Agenda - 04-16-2002 - 8b - Laserfiche WebLink

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Spring, 2002 The Richard EWhiffed Human Seivices B .n Orange County Public Works Departmen` P.O. Box 8181 600 Highway 86 North Hillsborough, NC 27278 Tree Removal and Replacement Piolect Fax Ph : (919) 644-2625 Fax: (919) 644-3016 http://www.co.orange.nc.us/pubworks/publicworks.htm Background red maples along the side. Problems found in the Summer, 1000. Orange County Public The tree locations will be moved back away ( current maples Works staff determined that a thorough from the existing retaining wall into a better surrounding the Richard E. assessment and evaluation of the twelve position that will prevent problems with the Whitted Building: maple trees surrounding the Richard E. old tree's root systems,as well as giving the Whitted Human Services(REWHS)building new trees more room to expand. _ - Cavities in the trunks and was needed. large branches �1�.- ..° A twelfth tree will replace the one that fell ;. Thin residual soundwood The observed condition of several of the and a thirteenth tree will be added to the east r trees indicated the possibility for loss of side of the building. Wood decay limbs,a particular concern during periods of '- - Defective branches severe weather when accompanied by high Why we recommend winds. replacing all the trees: Ji:. Deadwood stubs Concerns were heightened when a red .? To remove hazardous conditions created Scaffold and branchwood failures maple located on the east side of the build- by the existing unhealthy trees; ing fell down during a fairly typical storm in a To provide improved root growth area Damaged surface roots October of 2 00 1. Although no one was (provided in part by increasing the dis- injured, some property damage did occur, lance from the retaining wall); I %i Storm damage and the risk of personal injury to County To provide adequate mulch area ring; ." Loss of foliage residents or staff is a major concern. To provice adequate watering area; To provide shade for the building; REWHS houses County departments and To improve aesthetics and symmetry; I, agencies providing a variety of services to and County residents, including health, social To provide increased distance from over- --------------------------------------__ _________ _ _______ ______"__ services,and the library. As such,it experi- head power lines. ences a constant influx of visitors,many of whom are young families,disabled The replacement trees Healthy maple trees Considerations for planting trees in an urban setting: or elderly. -' Each new maple will span about Soil composition and compaction Tree condition 6" in diameter and will be approxi- i Characteristics: Water drainage mately 20 feet high at the time of November,2001. Public Works A planting. Full dark green crown Impact of roots on sidewalks and other structures staff contracted for an evaluation 1 � *»' Strong branches and Tree growth that does not interfere with power lines of each tree from Dr. James R. Each new tree will be carefully r g p trunks without significant McGraw,Professor of Forestry and selected at a North Carolina farm on � S* deadwood or cavities ,r 4 t y X Siting trees away from utility lines or structures Extension Urban Forestry Specialist with the the basis of health and a I ppea ranee. j"�� North Carolina Cooperative Extension Ser- Large and efficient root vice at NC State University. In a letter system "i y Every effort will be made to follow recom- I .� , dated Dec.5,2001, Dr.McGraw confirmed mended maintenance plans for the new trees. man of Public Work's concerns with the p " Consistent growth property's remaining eleven trees. Zvi`j. patterns A, Projected impact on County services Freedom from insect The problems that the most-damaged There are no Ions for an changes in damage or other tree trees are exhibiting, according to Dr. Mc- plans g r Ti diseases hours for any of the departments located in Graw,include extensive cavities,deadwood the Richard E.Whitted Building. "f and defective branches. Wwi All of the tree removals and installations s Plan of action will be conducted b area professionals with y Disposing of the felled tree materials experience in the field. Orange County Public Works Department All possible tree waste will be recycled into mulch or compost or reused. staff recommends the removal of all eleven - �. Some noise, minor traffic re-routing,and - -� remaining maples. This action was ap- short-term parking changes may occur, but '� l proved by the Hillsborough Tree Board. we will work with the contractors to keep Each tree will be replaced with the same these effects to a minimum. i t1 type that was previously there: sugar s _ Tlmelloe CID maples along the front of the building and Much of the work will occur on weekends a� � ' Work will begin in April and continue throughout Spring, and after normal business hours. ° ' 2002.