Arboriculture Assessment Report 52 Long St Strathfield NSW - Strathfield Council

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Arboriculture Assessment Report 52 Long St Strathfield NSW - Strathfield Council
Arboriculture Assessment Report
       52 Long St Strathfield NSW

                    The Tree MD Pty Ltd
                     A.C.N 609 764 936
             Managing Director: Geoffrey Ashton
                       0488 222 061

Site Assessment conducted by Aaron Erbacher– Arboriculture AQF 5
     Report Prepared By: Geoffrey Ashton – Arboriculture AQF 5
Arboriculture Assessment Report 52 Long St Strathfield NSW - Strathfield Council
Table of Contents
    1      Summary ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
    2      Disclosure Statement.............................................................................................................................................. 3
    3      Introduction............................................................................................................................................................ 3
    4      Site ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
    5      Methodology .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
    6      Observations ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
    7      Discussion ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
    8      Recommendations ................................................................................................................................................. 5
    9      Appendix A Tree Location Plan Diagram .................................................................................................................. 6
    10 Appendix B Tree Profile Table ................................................................................................................................. 7
    11 Appendix C Images ................................................................................................................................................ 8
    12 Appendix D Glossary .............................................................................................................................................. 9
    13 Appendix E –IACA Significance of a Tree Assessment (Stars) ................................................................................. 10
    14 Bibliography/References ....................................................................................................................................... 12

1       Summary
           This report was commissioned by Ashwin Singh with a request for an assessment of a palm tree in his back yard at 52
        Long St Strathfield NSW. Ashwin wishes to remove and replace the tree to access the damaged pipes beneath the tree.

            A site assessment was conducted on 5th August 2021, the report is limited to the one palm tree Bangalow Palm
        Archontophoenix cunninghamiana. A letter from AUSGAZ PLUMBING & CONTRACTORS identifies a need to excavate and
        replace the damaged pipe beneath the subject tree. Mr Singh wishes to remove the tree and replant with another tree in a
        more appropriate location. The palm was assessed as a medium retention value utilising the STARS1 assessment tool
        attached to this report, it is identified the tree is offers minimal amenity and habitat value and a replacement planting would
        allow for the best long-term management of the area.

     ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021
      52 Long St Strathfield NSW                                                                                                                              Page 2 of 12
Arboriculture Assessment Report 52 Long St Strathfield NSW - Strathfield Council
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 (VTA2) 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 Ashwin Singh with a request for an assessment of a palm tree in his back yard at
     52 Long St Strathfield NSW.

         A site assessment was conducted on 5th August 2021 by Aaron Erbacher , the report is limited to the one palm tree
     Bangalow Palm
     Archontophoenix cunninghamiana. There was ample lighting for the purpose of assessment for this report.

         The documentation utilised for the assessment of this report: -

         AUSGAZ PLUMBING & CONTRACTORS letter author Dinesh Ram3

         The objective of this report is to provide a document that may be submitted to Council with appropriate
     recommendations. 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.

    ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021
     52 Long St Strathfield NSW                                                                                Page 3 of 12
Arboriculture Assessment Report 52 Long St Strathfield NSW - Strathfield Council
4     Site

          52 Long St Strathfield NSW is zoned Low Density Residential (R2)4, the site is a residential property located within the
      Strathfield Council and governed by the Council’s Local Environment Plan5 & Development Control Plan6.
         A search of the council’s website and Local Environment Plan found no Heritage Conservation Area or Heritage Item listing
      associated with the site7.
          The site is north facing to Long St. The subject tree is in the back yard along the western boundary between the pool and
      fence line, it is reported the damaged pipe runs beneath the subject tree.

5 Methodology

          The site inspection consisted of a Visual Tree Assessment (VTA2). This technique assesses trees from ground level
      identifying features, symptoms and signs. VTA2 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, VTA2 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 VTA2 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.

6     Observations

          Tree 1 Bangalow Palm Archontophoenix cunninghamiana 10-11m tall, 2m spread in each direction. The subject tree is
      located on the western boundary 1.5m from fence and end of pool. It is reported the sewer is located beneath the tree and
      due to the location of the pool and other services it would be difficult to reroute.
          Potential habitat is minimal with an individual specimen, the tree offers little food source and little UV protection. A
      replacement planting could allow for the repair of the pipe and the replacement of the tree with a more substantial specimen
      in an appropriate location.

7 Discussion

       Trees offer numerous benefits such as aesthetics, shade, UV reflection as well as a food source for local fauna. The
    associated impacts from tree removal should be considered even when the trees are not assessed as a high retention value.
         It is identified as in this situation that site constraints can limit a trees long term retention value. As a result of the limited
    site constraints and the difficulty replacing the pipes without the removal of the tree. It is recommended the tree be replaced
    with native species that is planted away from the repaired pipe and with sufficient area to reach its projected dimensions.

     ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021
      52 Long St Strathfield NSW                                                                                          Page 4 of 12
Arboriculture Assessment Report 52 Long St Strathfield NSW - Strathfield Council
8     Recommendations

        The governing body should consider the removal and replacement of Tree 1 Bangalow Palm Archontophoenix
    cunninghamiana that was assessed as a medium retention value tree utilising the STARS8 assessment tool attached to this
    report. Following tree removal, a garden bed is to be prepared for planting with AQF level 5 arborist consultation to assist with
    replacement tree utilising species within the Strathfield Council Recommended Tree List.3
        If council permits the arborist removing the trees 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

     ©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021
      52 Long St Strathfield NSW                                                                                   Page 5 of 12
9        Appendix A Tree Location Plan Diagram

                                                                  Image1) 52 Long St Strathfield NSW (Sixmaps®9)

©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021
 52 Long St Strathfield NSW                                                                        Page 6 of 12
10 Appendix B Tree Profile Table
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Notes/Comments              Recommendations

                                                                                                                                                                                                DBH Stem1
                                                                                                                                                                       Canopy W
                                                                                                     Age Class

                                                                                                                                 Canopy N
                                                                                                                     Height(M)

                                                                                                                                             Canopy E

                                                                                                                                                            Canopy S
                                                                                Structure
                                                                    Life Exp.
                                          STARS©

                                                                    STARS©

                                                                                                                                                                                      DAB (M)
         Tree no.

                                          RATING

                                                                                            Health
                        Genus Species
                        Common Name

                    1   Bangalow Palm             Medium                1-15            G        G               M      10              2               2          2              2    0.31 0.26            . The subject tree is located on the Remove and replace
                        Archontophoenix       The tree is in fair                                                                                                                                           western boundary 1.5m from fence with native species
                        cunninghamiana       condition with good                                                                                                                                             and end of pool. It is reported the
                                           vigour, the tree has a                                                                                                                                           sewer is located beneath the tree.
                                              form typical of its
                                           species, and the trees
                                            growth is moderately
                                                  restricted

                                Age Class                   I = Immature                                                                    Recommendations                                                     Remove
                                                            M = Mature
                                                            O = Over mature or senescence
                                Health                      G = Good                                                                                                                                            Prune
                                                            A= Average
                                                            P= Poor
                                Structural Form             G = Good                                                                                                                                            Protect
                                                            A= Average
                                                            P= Poor

©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021
 52 Long St Strathfield NSW                                                                                                                                              Page 7 of 12
11     Appendix C Images

©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021
 52 Long St Strathfield NSW                                       Page 8 of 12
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 )                       A specified area at a given distance from
                Or Modified Tree Protection Zone                  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.

©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021
 52 Long St Strathfield NSW                                                                               Page 9 of 12
13 Appendix E –IACA Significance of a Tree Assessment (Stars)

©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021
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©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021
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14 Bibliography/References

 1 IACA 2010 IACA Significance of a Tree, Assessment Rating System (STARS) Institute of Australian Consulting
 Arboriculturalists Australia www.iaca.org.au
 2 Matheck,C.Updated Field Guide For Visual Tree Assessment.Karlsruhe: Forschungszentrum Karlsuhe, 2007.
 3 AUSGAZ PLUMBING & CONTRACTORS letter author Dinesh Ram
 4 NSW Legislation. 2017. NSW Legislation. [ONLINE] Available

 at:https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/~/view/EPI/2013/115/maps[Accessed 12th August 2021]
 5 Strathfield Local Environmental Plan 2012 NSW Legislation. 2017. NSW Legislation [ONLINE] Available at:

 https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/~/view/EPI/2013/115/full[Accessed 12th August 2021]
 6 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 12th August 2021]
 7 NSW Legislation. 2017. NSW Legislation. [ONLINE] Available at: 7100_COM_HER_005_010_20150401_AMENDED

 (windows.net) [Accessed 12th August 2021]
 8 IACA 2010 IACA Significance of a Tree, Assessment Rating System (STARS) Institute of Australian Consulting

 Arboriculturalists Australia www.iaca.org.au
 9
   Sixmaps. 2021. Sixmaps. [ONLINE] Available at: https://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/. [Accessed 12th August 2021]
 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 12th August

 2021]
 12 Australian Standard Pruning of Amenity Trees AS 4373 2007

©The Tree MD Pty. Ltd. Geoffrey Ashton Created 12th August 2021
 52 Long St Strathfield NSW                                                                          Page 12 of 12
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