Arboriculture Impact Assessment Report€¦ · ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. 18 Bennett Ave Strathfield...

©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. 18 Bennett Ave Strathfield South NSW Geoffrey Ashton Created 23rd February 2020

of 18

Arboriculture Impact Assessment Report

Site Assessment conducted by Aaron Erbacher and report Prepared By: Geoffrey

Ashton – Arboriculture AQF 5

Client Information

Name: Marco Coscarella Address: 18 Bennett Ave Strathfield South NSW


of 18

Table of Contents

1 Summary ............................................................................................................................................................ 2

2 Disclosure Statement........................................................................................................................................... 3

3 Introduction......................................................................................................................................................... 3

4 Site .................................................................................................................................................................... 4

5 Methodology ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

6 Observations ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

7 Discussion .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

8 Recommendations .............................................................................................................................................. 5

9 Appendix A Tree Protection Plan Diagram ............................................................................................................. 6

10 Appendix B Tree Profile Table .............................................................................................................................. 7

11 Appendix C Images ........................................................................................................................................... 10

12 Appendix D Glossary ......................................................................................................................................... 15

13 Appendix E –IACA Significance of a Tree Assessment (Stars) .............................................................................. 16

14 Bibliography/References .................................................................................................................................... 18

1 Summary

This report was commissioned by Marco Coscarella with a request for an assessment of trees in relation to a proposed development at 18 Bennett Ave Strathfield South NSW.

A site assessment was conducted on 24th January 2020 by Aaron Erbacher, 11 Trees were assessed to be

impacted or potentially impacted by the development. Neighbouring trees were assessed to have major encroachments on the formulated Tree Protection Zones from

the proposed works. As there may be a reluctance for the owning and governing body to grant removal of the neighbouring trees, it is recommended the design be adjusted to minimise the potential impacts on the subject trees.

Further consultation with the governing body is recommended to determine if permission to remove trees within

the subject property is obtainable with a proposed development application.


of 18

2 Disclosure Statement Trees are living organisms that provide numerous benefits to the environment; Trees within an urban

environment often pose some degree of risk, this risk must be weighed up against the benefits that trees provide. Often the risks associated from trees are minimal when compared to the commonly accepted risks associated with everyday living. Some examples would be commuting in a motor car, using a stairwell or crossing a road.

There is no warranty or guarantee expressed or implied that the subject trees are defect free or do not pose any

risk of harm to persons or property. Visual Tree Assessment (VTA1) as well as additional tree assessment techniques cannot identify or eliminate all tree defects and failure potential.

The Tree MD Pty Ltd provides professional tree management options in line with industry standards to allow

customers or relative legislative bodies to make informed choices. The report findings, conclusions, specifications or recommendations are often based on information provided whether it is measurements, site plans, official reports or verbal discussions. The Tree MD Pty Ltd cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information provided although it may be taken in good will and utilised to make findings, conclusions, specifications or recommendations within this report.

Findings, conclusions, specifications and recommendations are given on the information provided or present at

the time of inspection, the condition of the subject trees may change over time or in the event of adverse weather where further additional assessment is recommended. The Tree MD Pty Ltd or anyone employed or working on behalf of The Tree MD Pty Ltd is not to be held liable for any damage or loss due to decisions made or not made regarding findings, conclusions, specifications or recommendations provided in this report.

This Document remains the property of The Tree MD Pty Ltd and is subject to Copyright laws. A copy of the

document is provided to the client upon a fee agreement or payment and may not be used by any third party other than what is permitted by law. The document may not be reproduced unless written permission on behalf of The Tree MD Pty Ltd is provided. The document may only be used in its entirety and must be taken in the context of the report.

3 Introduction

This tree report was commissioned by Marco Coscarella who requested an assessment of trees in relation to a proposed development at 18 Bennett Ave Strathfield South NSW.

A site assessment was conducted on 24th January 2020 by Aaron Erbacher. There was ample lighting for the

purpose of assessment for this report. The proposed plan documentation utilised for the assessment of this report- DA Surveys Title Detail Survey at 18 Bennett Ave Strathfield South NSW 2136 date 30/09/192 Rise Consulting Engineers PTY LTD Site Stormwater Drainage Concept Plan Project Residential Development

18 Bennett Ave Strathfield South dated 17/01/20 3 Roth Architects DA 04 (F), DA 05(F) DA 06 (F) and DA 12 (F) dated 16/01/20 4 The objective of this report is to provide a document that may be submitted to The Strathfield Council with a

proposed development application. The document provides recommendations that are in line with current arboriculture industry standards. The author of this report has no affiliation or conflict of interest regarding this development.


of 18

4 Site

18 Bennett Ave Strathfield South NSW is zoned R2 Low Density Residential5, the site is a residential property located within the Strathfield Council and governed by the Council’s Local Environment Plan6 & Development Control Plan7.

A search of the council’s website and Local Environment Plan could not find a heritage listing or conservation area zoning associated with the site8.

The site is north facing to Bennett Ave and the site is relatively level with a slight slope away to the west from roadway.

5 Methodology

The site inspection consisted of a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA1). This technique assesses trees from ground level identifying features, symptoms and signs. VTA1 is a useful tool but can be limiting as it does not inspect below ground or within the internal structure of a tree, it is also limited in the upper canopy where it may not identify concerns that may be seen from an aerial inspection.

Despite its limitations, VTA1 is an industry recognised and accepted approach. Any further diagnostic or assessment methodology would only be incorporated where requested; further information has been obtained warranting the need for further investigation or a VTA1 has identified the need for further investigation.

Additional methodology utilised within this report is to assess the site and implement practices that will establish a compliance with Australian Standard Protection of trees on development sites AS 4970 2009. All Trees in excess of 3m that may potentially be affected by the development were assessed for the purpose of this report.

An overlay of the trees and their numbers onto the existing plan building footprint is provided within the Tree Protection Plan Site Diagram. This plan in conjunction with the measurements supplied within the Tree Profile Table will allow for a measured analysis of the trees canopy and rootsystems as well as the associated impacts. Where plans are not measured, or access is not achieved an estimated distance is utilised.

6 Observations

Within the subject property, Trees 1, 2, 4, 5 and 10 are assessed to have major encroachments from the proposed works.

Neighbouring property Trees 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 were assessed to have major encroachments from the proposed works. Two small trees (Tree 11) are newly planted and within the council verge one outside the subject property and one on the verge of 16 Bennett Ave.

In the rear of the property the pergola maybe elevated above grade to reduce encroachments, the stormwater and pool require below grade excavation and would require redesign to minimise impacts on trees to be retained.


of 18

7 Discussion

Potential impacts on the trees are determined by the encroachment of the proposed development. Trees that pose major encroachments are recommended for removal however a governing body may request that a retention option be placed on certain trees, this would require alterations to the proposed plan and that additional tree protection measures and possible further investigation may be implemented. It is also identified that neighbouring trees cannot be removed and must be protected unless the owning and governing body consent to a removal option. Measurements are not always accurately defined identifying the location of trees in relation to the development so estimated distances are utilised when an accurate measurement is not provided.

Adjusted plans should be designed to allow for neighbouring tree retention and utilise this report as well as AQF 5 level arborist consultation to reduce the encroachment on the subject trees. It is identified that minor encroachments may be implemented with the new design and any root pruning should be overseen by the Site Arborist and is to be conducted in accordance with the Australian Standard Pruning of Amenity Trees AS 4373 200710.

Consultation with the governing authority is recommended to determine their willingness to remove the medium retention value trees within the subject property. It is at a cost to adjust plans and to resubmit an application and it is recommended council be consulted in regard to the proposed removal of Trees 1 and 10.

To reduce encroachments on neighbouring trees to less than a 10% encroachment (minor encroachment) the following distances should be utilised from centre of tree for any below grade activity. 2.8m from Tree 9, 5m from Tree 8, 6.2m from Tree 7, 3.7m from Tree 6, 1.5m from Tree 3. It is noted that additional encroachments maybe possible however further consultation and possible non-invasive excavation is recommended in order to assess the viability of the proposed works.

The adjustment of the stormwater plan and the relocation of the pool away from measured Tree Protection Zones can allow for a design similar to what is proposed. It is also identified the landscape and garden beds will need to minimise below grade excavation within the formulated Tree Protection Zones.

8 Recommendations

A redesign of the current plans is recommended utilising AQF level 5 arborist consultation to minimise the impacts on the neighbouring trees. The governing body should be consulted to assess if trees within the subject property will be considered for a removal and replacement option or if the improvised design will require a retention option of trees within the property.

A Tree Protection Plan and Tree Protection Plan Site Diagram is to be provided with revised plans that reduce impacts on the subject trees for retention to minor encroachments and in compliance with the Australian Standard Protection of trees on development sites AS 4970 20099.

Trees within the subject property were assessed as 2 Medium STARS retention value trees (Trees 1 and 10) and 3 Low STARS retention value trees (Trees 2, 4 and 5).

It may be possible to impose major encroachments if above grade design is implemented or if further evidence supports trees for retention will not be adversely affected by a proposed works. If any non-invasive preliminary excavation is to be carried out by an AQF level 5 arborist, minor root (less than 20mm) pruning work is to be in accordance with Australian Standard Pruning of Amenity Trees AS 4373 200712. If council permits the arborist removing the tree is to have a minimum certificate 3 in arboriculture; the arborist must have Workers Compensation insurance and Liability insurance with all work complying with the Amenity Tree Industry Code of Practice and the NSW Work Health and Safety Act 2011.11


of 18

9 Appendix A Tree Protection Plan Diagram

Image1) 18 Bennett Ave Strathfield South NSW


of 18

10 Appendix B Tree Profile Table

Tree n

o.

Genus Species Common Name

ST

AR

S©

RA

TIN

G

ST

AR

S©

Life E

xp.

Stru

cture

Health

Ag

e Class

Heig

ht(M

)

Can

op

y N

Can

op

y E

Can

op

y S

Can

op

y W

Est. E

ncr.

SR

Z

TP

Z

DA

B (M

)

DB

H S

tem1

DB

H S

tem2

DB

H S

tem3

DB

H S

tem4

Notes/Comments Recommendations

1 Paper Bark Melaleuca

quinquenervia

Medium The tree is in good condition with good vigour, the tree has a form typical of its species, and the tree provides a fair

contribution to the visual character of the local area.

Medium Good Good M 13.0 3.0 5.0 6.0 5.0 100 2.78 7.44 0.66 0.62 Located 0.8m from front brick wall/ fence,4.2m

from western boundary fence, 8.5 from eastern boundary fence, 4.8m

from front wall of house

Major encroachment remove/replace

2 Lilly Pilly Syzigium spp.

Low The tree has a form typical of

its species, The tree is a young specimen that is easily replaceable. The

tree provides a minor contribution to the local area.

Medium Good Good I 6.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 36.15

1.68 2.28 0.20 0.10 0.15 5 x Syzygium species growing as screening hedge in thin garden

bed beside end of driveway,, planted 0.3

from fence line, maintaned as hedge

Major encroachment Remove- Replace

3 Frangipani Plumeria acutifolia




Long Good Good I 3.0 1.5 2.0 1.0 1.0 22.35

1.02 2.00 0.06 0.04 Located in neighbouring property

0.4 from fence Neighbouring tree, Retain and Protect

4 Crepe Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica




Medium Good Good M 8.0 3.5 1.5 3.0 2.5 100 1.88 2.64 0.26 0.18 0.12 Co-dominant stems from ground

level,wound on west side stem from axe or machette attack, 1m from eastern fence,

4.5m from rear fence



of 18

Tree n

o.


ST

AR

S©

RA

TIN

G

ST

AR

S©

Life E

xp.

Stru

cture

Health

Ag

e Class

Heig

ht(M

)

Can

op

y N

Can

op

y E

Can

op

y S

Can

op

y W

Est. E

ncr.

SR

Z

TP

Z

DA

B (M

)

DB

H S

tem1

DB

H S

tem2

DB

H S

tem3

DB

H S

tem4


5 Silky Oak Grevillia robusta

Low The tree is in fair condition

and good vigour, The tree has a defect that may become structurally

unsound. The tree provides a minor contribution to the local

area.

Medium Average Good M 16.0 5.0 2.0 4.5 5.0 100 2.39 4.08 0.46 0.34 Included main union at 2m, somewhat suppressed by

overhanging canopies, canopy appears to be

growing west away from T6 & T7, DW to

60mm, 1.5m from rear fence and 0.7m from

eastern boundary fence


6 Silky Oak Grevillia robusta

Medium The tree is in fair to good

condition with good vigour, the tree has a form typical of

its species, and the tree provides a fair contribution to

the visual character of the local area.

Medium Good Good M 18.0 4.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 32.55

2.63 5.40 0.58 0.45 Located in neighbouring yard, 1m from dividing fence and 4m from rear fence, Av-

good condition

Major encroachment Neighbouring tree, Retain and Protect

7 Eucalypt Eucalyptus sp.




3.14 9.00 0.88 0.75 1m from rear fence, 2.5m from dividing

fence, DW to 80mm Major encroachment Neighbouring tree, Retain and Protect

8 Jacaranda Jacaranda mimosifolia

Medium The tree is in good condition with good vigour, the tree has a form typical of its species,

the tree is visual from neighboring properties

although not visual prominent as it is obstructed by other

vegetation..


2.85 6.96 0.70 0.35 0.45 Located in neighbouring yard

directly behind, 2.8m from fence line, lots of

previous pruning to alleviate canopy

overhang on North side of canopy, co-dom stems from ground

level


9 Crepe Myrtle Lagerstroemia indica



tree provides a minor contribution to the local area


0.00 3.84 0.25 0.15 0.10 0.04 Multi stemmed from ground level , growing along back fence line 0.1-0.2 from fence,

Ground level 3m x 0.8m



of 18

Tree n

o.


ST

AR

S©

RA

TIN

G

ST

AR

S©

Life E

xp.

Stru

cture

Health

Ag

e Class

Heig

ht(M

)

Can

op

y N

Can

op

y E

Can

op

y S

Can

op

y W

Est. E

ncr.

SR

Z

TP

Z

DA

B (M

)

DB

H S

tem1

DB

H S

tem2

DB

H S

tem3

DB

H S

tem4


10 Cooks Pine Araucaria columnaris



Long Good Good M 17.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 100 2.47 5.16 0.50 0.43 Located 2.1m from rear fence and 4m from western boundary

fence, mostly crown lifted to 7.5m, wound on

N side of lower stem from axe or machette


11 Watergum Tristaniopsis laurina



tree provides a minor contribution to the local area

Small/Young Good Good I 2.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0 0.76 2.00 0.03 0.02 2 x small newly planted council street trees, 1 in front of subject property and second in front of neighbouring property,

both have stakes around them and will

require protection.

Council verge trees, Retain and Protect

Age Class I = Immature M = Mature O = Over mature or senescence

Recommendations Remove

Health G = Good A= Average P= Poor

Prune

Structural Form G = Good A= Average P= Poor

Protect


of 18

11 Appendix C Images

T1

T2


of 18

Top of T3

T4 in foreground, T5 to right of photos, T6 second from left, and T7 in centre


of 18

Base of T6 and proximity to fence line, base of T7 and proximity to both fences

Base of T6 and looking along fence line T3 in distance, base of T8 and proximity to rear fence line


of 18

T8, then T8 & T9

T9


of 18

T9 & T10, T8 T9 & T10, T10, T10


of 18

12 Appendix D Glossary

Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) A systematic method of tree assessment (developed by Claus Mattheck & Helge Breloer) using biological and biomechanical indicators to evaluate overall vitality and structural integrity of a tree.

AQF Level 5 Arborist An Arborist with a AQF level 5 qualification such as a Diploma in Arboriculture 10 This with relevant experience enables the person to perform the tasks required by the standard AS 4373 2007 and legislative bodies

Arborist11

An Arborist with a AQF level 3 qualification 12 or above of equivalent recognised and relevant experience that enables the person to perform the tasks required by the standard AS 4373 2007 and legislative bodies

Tree As determined by the Burwood Council Tree Preservation Order.

Tree Worker A worker who through related training ( minimum AQF level 2 in Arboriculture) or equivalent recognised and relevant on the job experience has demonstrated competence in pruning in accordance to the standard AS 4373 2007

Selective pruning The removal of target branches

Crown thinning The selective removal of branches that does not alter the overall size of the tree.

Dead wooding The removal of dead branches

Non invasive excavation Excavation that does not damage a tree

Tree Protection Zone (TPZ ) Or Modified Tree Protection Zone

A specified area at a given distance from the trunk set aside for the protection of a trees root system and canopy during land development works to ensure the long term viability and stability of a tree, calculated in accordance with AS 4970:2009.

Canopy The crown of a tree, comprising all of the foliage and branches

Pruning The selective removal of branches, severed at the branch collar near the junction with another branch in accordance with Natural Target Pruning techniques as specified in AS4373:2007.

Structural Root Zone (SRZ ) The Structural Root Zone is located within the Tree Protection Zone; it provides the bulk of mechanical support and anchorage for the tree.


of 18

13 Appendix E –IACA Significance of a Tree Assessment (Stars)


of 18


of 18

14 Bibliography/References

1 Matheck,C.Updated Field Guide For Visual Tree Assessment.Karlsruhe: Forschungszentrum Karlsuhe, 2007. 2 DA Surveys Title Detail Survey at 18 Bennett Ave Strathfield South NSW 2136 date 30/09/19 3 Rise Consulting Engineers PTY LTD Site Stormwater Drainage Concept Plan Project Residential Development 18 Bennett Ave Strathfield South dated 17/01/20 4 Roth Architects DA 04 (F), DA 05(F) DA 06 (F) and DA 12 (F) dated 16/01/20 5 NSW Legislation. 2017. NSW Legislation. [ONLINE] Available at:https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/~/view/EPI/2013/115/maps[Accessed 24th February 2020]. 6 Strathfield Local Environmental Plan 2012 NSW Legislation. 2017. NSW Legislation [ONLINE] Available at: https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/~/view/EPI/2013/115/full. [Accessed 24th February 2020]. 7 Strathfield Development Control Plan (DCP) 2005 » Strathfield Council. 2016. Strathfield Development Control Plan (DCP) 2005 » Strathfield Council. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/council/council-documents/development-policies-and-plans/ [Accessed 24th February 2020]. 8 NSW Legislation. 2017. NSW Legislation. [ONLINE] Available at: https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/maps/4f79f514-3b28-499d-c192-a062741679b2/7100_COM_HER_006_010_20121206.pdf [Accessed 24th February 2020]. 9 Australian Standard Protection of trees on development sites As 4970 2009 10 Australian Standard Pruning of Amenity Trees AS 4373 2007 11 WorkCover. 2016. Home - WorkCover. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au. [Accessed 24th February 2020]. 12 Australian Standard Pruning of Amenity Trees AS 4373 2007

http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/

Arboriculture Impact Assessment Report€¦ · ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. 18 Bennett Ave Strathfield...

Documents

Transcript of Arboriculture Impact Assessment Report€¦ · ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. 18 Bennett Ave Strathfield...