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Home My WebLink About2004 07 12 Regular 508 , COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM 508 CONSENT INFORMATIONAL PUBLIC HEARING REGULAR X July 12, 2004 Meeting ~ /~ MGR / IDEPT Authorization REQUEST: The Arbor Division and Urban Beautification Division wishes to make the Commission aware of tree deaths and the need for tree replacement and proper maintenance of trees in the City of Winter Springs. ])URPOSE: The purpose of this Agenda Item is to inform the Commission of the rising number of tree deaths in the City and to present options for renewing and maintaining the decreasing tree population. CONSIDERATIONS: 'Ninter Springs is known for peaceful residential corridors and roadways lined with beautiful tree (;anopy consisting of a wide variety of tree species. The City has established as a goal, growing and maintaining a thriving tree canopy along and over City corridors. Through the years our tree population has diminished due to natural occurrences, disease, auto accidents, development, and residential removals. Recently, many trees have been discovered to be in decline or have expired in the rights-of-way areas due to climatic conditions, improper installations, improper maintenance, unprotected construction activities, disease, and vandalism; to list a few reasons. Dead or declining mature trees should be replaced in order to maintain a thriving urban forestry. When installed and maintained properly, trees usually take from 10 to 20 years to 'mature' and provide the same ecological benefits as the trees commonly lost due to death. Research has proven that urban planted trees have a far greater difficulty in establishing and reaching maturity than trees growing in the natural forest environment. Recent calculations by Staff reveal that approximately 1000 mature trees each year perish in the City of Winter Springs urban settings. Additionally, thousands of mature trees are removed during construction activities and many trees are destroyed due to auto accidents throughout the year. 071204_ COMM _Regular _508_ Arbor_Tree _Death_Assessment Page I of4 Due to the large number of dead or declining trees as of late, with the assistance of a Certified Arbor Consultant, staffhas reviewed and identified multiple causes that have contributed to numerous tree deaths which have been occurring recently, in the City of Winter Springs. Staff is awaiting a hard copy of this report, although verbal reporting has been received and concurs with findings by staff. Staff will provide additional information when available. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Commission consider the following in order to further develop and maintain a mature tree canopy in the City. A. An additional staff member and equipment to assist in the establishment and maintenance oftree canopy within the City. B. Funding for establishment of new trees and instituting proper maintenance and care procedures for existing trees in the rights-of-way areas in the City. IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE: Staff is currently developing a (5) year tree replacement plan and standards for tree care to be presented to the Commission when completed. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Rights-of-Way Tree Death Assessment - June 2004 2. Tree Death Chart 2004 lCOMMISSION ACTION 071204_ COMM _Regular _508_ Arbor_Tree _Death_Assessment Page 2 of4 '? R.i!!hts-of-wav tree death assessment - June 2004 6/14/04 To: I'rom: Ron McLemore, City Manager M. Mingea, City Arborist S. Richart, Urban Beautification Coordinator Rights-of-Way tree assessment RE: In order to prevent future tree loss and provide guidelines for future care of Rights- of- Way trees, the team of Michael Mingea and Steven Richart recently examined several sites in the eastern area ofTuscawilla, where tree failures are occurring at an accelerated rate. The following conclusions were made from our assessment. A. Trees on Northern Way, in the right of way, along the Carrington Woods wall were planted by the developer and roots of all transplanted trees were wrapped in a synthetic nylon bag material. The bags were not removed or cut away from the root systems causing roots to improperly develop on these trees. This causes a stress situation which, in turn, causes disease and instability and can eventually lead to the demise of the tree. B. Trees on the opposite side of Northern Way have been damaged by improper utility pruning and other sub- standard work activities in the past including soil compaction with heavy equipment. These items showed signs of Locust Borers at the time of removal less than (2) weeks ago. C. Laurel Oak trees located on Woodchuck Court showed signs of Hypo xylon Canker and Locust Borers, both of which are secondary causes of death to trees which are already in major decline. It should be noted that there have been several direct lightning strikes in this area that have lead to the removal of many residential trees. Primary or secondary lightning activity may be the cause of tree death in some cases. D. Most trees examined in Tuscawilla have exhibited signs of improper pruning and care over a vast time span. This is brought forward to stress the importance of correct and proper pruning and care techniques along with the sterilization of working tools by the trimming technician. All personnel dispatched to perform maintenance on trees in the City Rights-of-Way must be thoroughly trained in proper arbor care techniques before work begins. This includes contractors, sub-contractors, and staff. I. If preventative spraying is to be applied in areas where Locust Borers have been observed, the current recommended chemical is a synthetic pyrethroid called Talstar. All chemicals must be applied by a state licensed pesticide applicator due to public health and safety issues. The former chemical, Lindane, has been banned by the Federal Government due to major liability issues. Any and all chemical treatments would require staff supervision to verify proper application, effect, and public safety. In the long term forecast, as our City expands its tree canopy program, there needs to be provision made for proper maintenance and care by knowledgeable tree professionals. Damage to trees from improper planting, pruning, unprotected construction activities, acts of nature, disease, etc. normally takes many years to manifest into a fatal condition. Therefore, in order to insure a thriving forestry in our urban setting, we must take the utmost care and preventative measures in an attempt to limit tree damage in the future. Many of these are clearly outlined in the Florida Department of Agriculture and conswner Services, Division of Forestry, Tree Protection Manual for Builders and Developers. As per our recent discussion, we are contacting a local arbor consultant to provide an independent review of the situation. This could cost up to $ 800 based on current arbor consultant rates of$ 125.00 per hour or more. 071204_ cOMM _Regular _508 _Arbor_Tree _Death_Assessment Page 3 of4 The best consultant based on qualifications and location. 1. Selmer Uhr - American Society of Consulting Arborists. Certified Arborist, Registered Forester. Altamonte Springs, FL. (407) 292-2454 Thank you, Michael Mingea, City Arborist Steven Richart, UBC Jree Death Chart 2004 Tree Deaths In Winter S/Jrinas Arbor Division Permitted removals only, not all deaths shown. Year Month Deaths 2003 December 30 2004 January 58 2004 February 84 2004 March 94 2004 April 83 2004 May 114 2004 June . as of the 28th. 103 (7) MonthTotal Tree Deaths (Months) 1 o 50 100 566 Trees . June 'Q4 III May 'Q4 . Apr 'Q4 o Mar 'Q4 o Feb 'Q4 . Jan 'Q4 . Dee '03 150 071204_ cOMM _Regular _508_ Arbor_Tree _Death_Assessment Page 4 of4