Appendix E Protected Tree Report Pasadena YWCA Redevelopment · Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants (Kimpton) is proposing to demolish the currently vacant YWCA building and construct a

YWCA Kimpton Hotel Project Final EIR

Appendix E

Protected Tree Report Pasadena YWCA

Redevelopment

Appendix E • Protected Tree Report Pasadena YWCA Redevelopment

YWCA Kimpton Hotel Project Final EIR

D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 4 626.428.5072

P R O T E C T E D T R E E R E P O R T

P A S A D E N A Y W C A R E D E V E L O P M E N T

K H P I I I P A S A D E N A , L L C

7 8 N O R T H M A R E N G O A V E N U E

P A S A D E N A , C A L I F O R N I A 9 1 1 0 1

S U B M I T T E D T O :

B A R B A R A G R E E N

K I M P T O N H O T E L S & R E S T A U R A N T S

2 2 2 K E A R N Y S T R E E T , S U I T E 2 0 0

S A N F R A N C I S C O , C A L I F O R N I A 9 4 1 0 8

P R E P A R E D B Y :

C H R I S T Y C U B A

A S C A R E G I S T E R E D C O N S U L T I N G A R B O R I S T # 5 0 2

I S A C E R T I F I E D A R B O R I S T # W E 1 9 8 2 A

I S A Q U A L I F I E D T R E E R I S K A S S E S S O R

S C O T T M C A L L A S T E R

I S A C E R T I F I E D A R B O R I S T # W E 7 0 1 1 A

P R O T E C T E D T R E E R E P O R T – Y W C A S I T E – 7 8 N O R T H M A R E N G O A V E N U E , P A S A D E N A

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................... 1 BACKGROUND AND ASSIGNMENT ..................................................................................................... 1 OBSERVATIONS .................................................................................................................................... 2 TABLE 1 – SUMMARY OF INVENTORIED TREES ................................................................................ 2

DISCUSSION .......................................................................................................................................... 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................................................... 7 EXHIBIT 1 – AERIAL VIEW OF SUBJECT PROPERTY ......................................................................... 9

EXHIBIT 2 – REDUCED COPY OF THE PROTECTED TREE LOCATION MAP ................................... 10

EXHIBIT 3 – REDUCED COPY OF THE PROTECTED TREE IMPACT MAP & FENCING PLAN ......... 11 CAPTIONED PHOTOGRAPHS ............................................................................................................. 12 RESUME ............................................................................................................................................... 28 COVER PAGES FOR MAP POCKETS - 2 FULL SIZE MAPS ............................................................... 29

December 31, 2014

Barbara Green

Manager, Development & Construction

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

222 Kearny Street, Suite 200

San Francisco, California 94108

Re: YWCA Site – Kimpton Hotel, 78 North Marengo Avenue, Pasadena, California Protected Tree Report

Dear Ms. Green,

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report addresses 61 total trees on, or immediately adjacent to, the existing Pasadena YWCA located at

78 North Marengo Avenue in Pasadena, California. Twenty-six of the trees are located on private property and

35 trees are in the public rights-of-way that surround the property. Proposed project development will require

removal of 34 trees; all of the 26 private trees and eight public trees. Twenty-seven public trees of various

species are proposed to remain in the adjacent rights-of-way with no impact. We understand that a landscape

plan will be prepared by the project landscape architect that includes replacement trees on-site and possibly in

the public rights-of-way.

BACKGROUND AND ASSIGNMENT

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants (Kimpton) is proposing to demolish the currently vacant YWCA building and

construct a new hotel, outdoor spaces, and associated infrastructure on the property. Development will occur

on several private parcels and one City of Pasadena-owned parcel.

This report is based on our site visit of December 15, 2014 and our review

of the architectural site plans provided by Architectural Resources Group,

Inc. No grading or landscape plans were available at the time of this

report. Tree trunk locations, ‘Root Protection Zones1’, and proposed tree

protection fencing are illustrated on the enclosed Tree Impact and

Protection Plan. Photographs accompanying this report illustrate site

context, branch architecture, and vigor for the protected trees.

1 The Root Protection Zone is defined as the area within a circle with a radius equal to the

greatest distance from the trunk to any overhanging foliage in the canopy.

D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 4 / Y W C A S I T E - K I M P T O N H O T E L

P A G E 2 7 8 N O R T H M A R E N G O A V E N U E , P A S A D E N A

OBSERVATIONS

Assessment of the YWCA property and the surrounding public rights-of-way resulted in an inventory of 61 total

trees2. Twenty-six trees of various species were found on the private property lots and 35 trees of various

species were recorded in the public rights-of-way and on one adjacent lot owned by the City of Pasadena. The

YWCA is located immediately west of Pasadena City Hall and the Jackie Robinson Memorial. A number of

trees are located in the Robinson memorial area, the adjacent lawn, and in the parkway along Garfield Avenue.

Additional street trees are located along Marengo Avenue to the west and Holly Street to the north. No street

trees exist along Union Street to the south. Table 1 provides a summary of the inventoried trees.

TABLE 1 – SUMMARY OF INVENTORIED TREES

Tree #

Common Name

Scientific Name

Physiological and Structural

Condition (A-F)

Disposition (Retain,

Remove, Relocate)

Jurisdiction (Public or Private)

Protected Tree - Y/N

Comments

A Carrotwood Cupaniopsis

anacardioides B Remove Public Y

B Carrotwood Cupaniopsis


C Carrotwood Cupaniopsis


D Canary Island

date palm Phoenix canariensis A- Retain Public Y

E Engelmann

oak Quercus

engelmannii B- Retain Public Y Root ball is loose

F Engelmann

oak Quercus

engelmannii A Retain Public Y

G Engelmann

oak Quercus


H Engelmann

oak Quercus

engelmannii B Retain Public Y

I Engelmann

oak Quercus


J Engelmann

oak Quercus

engelmannii B Retain Public Y

K Engelmann

oak Quercus


L Engelmann

oak Quercus


M Engelmann

oak Quercus


N Engelmann

oak Quercus


O Engelmann

oak Quercus


2 Two trees, previously numbered 16 and B1 on an inventory from 2013, have been removed.



Tree #

Common Name

Scientific Name


Condition (A-F)


Remove, Relocate)



Comments

P Engelmann

oak Quercus


Q Engelmann

oak Quercus


R Engelmann

oak Quercus


S Engelmann

oak Quercus

engelmannii C Retain Public Y

Buried root collar; sparse canopy

T Engelmann

oak Quercus

engelmannii B+ Retain Public Y Root issues (moderate)

U Engelmann

oak Quercus

engelmannii A- Retain Public Y Root issues (moderate)

V Engelmann

oak Quercus

engelmannii A- Retain Public Y Root issues (moderate)

W Southern magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

C- Retain Public Y Sparse canopy

X Southern magnolia


B- Retain Public Y Chlorotic; pruned; history

of breakage

Y Japanese

pagoda tree Sophora japonica B+ Remove Public Y

History of breakage; multiple branch

attachments

Z Fremont

cottonwood Populus fremontii B Remove Public Y Overextended to east

A1 Floss silk Ceiba speciosa B Remove Public Y History of breakage; root

decay (surface)

B1 Japanese

maple Acer palmatum Tree has been removed

C1 Red alder Alnus rubra A Remove Public Y

D1 Mugo pine Pinus mugo B+ Remove Public Y

E1 Peach Prunus sp. A Retain Public Y

F1 Peach Prunus sp. A Retain Public Y

G1 Peach Prunus sp. A Retain Public Y

H1 Redwood Sequoia

sempervirens B Retain Public Y Basal decay on east side

I1 Peach Prunus sp. B Retain Public Y leaning

J1 Peach Prunus sp. A Retain Public Y

1 Eugenia Syzygium

paniculatum B+ Remove Private Y

2 Victorian box Pittosporum undulatum

C Remove Private N



Tree #

Common Name

Scientific Name


Condition (A-F)


Remove, Relocate)



Comments

3 Strawberry

tree Arbutus unedo B Remove Private Y Dieback at top

4 Diamond leaf Pittosporum

Auranticarpa rhombifolia

B Remove Private N

5 Strawberry

tree Arbutus unedo B Remove Private N

History of breakage; asymmetrical

6 California bay

laurel Umbellularia

californica B Remove Private Y

7 Red ironbark Eucalyptus sideroxylon

B Remove Private Y Cavity at base

8 Strawberry

tree Arbutus unedo C- Remove Private N Crack in trunks

9 Strawberry

tree Arbutus unedo A Remove Private Y

10 Strawberry

tree Arbutus unedo D Remove Private N Crack in trunks

11 Floss silk Ceiba speciosa A Remove Private Y

12 Peach Prunus sp. A Remove Private N


A Remove Private Y


B Remove Private Y History of breakage

15 Southern magnolia


B- Remove Private N Minor deadwood


Tree has been removed

17 Yew pine Afrocarpus falcatus A Remove Private N




21 Yew pine Afrocarpus falcatus A Remove Private N Topped


D Remove Private N Irreversible decline and

decay


D- Remove Private N Irreversible decline and

decay


D Remove Private Y Irreversible decline and

decay


D Remove Private Y Irreversible decline and

decay



Tree #

Common Name

Scientific Name


Condition (A-F)


Remove, Relocate)



Comments

26 Camellia Camellia japonica B Remove Private N Minor dieback

27 Camellia Camellia japonica B Remove Private N

DISCUSSION

Implementation of the project will result in removal of 10 protected and 16 non-protected private property

trees and eight protected public trees of various species. All of the removals are proposed due to the

demolition of the YWCA structures and the grading and construction of the new Kimpton hotel.

Construction on Marengo Avenue and realignment of the sidewalk is proposed to allow for a valet

service/loading zone in front of the hotel.

There are several potential consequences related to residential construction that may affect trees during

and after a typical construction process. They are as follows:

EXCAVATION - ROOT SEVERANCE

SOIL COMPACTION (DURING AND POST-CONSTRUCTION)

ALTERATION OF THE WATER TABLE/SITE DRAINAGE

CHANGES IN GRADE

SUBSTANTIAL TRIMMING OF CANOPY OR ROOTS

MECHANICAL DAMAGE

IRRIGATION

A. EXCAVATION – ROOT SEVERANCE

Trenching can include excavation for foundations and trenching for irrigation, utility, or drainage lines.

Hand trenching should be done close to the trunk to expose the location of significant roots - those two

inches in diameter or greater.

When root cutting is permitted, exposed major roots should not be ripped by construction equipment.

Instead, they should be cut cleanly behind torn ends, if possible back to a lateral branching root.

When trenching pathways are in the Root Protection Zone of trees, tunneling and bridging should be

used to preserve roots two inches in diameter or greater. Wherever possible underground lines should

occupy common trenches.

Absorbent tarp or heavy cloth fabric should cover new grade cuts and be overlain by compost or

woodchip mulch.

Where necessary, hand-held equipment should be used for excavation within the Root Protection

Zone of the protected trees to remain in order to avoid shattering and tearing roots.

When root cutting is permitted, exposed major roots should not be ripped by construction

equipment. Instead, they should be cut cleanly at a 90° angle to the root, and if possible back to a

lateral branching root.



B. SOIL COMPACTION

Soil compaction is a complex set of physical, chemical, and biological constraints on tree growth.

Principal components leading to limited growth are the loss of aeration and pore space, poor gas

exchange with the atmosphere, lack of available water, and mechanical impedance of root growth.

Soil compaction is considered to be the largest single factor responsible for the decline of trees on

construction sites.

C. ALTERATION OF THE WATER TABLE/SITE DRAINAGE

The water table is the upper surface of the zone in which soil macropores are saturated with water;

water tables may vary seasonally. Rather than a flat, static surface, the water moves down a gradient.

Its depth varies, depending on the structure of the soil and rocks through which it flows. A perched

water table may form in soils that have impermeable strata. Swamps are created where the water table

intersects level ground.

Structures such as footings, basements, subterranean buildings, and retaining walls may intercept

impermeable layers in the soil on which water perches. If adequate drainage is not provided, the water

table uphill may gradually rise and interfere with tree roots. This type of damage usually takes a period

of time to be recognized and diagnosed.3

Many trees are susceptible to root infections, such as Armillaria and Phytophthora. Both of these

fungal diseases can progressively weaken a root system, resulting in dead branches in the canopy of

the tree, loss of stability of the entire tree because of decaying roots, and premature death of the tree.

Trees form roots in accordance with existing soil composition and water availability. Minor drainage

changes in the winter and spring months are insignificant to the health of the trees.

All Protected Trees to Remain:

Based on the topography of the project site, drainage conditions are not anticipated to become an issue

during and subsequent to construction.

D. CHANGES IN GRADE

Changes in grade, by the addition or removal of soil (filling or cutting), can be injurious. Lowering the grade

around trees can have immediate and long-term effects on trees. Typically, the vast majority of the root

mass exists within the top 3 feet of soil, and most of the fine roots active in water and nutrient absorption

are in the top 12 inches. The arborist of record should approve any grade changes exceeding +/- four

inches.

E. SUBSTANTIAL PRUNING OF CANOPY OR ROOTS


If any minor roots are encountered (less than 2 inches in diameter), they should be cut cleanly at a 90-

degree angle and covered immediately with soil to prevent unnecessary drying. Roots over 2-inches in

diameter should be bridged or tunneled-under, wherever possible.

3 Nelda Matheny and James R. Clark, Trees and Development: A Technical Guide to Preservation of Trees During Land Development, (Champaign, Illinois: International Society of Arboriculture, 1998), pp. 88-89.



F. PROTECTION AGAINST MECHANICAL DAMAGE - FENCING

Fencing is usually used as a temporary enclosure erected around a tree to enclose as much of its

protected zone as possible. Fences are critical to (1) prevent direct contact and damage to the canopy,

branches, and trunk, (2) preserve roots and soil in an intact and non-compacted state, and (3) identify

the Root Protection Zone. Fencing generally comprises five-foot high chain link fencing, secured by 2-

inch diameter galvanized posts driven into the ground at appropriate spacing. Fencing usually must be

in place before demolition or the initiation of construction. If surrounded entirely, a gate should be

installed to allow access to the trees.


Tree Protection Fencing should be erected prior to the commencement of the project as outlined on the

Tree Impact and Protection Plan and as described below in ‘Conclusions and Recommendations.’

G. IRRIGATION

Trees that have suffered root loss may not be able to exploit as large a soil volume as before injury. In

either case, trees may benefit from supplemental irrigation. The following are general guidelines:

The amount of water applied must be appropriate to the species.

Light, infrequent irrigations should be avoided.

Excess irrigation from incompatible landscaping should be avoided. Runoff from neighboring

plantings should be minimized and/or directed away from trees.

Wetting the trunk should be avoided.

New irrigation and landscaping is proposed as part of this project. If drought conditions persist, trees to

remain should be watered approximately once a month according to the guidelines set forth in the

‘Conclusion and Recommendations’ section.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In my professional opinion, the project may proceed if the following conditions are met:

Any demolition, digging, excavating, or trenching within the Root Protection Zone of any protected

tree to remain is monitored by a qualified arborist.

Exposed roots to remain and should be covered with burlap, carpet remnants or other material that

may be kept moist until soil can be replaced.

If drought conditions persist, and if irrigation is turned off for construction, on-site trees to remain

should be deeply-watered with soaker hoses laid in concentric circles under their drip line (with

percolation to a depth of at least 24”) at least twice in one – two week intervals prior to grading or

demolition activities. Additional irrigation may be required to optimize tree health during

construction. The monitoring arborist will make these recommendations.

This report is part of the set of plans given to the contractor. The contractor should be familiar with

the specific instructions and responsibilities pertaining to protected trees. It is recommended that a

professional arborist be retained and meet with the contractor and his personnel prior to

commencement of the project.

If canopy pruning is found to be necessary for trees to remain, it should only be performed by a

qualified ISA Certified Arborist or ISA Certified Tree Worker. Public trees must be pruned by City of

Pasadena staff.

Protected trees shall not be removed until approval is granted by the City of Pasadena.



Construction monitoring reports should be submitted to the City of Pasadena at appropriate intervals to

be determined by that same agency.

Equipment, materials, and vehicles shall not be stored, parked, or operated within the protected zone of

trees to remain.

Equipment with overhead exhaust shall not be placed in such a manner as to scorch overhanging

branches or foliage. Smaller equipment shall be used in such areas as deemed necessary by the

monitoring arborist.

A ‘Warning’ sign is prominently displayed on each protective enclosure. The sign will be a minimum of

8.5 inches x 11 inches and clearly state the following:

Tree removal application forms for both the protected private and public trees are electronically enclosed

with this report (via email). Additionally, the Tree Inventory within the Master Application has been

completed and is enclosed with this report. Please feel welcome to contact me at our Sierra Madre office

(626.428.5072) if you have any immediate questions or concerns. Thank you.

Respectfully submitted,

Christy Cuba, Registered Consulting Arborist [email protected]

TREE PROTECTION ZONE THIS FENCE SHALL NOT BE REMOVED



EXHIBIT 1 - AERIAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY

SUBJECT PROPERTY



EXHIBIT 2 – REDUCED COPY OF THE

TREE LOCATION MAP

D E C E M B E R 3 1 , 2 0 1 4 / Y W C A S I T E – K I M P T O N H O T E L


EXHIBIT 3 – REDUCED COPY OF THE TREE IMPACT & PROTECTION PLAN



SITE PHOTOS

Overview – facing northwest

Overview - facing west



#1 Eugenia #2 Victorian box

#3 Strawberry tree

#4 Diamond-leaf pittosporum



#7 Red ironbark Strawberry tree

#6 California bay laurel

#8

#9

#5 Strawberry tree



#11 Floss silk

#13 Red ironbark

#10 Strawberry tree

#12 Peach tree



#15 Southern magnolia

Yew pine

#17

#14 Red ironbark

Yew pine

#18

#19 #20 #21



Victorian box

#26 Camellia

#23 #22

#24 Victorian box

#25 Victorian box

#27 Camellia



A: Carrotwood

Public Right-of-Way Trees

B: Carrotwood



D: Canary Island date palm

E: Engelmann oak

C: Carrotwood

F: Engelmann oak



J: Engelmann oak I: Engelmann oak

H: Engelmann oak G: Engelmann oak



N: Engelmann oak M: Engelmann oak

L: Engelmann oak K: Engelmann oak



R: Engelmann oak Q: Engelmann oak

P: Engelmann oak O: Engelmann oak



V: Engelmann oak U: Engelmann oak

T: Engelmann oak S: Engelmann oak



W: Southern magnolia X: Southern magnolia

Y: Japanese pagoda tree Z: Fremont cottonwood



E1: Peach tree

A1: Floss silk tree C1: Red alder

D1: Mugo pine



F1: Peach tree

H1: Redwood

G1: Peach tree

I1: Peach tree



J1: Peach tree



CHRISTINE CUBA

CARLBERG ASSOCIATES Satellite Office – 80 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., #241 • Sierra Madre • California • 91024

2402 California Avenue • Santa Monica • California • 90403 [email protected] • 626.428.5072

Education B.A., Environmental Analysis & Design, University of California, Irvine, 1993 Graduate, International Society of Arboriculture Certification Study Program, April 1998 Graduate, Consulting Academy, American Society of Consulting Arborists, February 2008

Experience Director of Environmental Services & Senior Arborist, Land Design Consultants, Inc. Pasadena, 1994 – 2011

Park Specialist/Naturalist, City of Monrovia, 1988-1996

Certificates Certified Arborist, WE-1982A, International Society of Arboriculture

Registered Consulting Arborist, #502, American Society of Consulting Arborists Qualified Tree Risk Assessor, International Society of Arboriculture

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Ms. Cuba is experienced in the following areas of tree management and preservation:

Tree health & risk assessments

Inventories & reports for native and non-native trees

Master planning

Evaluation of trees for preservation, encroachment, relocation, restoration, and hazards

Value assessments (appraisals) for native and non-native trees

Post-fire inventories, assessments, and valuations for native and non-native trees

Guidelines for tree preservation, planting, pruning and maintenance specifications

Pest and disease identification

Tree and landscape resource mapping – GPS, GIS, and AutoCAD

Planning Commission, City Council, and community meetings representation

Review of landscape plans for mitigation compliance & fire fuel modification planning

Preparation of native habitat and woodland management plans

Performance of long-term mitigation compliance monitoring & reporting

Expert testimony

PREVIOUS CONSULTING EXPERIENCE

Ms. Cuba has performed hundreds of tree inventories, health evaluations, impact analyses, hazard, and value assessments for c ounties, cities, sanitation districts, and water districts, as well as private developers, architects, engineers, and homeowners. She has over 23 of

experience in arboriculture and is trained in environmental planning, state and federal regulatory permitting, preparation of CEQA analyses, and habitat mitigation planning and implementation. Representative clients include:

City of Pasadena San Diego Gas & Electric City of Monrovia Quinn, Emanuel, Urquhart and Sullivan (attorneys at law) City of Santa Clarita Figure 8 Group

City of Glendora City of South Gate Los Angeles County Fire Department City of Sierra Madre Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts D2 Development

Newhall County Water District Burrtec, Inc. Pulte/Centex Homes City of West Hollywood Newhall Land and Farming Corky McMillin Companies

AFFILIATIONS

Ms. Cuba serves with the following national and regional professional organizations:

Member, American Society of Consulting Arborists

Member, International Society of Arboriculture, Western Chapter

Member, ASCA Education Task Force

Member, Los Angeles Oak Woodland Habitat Conservation Strategic Alliance

President, Street Tree Seminar, Inc.



Map Pockets for Full-size

Protected Tree Location Map

and

Protected Tree Impact Map

CoyneWL

Text Box

(Full-size maps are on file with the City of Pasadena Planning & Community Development Department)



Documents

Appendix E Protected Tree Report Pasadena YWCA Redevelopment · Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants (Kimpton) is proposing to demolish the currently vacant YWCA building and construct a