Assessing Three Valley Oaks
On Finnell Drive or 1901 Finnell Drive
In Yountville, CA 94599
__________________________________________________________ Prepared for:
Jacob Solis
[email protected]
Yountville, CA
Submitted by Tony Wayne Wolcott Consulting
Registered Consulting Arborist #685
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist WE3284 B
959 Cheyenne Drive,
Walnut Creek, CA, 94598
November 1, 2024
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Arborist Summary Report: Three Valley Oaks
Date: 11/01/2024 Location: 1901 Finnell Drive, Yountville Species: Quercus lobata (Valley Oak)
Overview
Three mature valley oaks near 1901 Finnell Drive were inspected as part of On-Call Arborist responsibilities. This report summarizes their condition, benefits, and potential risks.
Tree Locations
1. Tree 1: South side of Finnell Road, west (fronting 1901 Finnell Road)
2. Tree 2: South side of Finnell Road, east of Tree 1 (fronting 1901 Finnell Road)
3. Tree 3: North side of Finnell Road, across from Tree 2 and further east Benefits
1. Environmental: Shade, carbon sequestration, oxygen production, water retention, erosion control
2. Ecological: Native ecosystem support, soil enrichment through root systems and mycorrhizal networks
3. Aesthetic & Cultural: Natural beauty, sense of well-being, historical significance
4. Practical: Landmarks for passersby
Concerns
1. Proximity to roads and driveways, limiting soil exposure
2. Tree 1 (poorest condition):
o Multiple dead branches (1-12 inch diameter)
o Probable branch failure within one year
o Active red-headed woodpecker habitat, increasing branch failure risk
3. Tree 2: Poor structure with co-dominant stems and included bark
4. All trees:
o Overmature status
o Susceptibility to fungal infections (signs at trunk bases) Risk Assessment
• Tree 1: Moderate risk of branch failure, low risk to targets (road and parking area) • Tree 2: Low risk of significant stem failure
• Tree 3: Lowest risk among the three
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Detailed Measurements (Tree 1)
• Diameter at 4.5 feet above grade: 47.5 inches
• Height: 49 feet
• Live Crown Ratio: 20%
• Canopy Spread: 25 to 30 feet (all around)
Recommendations
1. Remove Tree #1 as the likelihood of large branch failure is high. Targets include pedestrians, vehicles with drivers, and property items.
2. Property owner to decide on action plan, considering both benefits and risks
3. Coordinate with the Town of Yountville for any removal or pruning decisions.
Conclusion
These valley oaks provide significant environmental and cultural benefits but pose some safety concerns due to their age and condition. A balanced approach would be removing Tree #1 and some deadwood on the other two valley oaks, #2 and #3.
Tree Photos
Tree 1's branches over Finnel Road
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Tree 1's location in front of 1901 Finnel Drive
Tree 1's trunk
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The Ganoderma fungal conk from Tree 1
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Tree 2's multiple co-dominant stems, and across the street is Tree 3 Submitted By: Tony Wayne Wolcott
Signed: Tony Wayne Wolcott
Date: October 1, 2024