19-105847'k 'REG-JVED
CITY or
Federal Way DEC 16 2019
GfT`y []F FEDERAL WAY
CQMMtlNliy DEVELOPMENT
REQUEST FOh ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
33325 8`h Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 9800
253-835-2607;Fax 253-835-2609
www.cit offederalwa .cam
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❑ Code Interpretation/Clarification
❑ Critical Areas Letter/Analysis/Peer Review
❑ Request for Extension (Land Use/Plat Approval)
❑ Revisions to Approved Permit
XTree Removal
❑ Zoning Compliance Letter
Bulletin #079 — January 4, 2016 Page I of 1 k:\Handouts\Request for Administrative Decision
William Golding
From: William Golding
Sent: Tuesday, January 07, 2020 1:04 PM
To: 'drsctai@aol.com'
Subject: Additional Information Needed for Tree Removal Request
Attachments: 070 SF Tree and Vegetation Retention Requiremetns.doc; 068 Recommended Tree
Species.doc; 073 Calculating Tree Units.docx
Good afternoon Mr. Selwyn Tai,
The City of Federal Way received your tree removal request regarding previously trimmed trees as well as the associated
arborist report and photographs on December W', 2019 (file # 19-0105847-AD) for your property located at 836 S.
Marine Hills Way, Federal Way, WA 98003 (parcel # 515293-0090). This email is being sent to you regarding the need
for additional submittal information regarding your request.
Per Federal Way Revised Code (F)ATRC) section 19.120.130, "Tree and vegetation retention standards," properties located
within single-family residential zones are required to have 25 tree units per acre. Based on the information provided in the
submitted arborist report, the City is unable to determine if your 0.49 acre lot meets the requirements of 13 necessary tree
units required per FWRC. Please review the attached handouts ("Tree and Vegetation Retention Standards,"
"Recommended Tree Species," and "Calculating Tree Units"), then complete and submit the "Calculating Tree Units"
handout to the City to provide the information needed to complete a final determination on your submitted request.
Please note that none of the 11 improperly headed Bigleaf Maple trees identified in the arborist report on the slope along
the North-East portion of the site can be counted towards the property's Tree Unit total as a result of the following
definition. Per FWRC, section 19.05.200 "T definitions" includes:
"Topping" means apruning cut to the main stem of a mature tree. Such cuts can result in serious decay and/or
forcing out growth of weakly attached upright sprouts below the cut. Topping also results in permanent alteration
of tree architecture. For purposes of this chapter, topping shall be treated the same as tree removal.
If you have any questions, you can contact me via email, william.goldiiig2,cilyofFederaaway.coin, or phone (253) 835-
2622.
All the best,
Will Golding
Planning Intern
Al C er q
Federal Way
33325 8"' Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003-6325
Phone: 253/835-2622
www.cityoffederalway com
SeLwjn Tai Level 1 Tree Risk Assessment
Prepared For: Selwyn Tai
836 S Marine Hills Way, Federal Way, WA 98003
Prepared By: Ryan Seeley
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8096AT
ISA Certified Climber Specialist
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Date: December 15, 2019
Contents: Introduction
Summary
Findings and Recommendations
Introduction
As requested by Selwyn Tai, we met on December 15, 2019 and I provided an
assessment of the trees located at 836 S Marine Hills Way, Federal Way, WA 98003 to discuss
the concerns and health of the trees.
Summary
I was contacted by Selwyn Tai, to report the measurements, health and condition of
several trees that were headed in the City of Federal Way on the property located at 836 S
Marine Hills Way, Federal Way, WA 98003. Prior to my reporting, several of the trees showed
signs of being headed several times over the years by unknown parties. Many of the trees in the
area were found to be in fair to poor condition mainly due to the historical heading of the trees.
Based on the conditions observed on December 15, 2019, in my professional opinion the
trees should be retained and monitored for signs of new growth and the debris on the hillside
should be removed to prevent smothering the surrounding vegetation on the hillside.
Findings and Recommendations
This area runs along the North-West side of the property located at 836 S Marine Hills
Way, Federal Way, WA 98003. The trees noted during my site visit have undergone historical
pruning previously by parties unknown and show signs of decay which has been present for
several years now.
I recommend the trees be retained and monitored to observe new growth and allow the
canopy to fill. For the trees to survive the stress placed upon them due to the combination of
historical pruning and general poor site conditions, I suggest the debris be removed from the
hillside to prevent smothering the vegetation. If action is not taken it will hinder the growth and
health of dominate trees. RECEIVED
DEC 16 2019
1
MMUNRFEDERAL V MjENr
Mitigation options may include, removal of severely compromised trees, converting some
trees into wildlife snags and replacing trees with healthy young trees better suited to the site
conditions.
Figure 1. Approximate locations of the trees reffered to in this report
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Figure 2. The hillside in question on the property located at 836 S Marine Hills Way, Federal
Way, WA 98003.
3
Figure 3. The trees referred to in this report were improperly headed
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Figure 4. The debris from the pruning had been left on the hillside smothering the surrounding
vegetation.
5
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Selwvn Tai Level 2 Risk Assessmentllnvento
Prepared For: Selwyn Tai
836 S Marine Hills Way, Federal Way, WA 98003
Prepared By: Ryan Seeley
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8096AT
ISA Certified Climber Specialist
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Date: December 15, 2019
Attachments: Tree Matrix with Comments and Action Item
Waiver of Liability
Contents: Summary
Introduction
Findings and Recommendations
Glossary
Summary
I documented a total of 11 trees during my site visit on December 15, 2019.
Of those 11 trees- 11 Bigleaf Maple trees, Acer macrophyllum
Introduction
As requested by Selwyn Tai, I provided an assessment and inventory of the trees on the
North-West side of the property located at 836 S Marine Hills Way, Federal Way, WA 98003
I was onsite on December 15, 2019 to measure and assess the overall health of the trees
in question to create a tree matrix to include comments and action items for each tree in this
stand. (Matrix provided below).
7
Findings and Recommendations
This area runs along the North-East portion of the property at 836 S Marine Hills Way,
Federal Way, WA 98003. There are 11 trees in this inventory: 11 Bigleaf Maple trees, Acer
macrophyllum
English ivy and black berry bushes have smothered a large portion of the trees and
several show signs of decay present long before they were recently headed. Due to the hazardous
site conditions and limited access to the trees in question the measurements of the DBH are
approximate. The trees noted during my site visit show evidence of having been pruned for
several years prior by unknown parties.
Selwyn
Tai
DATE 7/27/19
Tree 4
Botanical Name
Common
Approximate DBH
Vigor
Structure
Comments/Action Item
Name
Acer
Improperly headed. Retain
001
macrophyllum
Bigleaf Maple
28'
Poor
Poor
and Monitor for new growth
002
Acer
Bigleaf Maple
20'
Poor
Poor
Improperly headed. Retain
and Monitor for new growth
macrophyllum
003
Acer
Bigleaf Maple
14'
Poor
Poor
impropeny� neaueu. Retain
and Monitor for new growth
macrophyAum
004
Acer
Bigleaf Maple
18'
Poor
Poor
Improperly headed. Retain
and Monitor for new growth
macrophyllum
005
Bigleaf Maple
'Acer
10
Poor
Poor
Improperly headed Retain
and Monitor for new growth
macrophyllum
006
Acer
Bigleaf Maple
22'
Poor
Poor
Improperly headed. Retain
and Monitor for new growth
macrophyllum
007
Acer
Bigleaf Maple
16'
Poor
Poor
1- 1. �J, L-7-,4f ''. Retain
and Monitor for new growth
macrophyllum
008
Acer
Bigleaf Maple
42'
Poor
Poor
Improperly headed. Retain
and Monitor for new growth
macrophyllum
009
Acer
macrophyllum
Bigleaf Maple
20'
Poor
Poor
1. Retain
and Monitor for new grown
010
Acer
Bigleaf Maple
12'
Poor
Poor
Improperly headed. Retain
and Monitor for new growth
macrophyllum
Acer
Improperly headed. Retain
011
macrophyllum
Bigleaf Maple
14'
Poor
P
Poor
and Monitor for new growth
8
I recommend the following measures be taken when removing and replacing the
compromised trees in this stand:
1. Aerial inspection of all trees slated for retention for vigor and structure.
2. Consider creating Wildlife Habitat Snags from the trees slated for removal. Leave tall
stumps on site at varying heights relative to the homes surrounding the property or 9-18
feet in height. This is in line with ANSI A300 Best Management Practices and will
reduce the amount of wood to be removed from the narrow Conservation Easement,
while leaving tall stumps Ifor wildlife habitat.
3. Remove the sub -dominant trees to allow room for healthy trees better suited to the site
conditions.
4. Remove or maintain all invasive species in the Conservation Easement including English
ivy and English holly.
5. Leave the large nurse logs in place while removing excess downed wood from trees
slated for removal.
6. Replace each tree slated for removal at a ratio of 1-1 or plant 1 tree for every one tree
removed with a native non-invasive species. Create a restoration plan to include 3 years
of monitoring and watering for all newly planted trees.
Glossary
Arborist: 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.
Basic Level 2 Risk Assessment: A detailed visual inspection of a tree and its
surrounding site and a synthesis of the information collected.
Canopy/crown: Upper part of a tree bearing foliage, limbs, and branches, measured from
the lowest branch including all branches and foliage.
Co -dominant Stem: A structurally unstable branch union often associated with a high
risk of failure. A term used to describe two or more main stems (or "leaders") that are about the
same diameter and emerge from the same location on the main trunk.
Crown Cleaning: In pruning, the selective removal of dead, dying, diseased and broken
branches from the tree crown.
0
Diameter at Breast Height: A standard measurement of a tree most often taken at 4.5
feet from the base of the tree; however, this can vary depending if the tree has multiple trunks or
is growing on a slope.
Hazard Tree: A tree that meets all the following criteria:
a. Has a combination of structural defects and/or disease which makes it subject to a high
probability of failure;
b. Is in proximity to moderate to high frequency targets (persons or property that can be
damaged by tree failure); and
c. The hazard condition of the tree cannot be lessened with reasonable and proper
arboricultural practices nor can the target be removed.
Live Crown Ratio: The ratio of the size of a tree's live crown to its total height. Used in
estimating a tree's health and its level of competition with neighboring trees.
Mechanical Damage: Trees are often wounded by careless use of yard equipment like
mowers, weed whackers, and other trimming equipment. These injuries cut through important
vascular tissue just inside the bark that can lead to decay and ultimately death of the tree. A ring
of natural mulch or arborist wood chips around the tree eliminates the need to trim or mow close
to the tree's base. Extreme care should be taken when digging up or tilling the soil under a tree.
Many large and small roots will be cut by such digging, especially if it occurs close to the trunk.
Monitor: It is important to monitor mature trees on a regular schedule, at least once a year.
Monitoring would include a Visual Tree Assessment to look for changes in habit and structure,
and to document signs of weakness or decline in health and integrity of the trees.
Natural Fracture Pruning: Involves pruning methods used to mimic the way tears and
fractured ends naturally occur on trunks and branches.
Options for Mitigation of Risk Trees:
• Remove the risk altogether, if possible, by cutting off one or more branches, removing
dead wood, or possibly removing the entire tree. Extreme risk situations should be closed
off until the risk is abated.
• Modify the risk of failure probability. In some cases, it may be possible to reduce the
probability of failure by adding mechanical support in the form of cables braces or props.
• Modify the risk rating by moving the target. Risk ratings can sometimes be lowered by
moving the target so that there is a much lower probability of the defective part striking
anything. Moving the target should generally be seen as an interim measure.
• Retain and monitor. This approach is used where some defects have been noted but they
are not yet serious and the present risk level is only moderate.
10
• Convert those trees slated for removal into Wildlife Habitat Snags. Reduce the overall
height of the tree using natural fracture pruning techniques to heights relative to the
targets.
Pruning: Selective removal of woody plant parts of any size, using saws, pruners,
clippers, or other pruning tools. The reason for tree pruning may include, but is not limited to,
reducing risk, managing tree health and structure and/or improving aesthetics or achieving other
specific objectives. Pruning objectives should include pruning out all dead, diseased, weak
and/or broken branches in all tree canopies, and crown cleaning.
Snag or Habitat Snag: A standing, dead or dying tree, often missing a top or most of the
smaller branches important for wildlife in both natural and landscaped settings, occurring as a
result of disease, lightning, fire, animal damage, too much shade, drought, root competition, or
old age. May also be a component in slope stability and ongoing vegetation management
practices.
Threshold for Risk: Each individual is entitled to and can determine his or her own
threshold for risk. Threshold for risk is subjective, and can be influenced by a person's view,
taste or opinion.
Topping: Topping is the indiscriminate cutting of tree branches to stubs or to lateral
branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role. Other names for topping include
"heading," "tipping," "hat -racking," and "rounding over." Topping is not a viable method of
height reduction and does not reduce future risk. In fact, topping will increase risk in the long
term. Topping is not considered an acceptable arboriculture practice.
Urban Forestry: Management of naturally occurring and planted trees in urban areas.
Vigor: Overall health; the capacity to grow and resist physiological stress.
• Good: Shoot growth, leaf size and leaf color are typical of the tree age and species.
• Fair: Shoot growth, leaf size, and leaf color are below average for the tree age and
species. Some deadwood is evident in the crown. Treatment may be required to foster
improved future growth.
• Poor: Shoot growth, leaf size, and leaf color are highly stunted, and there is a significant
amount of dead twigs and branches in the crown.
11
Waiver of Liability
There are many conditions affecting a tree's health and stability which may be present but cannot
be ascertained such as root rot, previous or unexposed construction damage, internal cracks, stem rot and
more. Changes in circumstances and conditions can also cause a rapid deterioration of a tree's health and
stability. Adverse weather conditions can dramatically affect the health and safety of a tree in a very short
amount of time. While I have used every reasonable means to examine this plant, this evaluation
represents my opinion of the tree health at the time of the report. These findings do not guarantee future
safety nor are they predictions of future events.
The tree evaluation consists of an external visual inspection of an individual tree's root flare,
trunk, and canopy from the ground only, unless otherwise specified. The inspection may also consist of
taking trunk or root soundings for sound comparisons to aid the evaluator in determining the possible
extent of decay within a tree. Soundings are only an aid to the evaluation process and do not replace the
use of other more sophisticated diagnostic tools for determining the extent of decay within a tree.
As conditions change, it is the responsibility of the property owners to schedule additional site
visits by the ISA Certified Arborist. It is the responsibility of the property owner to obtain all required
permits from city, county, state, or federal agencies. It is the responsibility of the property owner to
comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and permit conditions. If there is a homeowner's
association, it is the responsibility of the property owner to comply with all Codes, Covenants, and
Restrictions (CC&R's) that apply to tree pruning and tree removal.
This tree evaluation is to be used to inform and guide the client in the management of their trees.
This in no way implies that the evaluator is responsible for performing recommended actions or using
other methods or tools to further determine the extent of internal tree problems without written
authorization from the client. Furthermore, the evaluator in no way holds that the opinions and
recommendations are the only actions required to ensure that the tree will not fail. A second opinion is
recommended. The client shall hold the evaluator harmless for any and all injuries or damages incurred if
the evaluator's recommendations are not followed or for acts of nature beyond the evaluator's reasonable
expectations, such as severe winds, excessive rains, heavy snow loads, etc.
This report and all attachments, enclosures, and references, are confidential and are for the use
of the client concerned. They may not be reproduced, used in any way, or disseminated in any form
without the prior consent of the client concerned and ISA Certified Arborist Ryan Seeley.
Thank you for allowing me to be of service. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Ryan Seeley
(253)-266-5665
ISA Certified Arborist PN-8096AT
ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
12