Arborist Memo - Talbot Mackenzie & Associates - September 26, 2013

Memo

Re: Tree impact review for 237 Anya Lane

During our September 10, 2013 site visit, we visually inspected the trees that had been examined and reviewed for our March 14, 2013 report. We observed little change in the site since this previous site visit, with the exception of some fill soils having been removed from around the trunks of the four Big Leaf maple trees located to the east of the house footprint.

There has been some visible change in the health of these maple trees as exhibited by a change in colour and a loss of some of the foliage. This is most likely related to the amount of fill soils that remains within the critical root zones of these trees. There has been no visible change in the health characteristics of the other trees and no evidence that any are dead or at risk of failure at this time.

As Big Leaf maple is a species that is not tolerant to fill soil being placed around their trunks or within their critical root zones areas, we recommend that as much of the fill soil that is on the bank above the trees, and the entire amount of fill soils below the trees be removed. The removal of fill soils from the driveway/pathway on the south side of the house will depend on what grades must be maintained on this side of the house. All excavation to remove fill soils must be supervised by an ISA Certified Arborist.

During our discussions on site, we recommended that and received permission to remove the loose bark that is attached to the wounded root of the 125 cm Douglas-fir tree, and treat the exposed tissues with pine tar to prevent further desiccation of the exposed tissues. As the impacts of construction on the health and stability of trees may take several years to appear, we recommend that you continue to monitor the health and structure of these trees periodically in future years.