dieback.21 Blackwood acacia 13 No 2 Low Raised crown; branch dieback.22 Blackwood acacia 7 No 2 Low Leans N.W.; branch dieback.
Tree Assessment
500 Railroad AvenueSouth San Francisco, CAMarch 2024
Tree No. Species Trunk
Diameter
(in.)
Protected
Tree?
Condition
1=poor
5=excellent
Suitability for
Preservation
Comments
Tree Assessment
500 Railroad AvenueSouth San Francisco, CAMarch 2024
23 Blackwood acacia 7,6,5,5,4,4
,4
No 2 Low Multiple attachments arise from base; stump sprout; branch dieback.
24 Blackwood acacia 10 No 2 Low Leans S.E.; some branch dieback; vigorous.25 River red gum 22 Yes 3 Moderate Multiple attachments at ~12'; history of limb failure; slightly sparse.
26 River red gum 7 No 2 Low Leans S.E.; suppressed.27 River red gum 20 Yes 2 Low Leans E.; extremely crowded.28 River red gum 20 Yes 3 Moderate Codominant stems at 7'; V-shaped crown.29 River red gum 35 Yes 3 Moderate Codominant stems at 6'; history of limb failure; wide spreading crown.
30 River red gum 9 No 3 Moderate Tall narrow form; codominant stems at ~10' with narrow attachment.
31 Blue gum 15,11 No 2 Low Codominant stems at 2'; extremely crowded by #32.32 Compact blue gum 7,6,4,4 No 2 Low Multiple narrow attachments at 3'; extremely crowded by #31.33 Compact blue gum 30 Yes 2 Low At base of retaining wall at road; measured below attachment at 2'; fused stems; some branch dieback.
34 Blackwood acacia 13,8 No 2 Low Codominant stems arise from base with narrow attachments; extensive branch dieback.
35 Blackwood acacia 7,6 No 1 Low Codominant stems at 1'; E. 7" stem dead; extensive decay.36 Compact blue gum 24,22,12 Yes 3 Low Multiple narrow attachments at 2'; history of limb removal; tall narrow crown.
37 Blue gum 12,7,5 No 2 Low Multiple attachments arise from base; narrow form.38 Blue gum 7,5,3 No 2 Low At fence; multiple narrow attachments at 3'; extremely crowded.39 Compact blue gum 20,16,16,1 2,12,9
No 3 Low Multiple narrow attachments at 3'; history of limb removal. 40 Compact blue gum 24,20,20,2
0,12
Yes 3 Low Multiple narrow attachments at 4'; engulfed in ivy.
Tree No. Species Trunk
Diameter
(in.)
Protected
Tree?
Condition
1=poor
5=excellent
Suitability for
Preservation
Comments
Tree Assessment
500 Railroad AvenueSouth San Francisco, CAMarch 2024
41 Blue gum 13 No 2 Low At fence; codominant stems at ~12' with narrow attachments; high narrow crown; extremely crowded.
42 Blue gum 14 No 2 Low At fence; history of limb removal; tall narrow crown; extremely crowded.
43 Blue gum 12,4,4 No 2 Low Multiple attachments arise from base; high crown.44 Blue gum 16 No 3 Low 1-sided to N.; crowded.45 Compact blue gum 30 Yes 3 Low Off-site; tag on fence; at fence; 10' overhang on property.
Measured below attachment at 2'; multiple attachments at 5'. 46 Compact blue gum 13 No 2 Low At fence; history of limb removal; multiple attachments at 8'; crowded.
47 Compact blue gum 45,20,15 Yes 3 Moderate Off-site. 10' overhang on property; multiple narrow attachments at ~4'; trunk not accessible; vigorous.
48 Compact blue gum 17,16,15,1
4,12,8
No 3 Moderate Off-site; tag on fence. 10' overhang on property; multiple narrow attachments at 2'; vigorous.
49 Compact blue gum 13,12,10,1
0,10,7
No 3 Moderate Off-site; tag on fence. ~6' overhang on property; multiple narrow attachments at ~4'; tall narrow crown.
50 Compact blue gum 12 No 2 Low Engulfed in ivy; leans N.; extremely crowded.51 Compact blue gum 24,20,20,1 9 Yes 3 Moderate Off-site. At fence; 10' overhang on property; multiple narrow attachments at 4'; history of limb removal w/ reaction growth. 52 Compact blue gum 32 Yes 3 Moderate Off-site. 10' overhang on property; multiple attachments at 4 + 9'. 53 Compact blue gum 20,17
16,14,10,9
No 3 Moderate Off-site. At fence; 10' overhang on property; multiple attachments at~4'; tall narrow crown.
54 Canary Island pine 13 No 4 Moderate Off-site; tag on fence. 3' overhang on property; tall narrow crown; 1-sided to N.W.; crowded.
55 Canary Island pine 16 No 4 Moderate Off-site; tag on fence. 10' overhang on property; high crown; crowded.
Tree No. Species Trunk
Diameter
(in.)
Protected
Tree?
Condition
1=poor
5=excellent
Suitability for
Preservation
Comments
Tree Assessment
500 Railroad AvenueSouth San Francisco, CAMarch 2024
56 Canary Island pine 18 No 4 Moderate Off-site; tag on fence. 5' overhang on property; 1-sided to N.E.; crowded.
57 Compact blue gum 14,12,12,1
2,10,10,10
,6,5
No 3 Moderate Off-site; tag on fence. 10' overhang on property; multiple narrow attachments at ~3; history of limb removal.
58 River red gum 10 No 2 Low Leans W.; topped; sparse.59 River red gum 29 Yes 3 Low Leans S.E.; multiple attachments at ~12'; history of limb failure.60 River red gum 14 No 2 Low Leans N E.; basal wound W.; branch dieback.61 River red gum 24,18 Yes 3 Moderate At fence; codominant stems at 3'; engulfed in ivy; wide vigorous crown.
62 River red gum 12,9,8,8,7,
4 No 3 Moderate Multiple attachments arise from base; some branch dieback; open crown.
63 River red gum 14 No 3 Moderate Suppressed by #29; some branch dieback.64 River red gum 1'-10" range
No 2 Low Group of 20 stems; 10" or less.
65 River red gum 26 Yes 3 Moderate Off-site; at fence. Leans E + corrects; multiple narrow attachments at ~15'.
66 Monterey pine 15 Yes 4 High At fence; slight correcting bow in trunk; vigorous.67 Blackwood acacia 16 No 2 Low Leans E.; codominant stems at 5'; vigorous; crowded by next #68.
68 River red gum 22 Yes 3 Moderate Off-site. Codominant stems at ~15'. 69 Blackwood acacia 9,5 No 2 Low Failing to S. at base; codominant stems arise from base; extremely crowded.
70 Compact blue gum 18,13,13,7
,3,3,3
No 3 Low At fence; engulfed in ivy; group of stems; vigorous. 71 Monterey pine 9 No 3 Moderate Leans S.; vigorous; crowded.72 Compact blue gum 28 Yes 3 Moderate At fence; measured below attachment at 1'; multiple narrow attachments at 3'; vigorous.
Tree No. Species Trunk
Diameter
(in.)
Protected
Tree?
Condition
1=poor
5=excellent
Suitability for
Preservation
Comments
Tree Assessment
500 Railroad AvenueSouth San Francisco, CAMarch 2024
73 Blackwood acacia 12 No 3 Low Codominant stems at 3' with narrow attachment + included bark; engulfed in ivy; vigorous.
74 Compact blue gum 16 No 3 Moderate Measured below attachment at 2'; multiple narrow attachments at 3'; slightly suppressed by #75.
75 Compact blue gum 24,17,16,1
3,12,10,9,
8 Yes 3 Moderate Off-site. At fence; 20' overhang on property; multiple narrow attachments at ~3'; leaning N. onto fence; vigorous.
76 River red gum 27 Yes 3 Low At fence; leans E. + corrects; trunk/branch decay; sparse.77 Blackwood acacia 11 No 2 Low Growing in base of #78; leans N.E.; extremely crowded.78 Brisbane box 7,6,6,6,4,4 No 3 Low Growing around #77; multiple narrow attachments arise from base; branch dieback.
79 Brisbane box 8,6,3 No 2 Low Enlarged base; multiple attachments arise from base; extensive dieback.
80 Brisbane box 8,7,6,4,4,3 No 3 Low Multiple attachments arise from base; some branch dieback; thin crown.
81 Blackwood acacia 27 Yes 2 Low Strong lean S.W.; multiple attachments at 7'; branches resting on fence; vigorous full crown.
82 Brisbane box 15 Yes 3 Moderate 2' from curb; leans N.E.; multiple attachments at 6 + 9'; round crown.
83 Brisbane box 16 Yes 3 Moderate 3' from curb; multiple attachments at 7,8 + 9'; slightly sparse.84 Brisbane box 14 No 2 Low 2' from curb; topped at 9' w/ reaction growth; leans E.; sparse.85 Brisbane box 13 No 2 Low Enlarged base; lapsed pollard; extremely sparse.86 Brisbane box 16 Yes 3 Low Girdling root N.; leans E.; lapsed pollard.87 Brisbane box 8 No 2 Low Enlarged base; leans E.; lapsed pollard; extremely sparse.88 Brisbane box 19 Yes 3 Low Off-site. 5' overhang on property; multiple attachments at 10 + 12'; sparse crown.
Tree No. Species Trunk
Diameter
(in.)
Protected
Tree?
Condition
1=poor
5=excellent
Suitability for
Preservation
Comments
Tree Assessment
500 Railroad AvenueSouth San Francisco, CAMarch 2024
89 Brisbane box 12,4,4,2,2 No 2 Low Off-site. 3' overhang on property; enlarged base; multiple attachments at 1'; rangy form.
90 Brisbane box 10,6,3 No 3 Low Off-site. ~5' overhang on property; multiple attachments at enlarged base.
91 Brisbane box 6,4,4 No 3 Low Off-site. ~5' overhang on property; base in shrub; codominant stems at 2'; suppressed by #90; sparse.
92 Brisbane box 8,8,7,6,2 No 3 Moderate Off-site. ~8' overhang on property; leans N.; multiple narrow attachments at 2'; vigorous.
93 Brisbane box 8,7,4,4,3 No 3 Moderate Off-site. ~3' overhang on property; base in shrub; multiple narrow attachments at ~3'; slightly sparse.
94 Blue gum 13,10 No 2 Low At fence; codominant stems at 4' w/seam + narrow attachment; topped at 8'.
95 Blue gum 37 Yes 3 Moderate At fence; engulfed in ivy; multiple attachments at ~15'; vigorous.96 Blue gum 42 Yes 3 Moderate At fence; multiple attachments at 7 + 10'; wide spreading crown.97 Compact blue gum 50 Yes 3 Moderate At fence; measured below attachment at 2'; multiple narrow attachments at 7'; history of limb removal; vigorous.
98 Compact blue gum 40 Yes 3 Moderate Off-site; tag on fence ~12' overhang on property; Multiple narrow attachments at ~5'; tall narrow crown.
Tree Assessment Map
500 Railroad Avenue South San Francisco, CA Prepared for: David J. Powers & Associates San Jose, Ca March 2024 No Scale Notes: Base map provided by: Google Earth Numbered tree locations are approximate. 2550 Ninth Street, Suite 112 Berkeley, CA 94710 Phone 925.484.0211 Fax 925.484.0596 1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 16
17 18
19 20
21 22
23 27 26 25 24 30 29 28 31
32 34 33 35
36 37 38
54 55 56 53 57 52 51 50 47 48 49 46 45 43 44 42 39 40 41 73 74 75 76 58 59 60 61 62 63 65 64 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 78 77 79 80 81
82 83 84
85 86
87 88
89 90 91 92 93
S. Linden Ave.
Railroad Ave. Railroad Ave.
N. Canal Street
98 97 96 95 94