Consulting Arborist's Report

October 21, 2013

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report

Wilshire at La Cienega Station, Beverly Hills
Prepared for:
Ms. Gwynneth Doyle Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority One Gateway Plaza MS 99-17-02 Los Angeles CA 90012-2952

Prepared by:
Arborgate Consulting, Inc. Greg Applegate, ASCA, ASLA 1131 Lucinda Way Tustin, CA 92780 714/ 731-6240

Arborgate Consulting, Inc. 2013

Table of Contents
I Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................................................................1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................................................................1 Background .......................................................................................................................................................................................................1 Assignment .......................................................................................................................................................................................................2 Findings ................................................................................................................................................................................................................3 Overview of Conditions and Recommendations ..............................................................................................................................................3

Observations ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Tree Condition Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................................4 Health and Condition ........................................................................................................................................................................................5 Appraisal..............................................................................................................................................................................................................6 Appraisal Standards ..........................................................................................................................................................................................6 Size Determination - Method of Measurement .................................................................................................................................................6 Trunk Formula Method .....................................................................................................................................................................................7 Replacement Cost Method ................................................................................................................................................................................7 Condition...........................................................................................................................................................................................................8 Location ............................................................................................................................................................................................................8
Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills Greg Applegate, RCA #365 10/21/2013 Table of Contents 1

Species & Group Factors ..................................................................................................................................................................................9 Palm Appraisal Matrix ......................................................................................................................................................................................9 Tree Appraisal Matrix (Floss silk tree) ...........................................................................................................................................................11 Analysis ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................12 Reasons for Removal ......................................................................................................................................................................................12 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................................................................................13 Recommendations .............................................................................................................................................................................................14 Specific Recommendations .............................................................................................................................................................................14 Transplanting ..................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Mitigation ........................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Disclaimer ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................16 Figures ................................................................................................................................................................................................................17 Appendices .........................................................................................................................................................................................................21

A. Resume ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
B. Photographic Documentation................................................................................................................................................................23

C. Glossary ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 35 D. Trunk Formula Method Worksheet for Chorisia ......................................................................................................................... 37

Certification .......................................................................................................................................................................................................38

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Table of Contents

Introduction
Background
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has developed plans to extend the Purple Line subway to the Westside of Los Angeles. The subway extension project is referred to as the Purple Line Extension or Westside Subway Extension. The Purple Line Extension will provide a high-capacity, high-speed, dependable alternative for those traveling to and from LAs second downtown, including destinations such as Miracle Mile, Beverly Hills, Century City, and Westwood. Continuing from the current terminus of the existing Metro Purple Line at Wilshire/Western, the Westside Subway Extension will continue westward for about nine miles and involve the construction of seven new subway stations. The initial phase of construction activities is scheduled to commence in 2014 will include the construction of three new subway stations along Wilshire Boulevard at Wilshire/La Brea, Wilshire/Fairfax, and Wilshire/La Cienega. Two of the new subway stations (i.e., Wilshire/La Brea and Wilshire/Fairfax are located within the boundaries of the City of Los Angeles, while the remaining station (Wilshire/La Cienega) is located within the City of Beverly Hills. Advanced utility work and construction associated with the stations and recovery shaft to meet traffic control requirements and sidewalk improvements will necessitate removal of mature vegetation, including trees, from portions of the project area. The locations of trees to be removed within the City of Beverly Hills as a component of the project are identified in the attached Figures 1 through 3. No City protected trees, known historically significant or endangered tree species are planned for removal. The vast majority are Mexican fan palms, except one floss silk tree. However, permits from the City of Beverly Hills Parks and Recreation Department will be needed for the removal of the city street trees identified in this document.

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Introduction

One purpose of this report is to explore what opportunities exist for preservation or reuse of worthwhile palm trees. At this time it is unknown whether there will be opportunities to dig, store and reuse the better palms. However, preservation in place for the specified trees is not likely. The trees included in this report are those which were already determined to be in the path of construction before this study or its field work began. Those trees that are adjoining City street trees but not included here will be protected. The Parks and Recreation Department will make the ultimate determination of what the required mitigation, if any, will be. Most cities apply a two for one ratio of mitigation when street trees must be removed. Arborgate Consulting met with the Metro representatives on August 21, 2013. At that meeting, plans, aerial maps and sample reports were provided. Based on that meeting and the information provided, a formal cost and schedule proposal was prepared and subsequently approved by Metro.

Assignment
Arborgate Consulting was engaged by TRC Solutions, Inc. as a subcontractor to provide an arboricultural evaluation for the indicated trees and palms along Wilshire Boulevard and at the Wilshire-La Cienega Station. Specifically, Arborgate Consulting conducted an arboricultural inventory and evaluated the health and condition, professional opinions regarding suitability for transplanting for 34 trees identified at this location. One additional tree was expected to be identified, but was determined to have been removed sometime prior to conducting this assessment. This report was prepared in accordance with the City of Beverly Hills standards and includes photographic documentation of the trees evaluated as a component of this scope of work. Each tree or palm was appraised according to the current edition (9th) of the Guide for Plant Appraisal, and the current (2004) edition of the Species Classification and Group Assignment publication. For the purpose of this evaluation, each tree was assigned a unique identification number that includes the numerical street address corresponding to its location. Photographs are included in this report starting on page 23. The locations of the trees evaluated as a component of this investigation are summarized in the attached Figures 1 through 3.

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Introduction

Findings
Overview of Conditions and Recommendations
Observations
The entire site along Wilshire Boulevard was open and available for inspection. At the time the field evaluation was performed, no construction work or site clearing had been initiated. The sidewalk along Wilshire was open, in place and heavily used during the completion of the inventory. Wilshire Boulevard is an important and world famous major road running from east to west through Beverly Hills. The trees were inspected during the period between October 1 and October 7, 2013. Only trees determined to be in the path of construction are included in this study. Metro will be responsible for any other incidental tree damage. The primary or exclusive street tree on Wilshire in Beverly Hills is the Mexican fan palm, Washingtonia robusta. Only one other species was included, a floss silk tree, Chorisia speciosa, which is growing in a median. The palms are in small sidewalk cutouts grouped together or in larger planting spaces, such as the medians. There were thirty-three palms affected by the La Cienega Station. One additional planting site was observed to be missing. Photographs of these palms and trees can be found later in this report, beginning on page 23. Many trees can survive years of neglect and crowding, some tolerate the crowding but make their own root space by damaging paving, but other trees that have been stressed by crowding begin to become essentially pot-bound and decline. Generally palms are kind to paving and seldom cause damage or lifting. On occasion larger palms can lift paving by soil displacement from the sheer volume of roots. No such lifting was observed along Wilshire. Timing is very important to transplant success, but less so for Mexican fan palms than other palms. However, a Mexican fan palm will recover more quickly when transplanted in late spring or early summer. Trees, palms, ficus and other subtropical evergreen trees are best transplanted in late spring or early summer. Some tree species do not transplant well in any season. Since some of these palms surveyed as a component of this investigation were observed to seriously injured, there is a high likelihood that they would not justify the cost of transplanting. Also since Mexican fan palms are the least expensive of all palms and most of these are reaching a height that is hard to handle, replacement with new palms is the more reasonable
Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills Greg Applegate, RCA #365 10/21/2013 Findings 3 3

option. Projects like this perform a vital service when they replace a large number of trees with new trees that should have a longer life span ahead of them. Mexican fan palms provide marginal environmental benefits, but are emblematic to Beverly Hills. However, as they grow past 50 feet in height the heads are so far above a normal cone of vision they lose some of their aesthetic value and grow in their cost of maintenance. A summary of the general condition and count for the palm species evaluated as a component of this investigation is provided below:

Tree Condition Summary

Address
8485-1 8485-2 8447-1 8447-2 8447-3 8484-1 8484-2 8484-3 8484-4 8484-5 8484-6 8430-1 8430-2 8420-1 8400-1 8425-1 8425-2 8421-1 8421-2

Species
Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Empty location Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta

DBH
12 12 12 12 13 12 13 12 13 12 12 12 12 13 12 15 12 12

Trunk height
56 57 65 59 55 61 60 57 58 57 59 61 55 59 63 59 57 50

Average Spread Roots Trunk Foliage condition

8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 80% 80% 80% 90% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 90% 80% 80% 70% 70% 70% 70% 60% 60% 60% 60% 60% 60% 60% 50% 70% 70% 60% 80% 60% 60% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 83% 83% 83% 87% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 77% 83% 83% 80% 90% 80% 80%
Findings 4 4

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Address
8421-3 8383-1 8383-2 8383-3 8383-4 8383-5 8383-6 8383-7 8370-1 8370-2 8350-1 8350-2 8383-8 8383-9 8383-10

Species
Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta Washingtonia robusta

DBH
14 15 12 12 14 12 12 13 15 12 13 12 13 12 14

Trunk height
65 69 62 56 55 57 56 48 70 58 58 52 54 57 59

Average Spread Roots Trunk Foliage condition

8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 8-9' 9' 8-9' 8-9' 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 70% 60% 60% 60% 70% 60% 70% 70% 70% 60% 65% 50% 75% 70% 70% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 90% 100% 100% 100% 83% 80% 80% 80% 83% 80% 83% 83% 83% 80% 82% 73% 85% 83% 83%

The overall average condition is 79%.

Health and Condition

The palms had all been recently trimmed. At the time of my inspection they had an adequate amount of fronds remaining, but I am not aware of how much time they had to recover since they were trimmed. Several palms had yellowing fronds at about 90 degrees from vertical. The cause was not determined. Physical injuries were also noted on several palms, possibly from automobile collisions. The above spreadsheet and conditions were used in the appraisal spreadsheet to follow.

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Findings

Appraisal
Appraisal Standards
The Council of Tree & Landscape Appraisers, made up of landscape contractor, landscape architect, forestry, nursery, arborist and consulting arborist trade organizations, has established various methods and terms of plant appraisal. These methods and terms are published in the Guide for Plant Appraisal. Over the years, this publication has been revised many times. The current version of this document, and the basis for the standards utilized in this report, is the ninth edition. A tenth edition of this publication is reportedly in preparation. However, it appears that it will be more than a year before the tenth edition is finalized. The species ratings and the basic pricing cited in this document are based on the Western Chapter ISA Species Classification and Group Assignment publication.

Size Determination - Method of Measurement

For the purpose of appraisal, the size of trees is usually determined by the trunk diameter. Trunk diameter is used to compute the cross-sectional area of the trunk, assuming the trunk perimeter to be circular. A Nikon hypsometer was used to measure trunk height. The height at which the trunk diameter is measured depends on its size. The American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSIZ60-1.1.1-1990) stipulates that palms should be measured either by overall height or trunk height. Trunk height is used in the
Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills Greg Applegate, RCA #365 10/21/2013 Appraisal 6 6

Species Classification and Group Assignment (SC&GA) publication. Tree trunks up to 4 inches shall be measured at 6 inches above grade. Larger trees (assumed by The Guide to be of transplantable size) are measured at 12 inches above grade. This consultant generally uses 6.5 inch caliper as the common practical limit of transplantable size, realizing that trees up to three feet in trunk diameter have been moved. The committee that wrote the SC&GA formed a consensus that the largest commonly available tree size is a 60-inch box. A 60-inch box tree varies from 4 to 6.5 inches in diameter, depending on species or Group assignment. Thus trees larger than that limit should be measured at 4.5 feet (DBH) above grade and should be appraised by trunk formula method. The one tree in the project area needed to be appraised by trunk formula method.

Trunk Formula Method

The one tree evaluated as a component of this assessment is too large to use the replacement method. It is bigger than what would be commonly available in commercial nurseries. The ninth edition of The Guide for Plant Appraisal (The Guide) has added the use of a species factor to the replacement cost method, so there is less difference in the two methods now. The "Trunk formula" method is for trees too large to replace, according to The Guide. When appraising a tree that is too large to replace, the basic value is obtained by adding the replacement cost of the largest available transplantable tree to the increase in value of the appraised tree when compared to the size of the replacement tree. The value of the difference in sizes is based on the basic price (cost per unit trunk area) of the replacement tree. The basic value is then adjusted by the appraised tree's species rating, condition rating, and location rating to obtain the tree's appraised value. The formula is: appraised value = basic value X condition X location X species. Basic value is: replacement cost + (basic price X [TAa-TAr]) Basic price is the cost per unit of trunk area of the installed replacement tree. TA is trunk area or square inches of exposed surface area if the trunk was cut off at breast height.

Replacement Cost Method

Since Mexican fan palms are not usually sold in box sizes, the Replacement Cost Method could apply. They are simply sold by trunk height, usually about $22 per foot of trunk. Some nurseries sell them by green trunk height, i.e. just below the crown the trunk turns brown and that is all some charge for. For consistency among palm species, this consultant and the SC&GA uses total trunk height.
Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills Greg Applegate, RCA #365 10/21/2013 Appraisal 7 7

If a palm can be found commonly available for sale in the same size, the replacement method is a fairly straightforward approach. Fifty feet is about the height limit for a palm to be legally shipped on a public road. The value is based on the cost of replacing it in the same location with a tree of the same or comparable species, size, condition and location. Typically, the wholesale cost is doubled to allow for installation. The SC&GA guide uses $45 per foot as the installed cost for Mexican fan palms. The replacement cost method is defined as: Installed tree cost x Species rating x Condition rating x Location rating. For example, if the installed cost of the palm is $1,200 and the species factor is 90%, and the condition is 80% and the location rating is 90%, appraised value would be $1200 x 0.9 (species factor) x 0.8 (condition) x.0.9 (location rating) or $777.60. As another example, a nursery quality tree of the same size in an ideal location, well chosen for use, could be valued at $1,200.

Condition
In "The Guide", a trees condition is determined by considering five factors, roots, trunk, scaffold branches, smaller branches and foliage. The condition of the roots, trunk, and scaffold limbs is equally weighed at twenty percent each (or 8 points each) of the total. The small branches and foliage combine for the other 25 percent or four points each of the total (or 32 points). The factors are then averaged for the average condition rating used in the appraisal. In my practice the condition factors are rated directly in percentages.

Location
The location rating of a tree or palm is made up of three factors: site, contribution and placement. The rating for each ranges from 10 to 100% and the three factors averaged together for the overall location rating. In appraising the value of these palms and the one tree, the standard methods established by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers dictate that the current use of the property be considered in the evaluation. Typical city streets are rated about 50 to 80 percent for the site factor. Considering that Wilshire Boulevard is both a recognized and major street in Beverly Hills, I rated even closer to the high end of the range, 95 percent. Given the otherwise stark and almost treeless nature of the streetscape and that some of the palms were out of scale to the surrounding buildings or lost against the background of a dark building, the contribution was rated at 60 to 80 percent. The placement factor was rated at 100 percent since they were planted in the ideal location for street trees. Although these ratings are higher than typical, I believe they reflect the emblematic nature and the uniformity of these palms.

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Appraisal

Species & Group Factors

A species factor is now, in the ninth edition, used in the formula method and replacement cost method. The Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture has established species factors in a booklet entitled Species Classification and Group Assignment. The species rating equates to a median percentage for that species in the area in which the specimen is being evaluated. It is left to the appraiser to raise or lower the rating by 10% if he feels that is justified. I left the species factors as they are listed to avoid controversy. Most trees at wholesale nurseries are about the same price in the same size box, but they vary in how large they are in the same size box. In other words, a sycamore will be larger than a red-leaf plum in the same size box. The group number (affecting the size of the replacement tree) is based on the fact that smaller, slower growing species are smaller in the same size box. The group number does not vary by region. Smaller, slower growing species will have a greater value per square inch of trunk area than will a large, fast growing species. The floss silk tree is rated at 70% and has a group factor of 3, i.e. the replacement 60inch box would have an average trunk diameter of 5.5 inches. The fact that nurseries have many old root bound trees with larger size trunks should not affect the size. I used the group rating listed in the Species Classification and Group Assignment publication to obtain the Basic value per square inch and the size of a good replacement tree.

Palm Appraisal Matrix

Address 8485-1 8485-2 8447-1 8447-2 8447-3 8484-1 8484-2 8484-3 8484-4 8484-5 Trunk height 56 57 65 59 0 55 61 60 57 58 Species factor 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% Condition Rating 83% 83% 83% 87% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% Site 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% Contribution 70% 70% 70% 70% 70% 70% 70% 70% 70% Placement 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Unit Price $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft Basic Value $2,520 $2,565 $2,925 $2,655 $0 $2,475 $2,745 $2,700 $2,565 $2,610 Appraised Value $1,670 $1,699 $1,938 $1,829 Previously Removed $1,574 $1,746 $1,717 $1,631 $1,660

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Appraisal

Address 8484-6 8430-1 8430-2 8420-1 8400-1 8425-1 8425-2 8421-1 8421-2 8421-3 8383-1 8383-2 8383-3 8383-4 8383-5 8383-6 8383-7 8370-1 8370-2 8350-1 8350-2 8383-8 8383-9 8383-10

Trunk height 57 59 61 55 59 63 59 57 50 65 69 62 56 55 57 56 48 70 58 58 52 54 57 59

Species factor 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% 90%

Condition Rating 80% 80% 77% 83% 83% 80% 90% 80% 80% 83% 80% 80% 80% 83% 80% 83% 83% 83% 80% 82% 73% 85% 83% 83%

Site 95% 90% 90% 80% 90% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95%

Contribution 70% 70% 70% 60% 60% 60% 60% 70% 70% 70% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 80% 70% 70% 70% 70% 80% 80% 80%

Placement 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

Unit Price $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft $45/ft

Basic Value $2,565 $2,655 $2,745 $2,475 $2,655 $2,835 $2,655 $2,565 $2,250 $2,925 $3,105 $2,790 $2,520 $2,475 $2,565 $2,520 $2,160 $3,150 $2,610 $2,610 $2,340 $2,430 $2,565 $2,655

Appraised Value $1,631 $1,657 $1,642 $1,485 $1,659 $1,735 $1,828 $1,631 $1,431 $1,938 $2,049 $1,841 $1,663 $1,702 $1,693 $1,733 $1,485 $2,087 $1,660 $1,695 $1,364 $1,704 $1,763 $1,825

Total = $56,366. All the palms identified above are Mexican fan palms. In the above spreadsheet each palms trunk height is multiplied by the unit cost per foot ($45) to determine the basic value. The basic value is multiplied by the species factor, condition rating, and location rating, i.e. the average of site, contribution and placement. The resulting product is the appraised value.

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Appraisal

10

Tree Appraisal Matrix (Floss silk tree)

Address
8350 m1

Type
$2,964

Trunk diameter
15

Unit diameter
5.5

Replace price
$1,482

Species factor
70%

Condition rating
80%

Location rating
95%

Basic price
$62

Trunk diamApprais
176.63

Trunk diamReplac
23.75

Basic value
$12,442

Appraised value
$6,619

A single page Trunk Formula Method Worksheet is enclosed in Appendix D.

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Appraisal

11

Analysis
Reasons for Removal
Construction schedules do not always go according to plans. Trees and palms however, have their own clocks, phenology, or internal schedules when they flower, initiate root growth, initiate shoot growth, stop growing or go into dormancy. The worst season to disrupt a palm is when they are going into winter, just before they stop growing. At this time, the roots would be very slow to resume growth until the following spring. At the writing of this report this consultant is not aware of the need for any of these palms around the new station. The availability of nearby areas where trees could be healed in and stored is also unknown. Depending on the availability of storage yards with water available, costs could easily exceed the value of the trees if water trucks are needed or the trees need to be transported long distances. Palms over 50 feet in height would be difficult to transport given the need to make turns and other limitations that have practical impact on transportation. Mexican fan palms often survive, but for the best recovery, they should not be planted much deeper than they grew. Also planting is difficult due to the high point the trunks need to be lifted from and expensive cranes needed to do so. These palms are very heavy and the weight is concentrated at the lifting straps, which can injure the trunks and possibly lead to decay at the point of contact. Most landscape contractors do not have the skills or experience to dig, store, maintain, and then replant these palms. If the City decides they have use for certain of these palms, a contractor who specializes in tree moving must be hired for boxing, transporting, storage, maintenance and replanting. While none of palms were listed in the affirmative for transplanting, if the City demands transplanting, it is essential they are transplanted in the proper season. Mexican fan palms are never worth the cost of transplanting, but the City may have its own reasons for doing so. The floss silk tree has a large trunk injury and should not be transplanted.
Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills Greg Applegate, RCA #365 10/21/2013 Analysis 12

Conclusion
There are no protected species and no truly worthwhile trees or palms within this site. Transplanting is a costly and risky proposition for palms with less value than the cost of transplanting. Based on my observations and analysis, these palms should be removed and replaced. They cannot be protected in place and none are reasonable candidates for transplanting. The City Parks and Recreation Department will determine appropriate mitigation and replacement size and variety (most likely Mexican fan palm). In order to be able to plant trees or palms more in scale with Wilshire Boulevard the following recommendations are provided on pages 14 and 15.

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Analysis

13

Recommendations
Specific Recommendations
1. After receiving the proper permits, remove and properly dispose of all the listed Mexican fan palms. 2. New palms should be planted according to City of Beverly Hills standards. 3. New palms should be no taller than about 20 feet for better handling and less need to plant deep.

Transplanting
Before deciding to transplant any of these palms all utilities must be located and marked. Prior to deciding which, if any, palms should be transplanted get bids for digging, storing and transporting back to the site to see if the cost justifies the expense. Also prior to bidding locate a relatively level storage yard with a source of water, good percolation, and preferably Santa Ana wind protection.

Mitigation
The Parks and Recreation Department may require two palms for every palm removed or a fee in lieu of palms based on the appraisal. More root space will allow better anchorage and thicker trunks. Due to minimal root space for even the existing palms and the need for better thicker trunks, I recommend larger planting spaces. Root space can be increased several ways. One obvious way is to just make larger planting holes and cutouts. However, Wilshire Boulevard experiences heavy pedestrian traffic and larger planting holes and cutouts may require sacrifices to the walking surface area.
Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills Greg Applegate, RCA #365 10/21/2013 Recommendations 14 4

Another method is the use of structural soils, e.g. Cornell mix. This method uses large aggregate to provide bearing strength to support the sidewalk and just enough soil to fill the gaps between aggregates so that the actual soil is not too compact for roots. This method is expensive and relatively inefficient because roots cannot grow in the aggregates, so at least four times the volume is needed to provide any real increase in root space. A third method is outlined in Reducing Infrastructure Damage by Tree Roots, by Costello and Jones, and Up by Roots, by James Urban. This method simply extends or connects tree pits by trenching and filling the trenches with loose soil compacted less than 80% depending on texture, then the paving over the trenches is engineered to span the trench by thickening and/or adding reinforcement. A plastic aeration sheet can be added to the trench to increase soil oxygen and improve root growth. Silva Cells are another method recommended by James Urban, but with the cost of the product and required engineering, it becomes very expensive. Any transplanting work shall be performed by a firm drawn from a pre-qualified list of transplanting contractors. If the City requires larger palms than were used in other recent Beverly Hills projects along Wilshire Boulevard, the same type of contractor would be better equipped to handle the larger size palms.

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Recommendations

15

Disclaimer
Since I will have no direct review or supervision of construction as it takes place, I must remind you that there are certain risks involved. Trees and palms are living, dynamic organisms that respond to changes in their environment, sometimes quickly and sometimes slowly. Actions that affect the stability of the palms must be carefully controlled and monitored, especially during the southern California winter, where sudden rains are followed by stiff winds. Good, current information on tree and palm inspection has been applied. However, even when the tree is carefully inspected, inspection involves sampling, therefore some areas of decay or weakness may be missed. Since all these palms are expected to be removed, a complete tree hazard evaluation was not requested or performed. Weather, winds and the magnitude and direction of storms are not predictable and a failure may still occur despite the best application of high professional standards. Future tree maintenance will also affect the trees health and stability and is not under the supervision or scrutiny of this consultant. Continuing construction activity such as trenching will also affect the health and safety, but are unknown and unsupervised by this consultant. Trees are living, dynamic organisms and their future status cannot be predicted with complete certainty by any expert. This consultant does not assume liability for any tree failures involved with this property.

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Disclaimer

16

Figures

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Figures

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Appendices
A. Resume B. Photographic Documentation C. Glossary D. Trunk Formula Method Worksheet for Chorisia

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Greg Applegate, RCA #365

10/21/2013

Appendices

21

A. Resume
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS:

GREGORY W. APPLEGATE, ASCA, ASLA

Registered Consulting Arborist #365 American Society of Consulting Arborists #365 International Society of Arboriculture, Certified Arborist Number WC-180 International Society of Arboriculture, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, PNC-444 Mr. Applegate is an independent consulting arborist. He has been in the horticulture field since 1963, providing professional arboricultural consulting since 1984 within both private and public sectors. His expertise includes appraisal, tree preservation, diagnosis of tree growth problems, construction impact mitigation, environmental assessment, expert witness testimony, hazard evaluation, pruning programs, species selection and tree health monitoring. Mr. Applegate has consulted for insurance companies, major developers, , theme parks, homeowners, homeowners' associations, landscape architects, landscape contractors, property managers, attorneys and governmental bodies. Notable projects on which he has consulted are: Disneyland, Disneyland Hotel, DisneySeas-Tokyo, Disneys Wild Animal Kingdom, the New Tomorrowland, Disneys California Adventure, Disney Hong Kong project, Knotts Berry Farm, J. Paul Getty Museum, Tustin Ranch, Newport Coast, Crystal Court, Newport Fashion Island Palms, Bixby Ranch Country Club, Playa Vista, Laguna Canyon Road and Myford Road for The Irvine Company, MTA Expo Line, MWD-California Lakes, Paseo Westpark Palms, Loyola-Marymount campus, Cal Tech, Cal State Long Beach, Pierce College, The Irvine Concourse, UCI, USC, UCLA, LA City College, LA Trade Tech, Riverside City College, Crafton Hills College, MTA projects, and the State of California review of the Landscape Architecture License exam (re: plant materials)

EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona 1973 Arboricultural Consulting Academy (by ASCA) Arbor-Day Farm, Kansas City 1995 Continuing Education Courses in Arboriculture required to maintain Certified Arborist status and for ASCA membership American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA), Full Member American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Full Member American Board of Forensic Examiners (ABFE), -Diplomate International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Regular Member International Palm Society (IPS), Member California Tree Failure Report Program, UC Davis, Participant Street Tree Seminar (STS), Member Horticulture Advisory Committee, Saddleback College (1988 until present) Landscape Architecture License Exam, Reviewer, Cal Poly Pomona (1986-90) American Institute of Landscape Architects (L.A.) Board of Directors (1980-82) California Landscape Architect Student Scholarship Fund - Chairman (1985) Greg Applegate, RCA #365 10/21/2013 Appendices 22 2 2

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS:

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

B. Photographic Documentation

8485-1 & 2
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8447-1
Greg Applegate, RCA #365 10/21/2013 Appendices 23 2 3

8447-2, Note one palm (8447-3) was previously removed.

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8484-1, 2 & 3
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8484-4,5 & 6
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8430-1 & 2
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8420-1
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8400-1
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8425-1
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8425-2
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8421-1
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8421-2 & 3
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8383 -1, 2, & 3

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8383 4 & 5
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8383 6 & 7
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8383 8, 9 & 10
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8370 1 & 2
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8350 1 & 2
Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Chorisia 8350 m1 in the median. Note large basal injury.

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Note old gaff injuries

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Note old gaff injuries.

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Note basal injury.

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Note large trunk wound, thin trunk, and lack of basal flare.
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C.
ANSI-A300 ANSI-Z60-1

Glossary
American National Standards Institute performance standards for the care and maintenance of trees, shrubs and other woody plants. Copies are available from International Society of Arboriculture bookstore 888-ISA-TREE American National Standards Institute standards sizing and describing trees, shrubs and other nursery stock. Pertaining to the awareness, care, evaluation, identification, growing, maintenance, management, planting, selection, treatment, understanding, valuation and so forth of trees and other woody plants and their growing environments, particularly in shade and ornamental (non-crop/commodity) settings. The selection, cultivation, and care of trees, vines, and shrubs. A person possessing the technical competence through experience and related training to provide for or supervise the management of trees or other woody plants in a landscape setting. The American Society of Consulting Arborists, Inc. a professional society, as described in its by-laws. Tissue on the outside of the vascular cambium. Bark is usually divided into inner bark - active phloem and aging and dead crushed phloem - and outer bark. Most trees and palms have a rapid increase in diameter as the trunk meets the soil line or root crown. This area is associated with both trunk and root tissue. The live, foliage-bearing part of a tree. An open and exposed area of wood, where the bark is missing and internal wood has been decayed and dissolved. (Soil Compaction) The compression of soil, causing a reduction of pore space and an increase in the bulk density of the soil. Tree roots cannot grow in compacted soil. the ground tissue between the vascular cylinder and the epidermis. The union of two or more branches; the axillary zone between branches. The upper portions of a tree or shrub, including the main limbs, branches, and twigs. Diameter of the trunk, measured at breast height or 54 inches above the average grade. See caliper.
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Arboricultural

Arboriculture Arborist ASCA Bark Basal flare Canopy Cavity Compaction Cortex Crotch Crown DBH

Purple Line Tree Inventory Report City of Beverly Hills

Decay Decline Fertilization Foliage Mulch/Mulching

Progressive deterioration of organic tissues, usually caused by fungal or bacterial organisms, resulting in loss of cell structure, strength, and function. In wood, the loss of structural strength. Progressive reduction of health or vigor of a plant. The process of adding nutrients to a tree or plant; usually done by incorporating the nutrients into the soil, but sometimes by foliar application or injection directly into living tissues. The live leaves or needles of the tree; the plant part primarily responsible for photosynthesis. Substances spread on top of the ground to conserve water, protect against erosion, retain moisture, and protect the roots of trees from heat, cold or drought. The substances are typically organic, such as compost, manure or bark chips. fly-pollinated A tropical or subtropical monocotyledonous tree or shrub, usually having a woody, unbranched trunk and large, evergreen, fan or feather-shaped leaves at the top. Having three or more veins, leaflets, or lobes radiating from one point; digitate: a palmate leaf or frond. In palms, declining health resulting in rapidly diminishing trunk diameter below the crown. Area at the base of a tree where the roots and stem merge (synonym - root collar) The portion of the tree containing the root organs, including buttress roots, transport roots, and fine absorbing roots; all underground parts of the tree. The area and volume of soil around the tree in which roots are normally found. May extend to three or more times the branch spread of the tree, or several times the height of the tree. A tree growing adjacent to dedicated roadways and within the citys right of way. "Stress is a potentially injurious, reversible condition, caused by energy drain, disruption, or blockage, or by life processes operating near the limits for which they were genetically programmed." Alex Shigo The relative worth, merit, or importance of a thing, expressed as a single point, a range, or a relationship to a benchmark. The present worth of future benefits. Active, healthy growth of plants: ability to respond to stress factors.

Myophilous Palm Palmate Pencil Root crown Root system Root zone Street tree Stress Value Vigor

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D.

Trunk Formula Method Worksheet for Chorisia

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Certification
I, Gregory W. Applegate, certify to the best of my knowledge and belief: That the statements of fact contained in this report, are true and correct. That the report analysis, opinions, and conclusions are limited only the reported assumptions and limiting conditions, and are my personal unbiased professional analysis, opinions and conclusions. That I have no present or prospective interest in the vegetation that is the subject of this report, and I have no personal interest or bias with respect to the parties involved. That my compensation is not contingent upon the reporting or a predetermined outcome that favors the cause of the client, or the attainment of stipulated result. That my analysis, opinions, and conclusions were developed, and this report has been prepared, in conformity with the standards of ASCA and customary arboricultural practice. That I have made a personal inspection of the plants that are the subject of this report. No one provided significant professional assistance to the person signing this report.

Gregory W. Applegate, ASCA_____________________________________ Date___________________ Registered Consulting Arborist #365 Certified Arborist #WC-0180
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