Re: Impact of wood shed reconstruction on adjacent bylaw-protected trees - Attachment 6

Re: Impact of wood shed reconstruction on adjacent bylaw-protected trees

During our July 13, 2016 site visit, at your request, we reviewed the plans for the construction of a new wood shed to replace the one which has been removed recently and examined the surrounding trees that could potentially be impacted by this construction. We identified 6 trees that are located where they could potentially be impacted, Garry oak #637, 640, 641, 642 and arbutus #638 and 639. The trees are identified in the field using engraved, numbered metal tags that are attached to their lower trunks.

The new wood shed is located primarily within the footprint of the existing shed but has been shifted slightly for a better alignment with the driveway access. The realignment has moved the footprint further from the arbutus trees but is closer to Garry oak #640 and #642.

As discussed the plans is to now construct the shed using pier footings or piles to support the upper floor rather than the continuous footing shown on the plans.

It is our opinion that using this foundation method the shed can be constructed without having a detrimental impact on the subject trees. It is likely that the canopies of Garry oak # #640 and #642 will require some pruning for clearance from the shed walls, however in our opinion the pruning required will not have a detrimental impact on the health of these trees.

To prevent the construction activity from spreading into the critical root zones of the adjacent trees we recommend erecting barrier fencing a distance of one metre out from the building footprint on its north and east side. It will probably not be possible to erect fencing on the west side due to the amount of bed rock in that location. We further recommend erecting solid hording (plywood or similar) against the trunk of Garry oak #637 to prevent accidental mechanical injury to the trunk from trucks and/or equipment accessing the site.

As indicated above it is our opinion that this building can be constructed without having a detrimental impact on the adjacent trees.

Please do not hesitate to call us at (250) 479-8733 should you have any further questions. Thank You.

Yours truly, Talbot Mackenzie & Associates

Tom Talbot & Graham Mackenzie ISA Certified, & Consulting Arborists