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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem F March 8, 1999 STAFF REPORT To: Mayor and Members of the City Council Attention: Keith R. Till, City Manager Quinn Barrow, City Attorney From: Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services Subject: CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED REVISIONS — Chapter 7D, Code of the City of Seal Beach, Eucalyptus Grove Preservation SUMMARY OF REQUEST Review and Discuss Chapter 7D of the Code of the City of Seal Beach, review proposed amendments as recommended by the Environmental Quality Control Board, and provide additional direction to staff regarding this matter. DISCUSSION The Environmental Quality Control Board (EQCB) has discussed this matter on September 30 and October 28, 1998 and January 27, 1999. The subject matter is a City Council adopted law and is in effect at this time. Any changes to Chapter 7D would need to be approved by the City Council through the adoption of an amending City Council Ordinance. At the direction of the EQCB, staff has prepared a redline/strikeout version of Chapter 7D, reflecting amendments as discussed by the Board on October 28, 1998 and as recommended for City Council consideration by the EQCB on January 27, 1999. Language proposed to be deleted is shown by strikeout, and language to be added is shown by bold and underline. (See Attachment 1) The minutes of the EQCB Meeting of January 27 and the EQCB Staff Report are provided as Attachments 2 and 3, respectively. AGENDA ITEM CA*r>s ypius Grove OrdianceExabsus Grow Ordinvice Revieon.CCsa.moawmat-99 Proposed Revisions-Chapter 7D,Eucalyptus Grove Preservation City Council Staff Repon March 8. 1999 If, after review and discussion, the City Council feels it is appropriate to amend the current provisions of Chapter 7D, it would be appropriate to instruct staff to prepare the appropriate ordinance for introduction at the next City Council meeting. RECOMMENDATION Review and Discuss Chapter 7D of the forte of the City of Seal Beach, review proposed amendments as recommended by the Environmental Quality Control Board, and provide additional direction to staff regarding this matter. NOTED AND APPROVED • /LO �- Whittenberg, Director Keith R. Till Development Services Department City Manager Attachments: (3) ATTACHMENT 1: Chapter 7D, rode of the City of Seal Beach, Eucalyptus Grove Preservation, with amendments as recommended by the EQCB on January 27, 1999 ATTACHMENT 2: EQCB Draft Minute Excerpt, January 27, 1999 ATTACHMENT 3: EQCB Staff Report, January 27, 1999, including Attachments 1 through 4 Eucalypts Govt Warne Revision,CC SR 2 Proposed Revisions- Chapter 7D, Eucalyptus Grove Preservation City Council Staff Report March 8, 1999 ATTACHMENT 1 Chapter 7D, Code of the City of Seal Beach, Eucalyptus Grove Preservation, with amendments as recommended by the EQCB on January 27, 1999 Eucalyptus Glove Otd'aatre Revieon.CC SR 3 Proposed Revisions.- Owpter 7D, Eucalyptus Grove Preservation City Council Staff Report March 8, 1999 CHAPTER 7D EUCALYPTUS GROVE PRESERVATION § 7D-1. Purpose. § 7D-2. Scope. 117D-3. Definitions. 17D-4. Requirements and Procedures. 17D-5. Standards for Granting Permits. §7D-6. Expiration of Permits. 57D-7. Violations and Penalties, Section 7D-1. Puroose. Eucalyptus groves are of great historical, aesthetic, and environmental value to the citizens of Seal Beach. The preservation of eucalyptus groves is necessary to promote the public health and welfare by enhancing the scenic beauty, preventing erosion of top soil, protecting against the risk of landslides, counteracting pollutants, and decreasing wind velocities. The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate the removal and destruction of eucalyptus groves in order to encourage the preservation of eucalyptus trees. (Ord. No. 1271, §1) Ssstiom 7D-2. Scone. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to eucalyptus groves on all public property and on private prup.arty which is vacant, undeveloped, or which is the subject of a change or expansion in land use, exclusive of private communities with a separate governing board existing on the effective date of this ordinance. (Ord. No. 1271, §1) Section 7D-3. Definitions. For the purposes of this Chapter, certain words and phrases are defined as follows: (a) "Director" shall mean the Director of Development Services in a matter involving private property; and "Director" shall mean the Director of Public Works in a matter involving public property or poverty to be dedicated for public use. (b) "Eucalyptus Tree" shall mean any tree of the eucalyptus species which measures more than 12 inches in diameter at a point 4.5 feet above the ground. (c) "Grove" shall mean a cluster of not less than fifteen (15) trees. swapper.ores,Gdiwee aeN.m,cc SR 4 Proposed Revisions- Chapter 7D, Eucalyptus Grove Preservation ay Council SiafReport March 8, 1999 (d) "ISA"shall mean the most recently Sled version of"Pruninz Standards" and "Tree Mantilla" by the Western Chanter of the International Society of Arboriculture. (e) "Preservation" shall mean the act of keeping or saving a tree from harm or destruction by peeper maintenance, proper pruning, treatment, and other means of safeguarding trees. (0 "Pruning and/or Trimming" shall mean the cutting of any limb or branch. (Ord. No. 1271, §1) (a) Permit Required. No person may remove, cut, destroy, relocate, or undertake other activities which may damage a eucalyptus tree without first obtaining a tree pemtit from the City. The application for such tree permit shall be on the form approved by the Planning Commission and submitted to the Director, accompanied by the required fee as determined by the Planning Commission. (b) Isis ung A 1 ority. (1) fity Council Approval. City Council approval is required for issuance of a tree permit if the properly on which such tree is located is owned or controlled by the City. The City Council may direct the Planning Commission to make a recommendation on such permit to the Council. (2) Planning Commission Approval. Planning Commission Approval is required for issuance of a tree permit if the proposed activities are undertaken in connection with the use or development of private property. Upon submission of the application reauest. it shall be forwarded to the Tree Advisory Committee for review and comment prior to poncideration by the Planning Commissioq (3) Director Anommv , The Director may issue a tree permit in the event that the proposed activities are not undertaken in connection with the development of property and where the removal or modification, such at pruning,of a eucalyptus tree is necessary for the preservation of a grove or tree or for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. &a r..Grove Oidin.a.RevSan.CC SR 5 Proposed Revisions-Chapter 7D,Eucalyptus Grove Preservation City Council Staf Report March 8, 1999 (c) Review. Upon review of an application for a tree permit, the issuing authority may approve, approve with conditions, or deny such application subject to the ]$A standards set forth in this Chapter. In approving a tree permit, the issuing authority may impose any reasonable conditions which it deems necessary and appropriate to insure the preservation of eucalyptus trees as set forth in this Chapter. (d) ng. A public hearing shall be held as set forth in Section 28-2704 for all tree permit applications which are considered by the City Council or the Planning Commission. Notice shall be mailed to all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property, and published in a newspaper of general circulation not less than ten days before the hearing date. (e) Concurrent Review. A tree permit may be considered concurrently with, and as a part of the required public hearing for related land use proposals. Notice as provided in this section shall be given in addition to any notice required for actions considered concurrently with the tree permit. (0 Anneal. Any decision of the Director approving or denying a tree permit may be appealed to the Planning Commission. Any decision of the Planning Commission approving or denying a tree permit may be appealed to the City Council. Any appeal must be filed in writing within ten days after the decision of the Director or the Planning Commission approving or denying a tree permit. The decision of the Director and of the Planning Commission shall be final unless an appeal is filed as set forth herein. All decisions of the City Council shall be final. (Ord. No. 1271, §1) Section 7D-5. Standards for Granting P rmi e. The following standards shall be among those considered in reviewing an application for a tree permit: (a) The condition of the eucalyptus tree(s) with respect to disease, danger of falling, and proximity to existing or proposed structures; (b) The determination of an existing or potential danger to life or property; (c) The number of trees which the affected property can adequately support under good forestry practices; (d) The interference of trees with existing utility services and/or streets and highways; aiolrpn Moe O,d'wae Reviea,,CC SR Proposed Revisions.-Chapter 7D,Eucalyptus Grove Preservation City Council Staff Report March 8, 1999 (e) The topography of the land and the effect of tree removal or erosion, soil retention, and the diversion or increased flow of surface waters; (f) The effect of tree removal on neighboring properties; (g) The extent to which alternative development plans which do not endanger trees cannot achieve the same intensity of uses as the proposed plans, and the extent to which the cost of alternative development plans is prohibitive. (h) Replacement of individual trees from a grove, to preserve overall health of the grove. and preserve the number of' trees to maintain the grove at its pre- pxistine number of trees (I) The most recently issued version of "Pruning Standards" and "Tree Planting" by the Western Chanter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) (Ord. No. 1271, §1) Section 7D-6. Expiration of Permi s. An approved pee permit which is not used within the time specified in the permit or, if no time is specified, within one year after the issuance of such permit, shall become null and void. An application requesting an extension may be filed prior to such expiration date, and the Director may extend the life of the permit for a period not to exceed one year. (Ord. No. 1271, §1) Section 70 -7. Violations and Penalties. Any person who violates the provisions of this Chanter shalt be guilty of an Infraction op i hn, able as urovided L �aiion 1 of h' ('ode * * ss Fuulypso Grove Oaut.me seviaen.cc sec 7 Proposed Revisions- Chapter 713,Eucalyptus Grove Preservation City Council Staff Report March 8, 1999 ATTACHMENT 2 EQCB Minute Excerpt, January 27, 1999 Eucalyptus Glove On ivuce Revivnn,CC SR 8 City of Seal Beach EQCB Minutes January27 1999 MOTION CARRIED: 5—0 AYES: Hurley, Jones, Porter, Voce and Chairperson McGuire NOES: None ABSTAIN: None 10.BOARD REVIEW - CITY RESPONSE LETTER re: Receipt of 'Proposed Amended Rule 1401, New Source Review of Toxic Air Contaminants Staff Report and Draft Environmental Assessment — South Coast Air Quality management District (SCAQMD)', Staff Report dated January 27, 1999 Recommendation: Authorize the Chairperson to sign the draft response letter, with any additional comments determined appropriate, and Receive and File Staff Report. In response to a question from Member Hurley, Mr. Whittenberg indicated the Board did not receive the environmental assessment during the comment period in late 1998. Mr. Hurley suggested minor amendments to the response letter: page 6, second paragraph, line 3 — change Is' to `are"; page 6, last paragraph, next to last line — add "s' to 'drop"; page 7, first line — add the phrase "and the prevailing wind" after"to Leisure World community within Seal Beach". MOTION by Voce; SECOND by Porter to authorize the Chairperson to sign the draft response letter, as amended. MOTION CARRIED: 5—0 AYES: Hurley, Jones, Porter, Voce and Chairperson McGuire NOES: None i`get None p 11.BOARD REVIEW— Chapter 7D, Code of the City of Seal Beach, Eucalyptus Grove Preservation Recommendation: Review proposed amendments to Chapter 7D and instruct staff to revise and return to Board for final review, or instruct staff to Forward to City Council with recommendations. Mr. Whittenberg the Board was provided this evening with an additional set of tree trimming standards received today, as the Board may wish to review these standards in determining an appropriate set of standards to reference in the proposed revisions to Chapter 7D. He also indicated staff has prepared a redline/strikeout version based on the directions of the Board from the last EQCB meeting. Chairperson McGuire indicated Section 7D.2 Scope is not clear to her. Mr. Whittenberg indicated the areas that would be impacted by the exclusion 01-27-99 Minutes 5 City of Seal Beach EOCB Minutes January27, 1999 language would be Leisure World and Surfside, and he is not familiar with the history of the Code section to explain why those exclusions were adopted by the City Council. Chairperson McGuire inquired if section 7D-4(b)(2) could be modified to place more responsibility on the Tree Committee, and lessen the load on the Planning Commission? Mr. Whittenberg indicated the Planning Commission is the legally mandated body to make recommendations to the City Council on planning issues. He indicated the tree advisory committee is very informal and does not provide the due process requirements an applicant for a permit is entitled to receive. In response to the concern of Chairperson McGuire, Mr. Whittenberg indicated the Board may wish to propose a change in the language to indicate that prior to the Planning Commission receiving a staff report on a permit application, the report is forwarded to the Tree Committee for a review and recommendation in a timely manner. Mr. Whittenberg reviewed the Planning Commission review process with the EQCB. Member Porter suggested the Tree Committee be informed of the permit request, and that would provide notice and allow the committee to address the Planning Commission. In response to the discussion of the Committee, Mr. Whittenberg suggested the following language be added to Section 7D-4(b)(2): "Upon submission of the application request, it shall be forwarded to the Tree Advisory Committee for review and comment prior to consideration by the Planning Commission.' In response to a question from Member Voce, Mr. Whittenberg indicated this referral during the 30-day time period to City is allowed to determine if the permit application is complete, it should not add additional processing time to the review of the permit request. RR AAf� Member Hurley requested In orderPDe inserted between "eucalyptus groves' and to encourage the preservation . ' in the last sentence of Section 7D-1. Member Hurley also indicated "who' is missing from the first line of Section 7D-7, it should read "Any person who violates . . Member Voce indicated he made his comments at the last meeting, and the proposed changes address his concerns regarding penalty provisions. Member Voce indicated he had thought about recommending changing the number of frees that define a 'grove' and felt that was not appropriate. In response to a question from member Porter, Member Voce indicated you cannot specify a certain number of trees within an area, as the different species of eucalyptus trees have different growth characteristics, some being very slender and some being very massive in trunk structure. Mr. Whittenberg verified with Member Voce and the Board that the current proposed reference to the ISA Western Chapter standards is appropriate, since they are more locally oriented. MOTION by Porter; SECOND by Voce to approve the proposed amendments to Chapter 7D as presented by staff, and as amended by the Board this evening, and forward to the City Council for consideration. 01-27.99 Minutes 6 City of Seal Beach EQCB Minutes January 27, 1999 MOTION CARRIED: 5 —0 AYES: Hurley, Jones, Porter, Voce and Chairperson McGuire NOES: None ABSTAIN: None IX. STAFF CONCERNS - None PFS X. BOARD CONCERNS DR Member Voce indicated he would be discussing with the Navy the issue of the City receiving complete sets of documents to review and comment on, not certain portions of those documents. He also indicated he would be pursuing pruning standards throughout the City, tied to business license issuance to ensure trees are pruned properly. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairperson McGuire adjourned the Environmental Quality Control Meeting at 7:51 PM. Chairperson, Environmental Quality Control Board Lee Whittenberg, Secretary Environmental Quality Control Board Note: These Minutes are tentative until approved by the Environmental Quality Control Board. The Environmental Quality Control Board Minutes of January 27, 1999 were approved on , 1999. 01-27-99 Minutes 7 Proposed Revisions- Chapter 7D,Eucalyptus Grove Preservation City Council Staff Report March 8, 1999 ATTACHMENT 3 EQCB Staff Report, January 27, 1999, including Attachments 1 through 4 Eucalypts'Grow osaus'nce Re.:un.CC SR 9 January 27, 1999 STAFF REPORT To: Chairman and Members of the Environmental Quality Control Board From: Lee Whittenberg, Director of Development Services Subject BOARD REVIEW — Chapter 7D, Code of the City of Seal Beach, Eucalyptus Grove Preservation SUMMARY OF REQUEST Review and Discuss Chapter 7D of the Code of the City of Seal Beach, review proposed amendments as discussed on October 28, 1998, and provide additional direction to staff regarding this matter. DISCUSSION The Board has discussed this matter on September 30 and October 28, 1998. The subject matter is a City Council adopted law and is in effect at this time. Any changes to Chapter 71) would need to be approved by the City Council through the adoption of an amending City Council Ordinance. At the direction of the Board, staff has prepared a redlinelstrikeout version of Chapter 7D, reflecting amendments as discussed by the Board on October 28, 1998. Language proposed to be deleted is shown by atriltcout, and language to be added is shown by bold and underline. If the Board feels it is appropriate to recommend amendments to the current provisions of Chapter 713, it would be appropriate to instruct staff to prepare a memorandum from the Board to the City Council specifying the areas of concern or proposing appropriate amending language. It would be necessary for the Board to request staff to prepare such a memorandum for consideration at the next Board meeting, based on direction from the Board. RECOMMENDATION Review and Discuss Chapter 713 of the Cede of the C;ly of -.l jkoeb, review proposed amendments as discussed on October 28, 1998, and provide additional direction to staff regarding this matter. c wy ommm trgcru rayo sOA..ow,ance,£QCB sx.m,u.w01-1199 Eucdyaws Grow Preservation Ordinance Revisions EnWromnen d Quality Control Board Staff Report January 27, 1999 �/�J///nom,/j�l/ ,. L/ j/L� �v'tidenberg, Director Development Services Department Attachments: (4) ATTACHMENT 1: Chapter 7D, cat of the City of Sal Beach, Eucalyptus Grove Preservation, with amendments as discussed by Board on October 28, 1998 ATTACHMENT 2: EQCB Minute Excerpt, October 28, 1998 ATTACHMENT 3: EQCB Minute Excerpt, September 30, 1998 ATTACHMENT 4: "Pruning Standards" and "Tree Planting", Western Chapter - International Society of Arboriculture, no date BaYyps Mon ordinate,Ka SR 2 Eucalyptus Grove Preservation Ordinance Revisions Environmental Quality Control Board Staff Report Jamury 27. 7999 ATTACHMENT 1 Chapter 7D, Code of the City of Seal Beach, Eucalyptus Grove Preservation, with amendments as discussed by Board on October 28, 1998 S dtpau ORM Or&nuue.EQCB SR 3 Eucalyptus Grow Preservation Ordinance Revisions Environmental Qaaliry Control Board Shoff Report Janaary 27, 1999 CHAPTER 7D EUCALYPTUS GROVE PRESERVATION 7D-1. Purpose. 4 7D-2. Scope. VD-3. Definitions. f7D-4. Requirements and Procedures. p7D-5. Standards for Granting Permits. PF 17D-6. Expiration of Permits. pitJ7D-7. Violations and Penalties mon 7D-1. Purmmse, Eucalyptus groves are of great historical, aesthetic, and environmental value to the citizens of Seal Beach. The preservation of eucalyptus groves is necessary to promote the public health and welfare by enhancing the scenic beauty, preventing Boson of top soil, protecting against the risk of landslides, counteracting pollutants, and decreasing wind velocities. The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate the removal and destruction of eucalyptus groves to encourage the preservation of eucalyptus trees. (Ord. No. 1271, ¢1) Section 7D-2. Sn,M. The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to eucalyptus groves on all public property and on private property which is vacant, undeveloped, or which is the subject of a change or expansion in land use, exclusive of private communities with a separate governing board existing on the effective date of this ordinance. (Ord. No. 1271, ;1) Section 713-3. Definitions. For the purposes of this Chapter, certain words and phrases are defined as follows: (a) "Director" shall mean the Director of Development Services in a matter involving private property; and "Director" shall mean the Director of Public Works in a matter involving public property or property to be dedicated for public use. (b) "Eucalyptus Tree" shall mean any Dee of the eucalyptus species which measures more than 12 inches in diameter at a point 4.5 fret above the ground. (c) 'Grove" shall mean a duster of not less than fifteen (15)trees. a.n.Own oNioesc,aQCB SR 4 Eucalyptus Grove Preservation Ordinance Revisions Environmental Quality Control Board Staff Report January 27. 1999 (d) "ISA"shall mean the most recently issued version of"Pruning Standards" and "Tree Plantine" by the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, (e) 'Preservation" shall mean the act of keeping or saving a tree from harm or destruction by peeper maintenance, proper pruning, treatment, and other means of safeguarding trees. (f) "Pruning and/or Trimming" shall mean the cutting of any limb or branch. (Ord. No. 1271, §1) Section 7D-4. Tree Permit Requirements and Pmc rinvrs. DR AF (a) pemit Required. No person may remove, cut, destroy, relocate, or undertake other activities which may damage a eucalyptus tree without first obtaining a tee permit from the City. The application for such tree permit shall be on the form approved by the Planning Commission and submitted to the Director, accompanied by the required fee as determined by the Planning Commission. (b) Issuing Authority. (1) Cid Council Ar irovat. City Council approval is required for issuance of a tree permit if the property on which such tree is located is owned or controlled by the City. The City Council may direct the Planning Commission to make a recommendation on such permit to the Council. (2) Plannine Commission Appmvai. Planning Commission Approval is required for issuance of a tree permit if the proposed activities are undertaken in connection with the use or development of private property. (3) RjappirAnval. The Director may issue a tee permit in the event that the proposed activities are not undertaken in connection with the development of property and where the removal or modification,. such g4 wining,of a eucalyptus tree is necessary for the preservation of a grove or tree or for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. (c) Apyiew. Upon review of an application for a tree permit, the issuing authority may approve, approve with conditions, or deny such application subject to the ISA standards set forth in this Chapter. In approving a tree permit, the issuing authority auMm•Oran oacana s,Z CR SR 5 Eucalyptus Grove Preservodon Ordinance Revisions Environmental Quality Control Board Sniff Report January 27, 1999 may impose any reasonable conditions which it deems necessary and appropriate to insure the preservation of eucalyptus trees as set forth in this Chapter. (d) Baring. A public hearing shall be held as set forth in Section 28-2704 for all tree permit applications which are considered by the City Council or the Planning Commission. Notice shall be mailed to all property owners within 300 feet of the subject property, and published in a newspaper of general circulation not less than ten days before the hearing date. (e) Concurrent Review. A tree permit may be considered concurrently with, and as a part of the required public hearing for related land use proposals. Notice as provided in this section shall be given in addition to any notice required for actions considered concurrently with the tree permit. (0 Anoal. Any decision of the Director approving or denying a tree permit may be appealed to the Planning Commission. Any decision of the Planning Commission approving or denying a tree permit may be appealed to the City Council. Any appeal must be filed in writing within ten days after the decision of the Director or the Planning Commission approving or denying a tree permit. The decision of the Director and of the Planning Commission shall be final unless an appeal is filed as set forth herein. All decisions of the City Council shall be final. (Ord. No. 1271, 51) DRAFT SailQIIMLS2adarharinlatingastrak5. The following standards shall be among those considered in reviewing an application for a tree permit: (a) The condition of the eucalyptus tree(s) with respect to disease, danger of falling, and proximity to existing or proposed structures; (b) The determination of an existing or potential danger to life or property; (c) The number of trees which the affected property can adequately support under good forestry practices; (d) The interference of trees with existing utility services and/or streets and highways; (e) The topography of the land and the effect of tree removal or erosion, soil retention, and the diversion or increased flow of surface waters; (0 The effect of tree removal on neighboring properties; li +mrPW Own aldsrce,EQCI SR 6 Eucalyptus Grove Preservation Ordinance Revisions Environmental Quality Control Board Staff Ripon January 17, 1999 (g) The extent to which alternative development plans which do not endanger trees cannot achieve the same intensity of uses as the proposed plans, and the extent to which the cost of alternative development plans is prohibitive. (h) Replacement of individual trees from a grove. to preserve overall health of the /rove. and preserve the number of trees to maintain the grove at its pre- tidgIng number of trees. (1) The most recently issued version of"Prunine Standards" and "Tree Planting" by the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (Ism, (Ord. No. 1271, §1) R�AFT Section 7D-6. Expiration of Permits. An apoved tree permit which is not used within the time specified in the permit or, if no time is specified, within one year after the issuance of such permit, shall become null and void. An application requesting an extension may be filed prior to such expiration date, and the Director may extend the life of the permit fora period not to exceed one year. (Ord. No. 1271, §1) Section 7D-7. Violations and Penalties. Any person violates the provisions of this Chapter 6ball be euilty of an Infraction, punishable as provided in Section 1-8 of this Code • auoYyqu Mow°N'ivaa,En SR 7 Eucalyptus Grove Preservation Ordinance Revisions Environmental Quality Control Board Staff Report January 27. 1999 ATTACHMENT 2 EQCB Minute Excerpt, October 28, 1998 • Buda.awe ONinute,EQCB SR 8 • City of Seal Bath En. ....aS war Cara Bova-wages sorer ae,lois MOTION by McGuire SECOND by Hurley to have the EQCB Minutes of September 30, 1998 agendized for the next meeting. MOTION CARRIED: 4—0-1 AYES: McGuire, Voce, Jones, Hurley ABSENT: Porter Member Hurley, saying he didn't make the proper notations, asked what the Board just did on the September 16, 1997 Minutes? Vice Chairperson McGuire said they were approved. Member Hurley asked is September 2, 1998 were approved? Mr. Whittenberg said they were approved with amendments. Member Hurley said he thought there was one set of Minutes that were tabled. Member Voce said the Board was going to table the September 30, 1998 Minutes but the Board was able to make the necessary insertions and corrections. Vice Chairperson McGuire asked these to be agendized for review once again. r12. Board Review — Chapter 7D, Code of the City of Seal Beach, Eucalyptus Grove Preservation. Member Voce said all EQCB members received a copy of this Code section. He wanted to make notations to amend and improve it. Starting with 7D-3(d)-Preservation, at the second line it says: Preservation'shall mean the act of keeping or saving a tree from harm or destruction by proper maintenance, pruning treatment, and other means of 1 safeguarding trees. He wanted to revise the wording to read '... destruction by maintenance, proper pruning treatment, and other means Additionally, Section 7D-4 reads: (b)(3)Director Aoorovel. The Director may issue a tree permit in the event that the proposed activities are not undertaken in connection with the development of property and where the removal or modification of e eucalyptus bee is necessary for the preservation of a grove or tree or for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. Member Voce wants It to read "removal or modification, such as pruning, ...e. His reasoning was to get the concept of pruning more engrained into this law. We're trying to get this ISA standard going. Member Voce said he wanted people to understand that pruning is a modification. Under Section 7D-4 (C) Review it reads: 10-28-98 EQCB Minutes.doc 8 / City of Se a..m EmiennrM.l Quality Control Based—Minute*al 001.ber 211.11.13 / Upon review of an application for a tree permit the issuing authority may 111 approve, approve with conditions, or deny such application subject to the standards set forth In this Chapter. In approving a tree permit, the issuing authority may Impose any reasonable conditions which it deems necessary and appropriate to insure the preservation of eucalyptus trees as set forth in this Chapter. Member Voce suggested Inserting 'International Society of Arborculture (ISA)' before 6...standards set...'. Vice Chairperson McGuire said this should be under definitions so it will always be known as that. Mr. Whittenberg agreed, adding the wording should say ISA shall be the most recently-adopted version of the International Society of Arborculture standards'. Mr. Whittenberg said the definitions would be rearranged to keep them in alphabetical order. Member Hurley asked if it would be beneficial to add something about the health and preservation of eucalyptus tees under Review? Mr. Whittenberg said Section 7D-1 —purpose talks about `The preservation of eucalyptus groves is necessary to promote the public health and welfare by enhancing the scenic beauty, preventing erosion of top soil, protecting against the risk of landslides...'That's the basic purpose of having all these regulations. There was Board discussion on preservation versus health, noting something could be dead and preserved. The simpler it is kept the better. Member Voce reviewed Section 7D-5, wanting to add a (h), at page 1503 after (g). The purpose would be preservation of individual trees and also groves. You don't want to just replace single trees, you might want to replace a grove. If development threatens a grove, the entire grove may be removed. There is a definition of what constitutes a 'grove'. It would take the removal of 15 trees to be considered a grove removal. There are several standards for granting permits. If trees are planted too dose together and they begin to grow Into each other, It may be necessary to remove a tee to save others. It may not warrant replacing that ore tree. But if the grove number goes below 15 trees as a result of this, that would become another Issue. Does the City grant a condition to replace Individual trees across the board or should It be a condition of the situation on hand? Mr. Whittenberg suggested staff could prepare a redline/strikeout copy on revisions based on this discussion. He suggested: The replacement of individual trees from a grove would be considered in order to preserve the overall health of the grove. 10-28-98 EQCB Minutes.doc 9 Cry of SS Sad.Emhmw4l Ovary Castrol Board-Min a or oane.r a I9fl Member Voce thought that was excellent because ft incorporates ell the points. Member Voce reviewed Section 70-5, wanting to add an (i), at page 1503 after (h). The purpose would be to incorporate ISA pruning and trimming standards. He didn't suggest any wording but asked staff to work it into the Code. He wanted to make sure both temps, I.e., °pruning' and`trimming'were addressed. Member Voce considered adding a Section 7D-7 regarding violations. What happens if somebody does something without a permit Mr. Whittenberg said the municipal Code has a section on violations. My violation of the Code is considered a misdemeanor unless, by separate ordinance, ft's established as an Infraction. M infraction carries a monetary fine. The Board discussed this issue, noting ft is now covered as a misdemeanor. Mr. Whittenberg said a misdemeanor is only adjudicated in a municipal court and would most likely not be a high-priority item. This type of case would most likely be low on the court's calendar and the judge would probably by to find a way to mediate a settlement with no trial. It would mean the City's attorneys spending a lot of time preparing documents and not getting to trial. The infraction process Involves a citation with the first violation being a warning to get a permit; it would not carry a fine. It functions like a traffic citation, it increases with time. Member Voce asked if he should ask Craig Steele how this should be written up as an infraction? He noted some trees are very expensive. Mr. Whittenberg mentioned the Board might want to consider including measurements for trees—such as a 12- diameter tree. Member Voce said he hadn't gone Into that because he was focusing on making corrections. It could be recommended to be revised for 6' trunks. Also, we could go down to 10 trees constituting a grove. He asked the Boardmembers to please think about this because he didn't want to be the sole driving force. Member Hurley said he'd like to talk to arborists on this issue because he felt he needed more information before this is set. Member Voce said that would be fine with him, suggesting this be tabled for further review and until the EQCB talks to a professional arborist, and notify the City Council that the two areas to be changed are the number of trees that constitutes and grove and the diameter of a tree that fits the qualification. MOTION by Voce; SECOND by Hurley to check on the specifications regarding individual trees. Before the vote, Member Jones suggested the diameter could be changed to a height qualification number, as ft might be more relative to a less well informed person on trees. 10-28-98 EQCB Minutes.doc 10 tlr Mari hsd EmFamrRY Orally Cana Board-Minutes M Odx .'213,1908 Member Voce said when trees are topped, and have half their height removed, you have a wide trunk with no height. That happens a lot. Mr. VUhittenberg said because staff must enforce this, ft's easier to wrap a measuring tape around a tree than to attempt to measure height. MOTION CARRIED: — MOTION by Voce; SECOND by Hurley for staff to provide the EQCB a redline- strike-out version regarding the amendments it made to the municipal Code. Before the Vote, Member Hurley asked If this would be with/without legal counsel's input? ( . Mr. Whittenberg said staff will confer with the City Attorney prior to returning this document to the Board. MOTION CARRIED: 4–0-1 AYES: . Voce, Hurley, McGuire, Jones ABSENT: Porter 13. EQCB Resolution No. 98-1 Member McGuire said the second to the bottom line says 'Towne Center Development Plan, with modification?. She continued to say that when you read through the EQCB Minutes of September 30, 1998, there is discussion on page 11, which references this resolution. It's unfortunate that this resolution was not read to the Board during the meeting; she has a tape of that meeting. Because the way this is worded is really not the intent with which the Board planned on it being worded. At line 32, 'Mr. Porter asks if the EQCB has voted on the SR subject to the set of conditions? Mr. Steele said the EQCB now needs a motion to approve Resolution No. 98-1A, with the set of conditions discussed. Again, on line 37 Mr. Porter says subject to the set of conditions approved. Go to line 39, at the end of the line it says 'The Vice Chair asks if, since this is a subject to, does that mean the SR is not approved as adequate unless these conditions are adhered to? Mr. Steele says, Wes'and referenced Section 6 of the resolution' Section 6 of the resolution, page 2, line 3, says 'EQCB hereby recommends that the City Coundl...' First of all, we didn't read through the wording at the meeting because Mr. Porter and I are very explicit that this is a 'subject to'. Again, Section 6 on page 2 it says, 'Hereby recommend?. Therefore, she had two concerns with the resolution: . Page 1, where It says 'Resolution No. 98.1A', the big, bold print, the bottom line that says 'With modification?. She said would have been more adequate was 'Towne Center Development Plan, subject to the following conditions'. She said 10-28-98 EQCB Minutes.doc 11 • Eucalyptus Grove Preservation Ordnance Revisions Environmental Quality Control Board Staff Report January 27. 1999 ATTACHMENT 3 EQCB Minute Excerpt, September 30, 1998 Eucalyptus Give Qditunce,EQCB SR 9 • City of Cal Such EQCB Minutes of Cophsmar 30, 1e90 Member Porter asked if this now means the EQCB has voted on the ER subject to the 7 conditions? Mr. Steele said the Board now needs a Motion to approve Resolution No. 98-1A with the 7 conditions discussed. MOTION by Porter, SECOND by Hurley that the EQCB adopt Resolution No. 98-1A subject to the 7 conditions approved. Discussion prior to vote: The Vice Chair asked if since this is 'subject to' does that mean the EIR's not approved as adequate unless these conditions are adhered to? Mr. Steele said yes, and referenced Section 6 of the resolution. Vice Chair McGuire assured the Board that she would check the resolution prior to her signing it. MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 AYES: McGuire, Hurley, Voce, Porter, Jones NOES: None 9. Board Review—Chapter 7D Code of the City of Seal Beach Eucalyptus Grove Preservation Member Hurley asked the Board to wait until he found the materials. Member Voce asked for this matter to be brought to the Agenda but did not ask the Board to act on it tonight. He asked only that the Board begin to review this material and perhaps discuss andfor take action In a month. The Eucalyptus Grove Preservation law that we have requires a permit process. ft doesn't have any penalties for not obtaining permits and it does not have guidelines. He recommended that the EQCB go to the City Council and ask for this law to be reopened to have amendments added. One would be that the International Society of Arborculture Standards (ISA) or National Arborist Association Standards (NM) be adopted for the requirement of granting permits for pruning or otherwise shaping the trees. In the FEIR the Board discussed this but it would only cover that one windrow on Seal Beach Boulevard on the Bixby property. This would be Citywide. There are many species of Eucalyptus trees. They would have to have trunks 1'diameter minimum at 4' above ground level. There would have to be a minimum of 15 trees minimum in the duster to qualify as a grove. Other suggestions can be made. Consideration must be taken for removal of trees for various reasons. Member Hurley asked if the EQCB would refer it to staff? Member Voce said the EQCB will refer this to staff to return, either at the next meeting or at a more suitably scheduled meeting, with the three suggestions discussed or the Board could discuss the matter again when Mr. Whittenberg is present. Member Voce didn't mind a month's delay. 12 City of Seal Beach EOCB Minutes of September 30,1008 Member Hurley asked if staff would proceed with proposed wording? Member Voce said that wouldn't be necessary. He suggested Board members do some background reading. He would contact tree experts from the State. Member Hurley asked which sections of the law was he addressing these changes to? Member Voce said there is an issuing authority section but that's not the one. It's standards for granting permits. The penalty phase would have to be completely new, if It were desired. Member Hurley asked if there would have to be a separate section on rules governing removal of a tree? Member Voce said Mr. Steele might have to answer this — but not now. The only suggestion the Board could give to the City Attorney's consultant firm is to review the existing law so if there are questions next time they will be able to. They wouldn't be preoccupied with other instructions. The Vice Chair asked Mr. Steele if, for the next meeting, he could determine if it's legal to have a penalty if someone was to break this code? The Vice Chair rephrased her request and decided to wait until the next meeting to work on this issue. Member Porter said the two organizations referred to were private organizations and asked if they would be creating the standard? Member Voce said he was not sure If they were technically private organizations. The International Society of Arboculture and the National Arborists Association— he didn't know. When you mandate a standard, if that standard changes, and you update your standards does the original mandate stand? It's a question for our legal staff. Mr. Steele said that when an outside source Is Incorporated to be the City's standard in the municipal Code, that standard Is the one that applies, even If it gets amended. For example, the City incorporates a number of unifying codes - -the Uniform Fire Code etc., and we specify a certain year's edition to be City's standard. Every time those standards get updated (3 — 4 years) the City goes back and adopts them. The City specifies that year to be the City's standard. The situation is a little different if we adopt something as a condition of approval on a permit. For example 'AD trees will be pruned in accordance with the Arborists' standards as they may be amended from time to time' and that extends over time. ft's then the arborists' responsibility to keep up with the standards and comply with them as they change. If it were an ordinance that the 13 City of Sal Becht EOM Minute of e.ptMnbwr 30, 1098 City enforces with a criminal penalty then he'd say no, we'd have to keep going back and updating It. If it's a condition of approval, then that's something entirely different. Member Voce said the State laws, like CEQA, regularly go through changes. The legislature makes changes and constant updates. The laws he referenced are State laws and are applicable to all cities. The Vice Chair said she would like to review this at the next meeting, adding she'd be happy if everybody who trims trees would have a business license. Member Voce said If this item is on the EQCB's next agenda he would hope everybody would have a copy of this material to review. The Vice Chair agreed and noted she would like to see the standards to see how stringent they are. She would like to know what would be imposed. This will be placed on the next agenda. With no more comments on this issue, the Board returned to Mr. Steele and Resolution 98-1A (Comments incorporated above) SCHEDULED MATTERS CONTINUED The Vice Chair indicated that items 5, 6 and 7 call for approval of Minutes. MOTION by Hurley; SECOND by_to table approval of the Minutes. They do not include the items on the Consent Calendar that the Board approved that day. On earlier occasions we wanted a permanent record of what was approved on the Consent Calendar. MOTION FAILED due to lack of a Second. Member McGuire SECONDED the Motion. Member Voce said the Minutes are to be a part of the Record going to the Planning Commission. He asked if they had to be approved to go? Mr. Steele said that in the past the Planning Commission has asked for final approved Minutes of the EQCB. When is the next scheduled EQCB meeting? October 2e. Member Voce asked if that means if one of the Minutes is tabled that they don't go on to the Planning Commission? Does the Board have to come back and approve these Minutes before they can go on? The next EQCB meeting will be October 28th. 14 Eucatyptiu Grove Preservation Ordinance Revisions Environmental Quality Control Board Staff Report January 27, 1999 ATTACHMENT 4 "Pruning Standards" and "Tree Planting", Western Chapter - International Society of Arboriculture, no date araypau Stow OQdwnce,EQCB SR 10 • PRUNING STANDARDS � QSXONAL moo, �, .: - r' WESTERN = ;.261'x" CHAPTER .r. .,Y t .4901110.9 WESTERN CHAPTER international Societti of Arboriculture ARIZONA CALIFORNIA HAWAII NEVADA Certification Committee • PO. Box 3118 • Napa. California 94558 s WESTERN CHAPTER ISA PRUNING STANDARDS Purpose: Trees and other woody plants respond in specific and predictable ways to pruning and other maintenance practices. Careful study of these responses has led to pruning practices which best preserve and enhance the beauty, structural integrity. and functional value of trees. In an effort to promote practices which encourage the preservation of tree structure and health, the W.C. ISA Certification Committee has established the following Standards of Pruning for Certified Arborists.The Standards are presented as working guidelines,recognizing that trees are individually unique in form and structure,and that their pruning needs may not always fit strict rules. The Certified Arborist must take • responsibility for special pruning practices that vary greatly from these Standards. I. Pruning Techniques A. A thinning cut removes a branch at its point of attachment or shortens it to a lateral large enough to assume the terminal role. Thinning opens up a tree, reduces weight on heavy limbs,can reduce a tree's height,distributes ensuing invigoration throughout a tree and helps retain the tree's natural shape. Thinning cuts are therefore preferred in tree pruning. When shortening a branch or leader,the lateral to which it is cut should be at least one-half the diameter of the cut being made. Removal of a branch or leader back to a sufficiently large lateral is often called "drop crotching" B. A heading cut removes a branch to a stub, a bud or a lateral branch not large enough to assume the terminal role. Heading cuts should seldom be used because vigorous,weakly attached upright sprouts are forced just below such cuts,and the tree's natural form is altered.In some situations,branch stubs die or produce only weak sprouts. C. When removing a live branch, pruning cuts should be made in branch tissue just outside the branch bark ridge and collar, which are trunk tissue. (Figure I) If no collar is visible,the angle of the cut should approximate the angle formed by the branch bark ridge and the trunk. (Figure 2) D. When removing a dead branch,the final cut should be made outside the collar of live callus tissue. If the collar has grown out along the branch stub, only the dead stub should be removed, the live collar should remain intact, and uninjured. (Figure.5) E. When reducing the length of a branch or the height of a leader, the final cut should be made just beyond (without violating) the branch bark ridge of the branch being cut to.The cut should approximately bisect the angle formed by the branch bark ridge and an imaginary line perpendicular to the trunk or branch cut. (Figure 4) F. A goal of structural pruning is to maintain the size of lateral branches to less . than three-fourths the diameter of the parent branch or trunk. If the branch is codominant or close to the size of the parent branch,thin the branch's foliage by 15%to 25%.particularly near the terminal.Thin the parent branch less.if at all. This will allow the parent branch to grow at a faster rate, will reduce the weight of the lateral branch, slow its total growth, and develop a stronger branch attachment.If this does not appear appropriate,the branch should be completely removed or shortened to a large lateral. (Figure 5) G. On large-growing trees, except whorl-branching conifers, branches that are more than one-third the diameter of the trunk should be spaced along the trunk at least 18 inches apart, on center. If this is not possible because of the present size of the tree, such branches should have their foliage thinned 15% to 25%, particularly near their terminals. (Figure 6) H. Pruning cuts should be clean and smooth with the bark at the edge of the cut firmly attached to the wood. I. Large or heavy branches that cannot be thrown clear, should be lowered on ropes to prevent injury to the tree or other property. J. Wound dressings and tree paints have not been shown to be effective in preventing or reducing decay They are therefore not recommended for routine use when pruning. 2 r� branch bark , 1 y ridge FIGURE I. When removing a branch, the final cut branch should be just outside the branch bark collar ridge and collar. v-- �` ✓ .0 k......."'" yJ ` . . . V ,7 FIGURE 2. In removing a limb without a branch collar, the angle of the R final cut to the brunch bark ridge should approximate the \e/t-/-: g angle the branch bark ridge C forms with the limb. Angle AB should equal Angle BC. • j . y c. FIGURE 3. When removing a dead branch. cut out- ii side the callus tissue that has begun to form around the branch. \ . 7...:2.-""cmj FIGURE 4. In -;moving the end ofa limb to o large lateral branch, the final cut is made along o line that bisects -• the angle between the branch bork ridge and a line perpendicular to - the limb being removed.Angle AB B is equal to Angle BC. FIGURE 5. A tree with limbs tending to be equal- `.r -fr."L.,..41...\\-\\ 'y sized, or codominant Limbs marked B ' -- '''v'.; C 3,.. _ � ore greater than�sthe size olthe parent -„e c:. `� ' _ limb A. Thin the foliage of branch B more Z ' than branch A to slow its growth and -. _, A r 4%2;1.: develop a stronger branch attachment. ED �r�" C 5 r - c ` y J • 7)&(-P j° Aal - U `/ IL' FIGURE 6. Major branches• ches shoul/ be well spaced both along and around ✓� 1 the stem. . r � 4 . . )11\\\\) . 4 • II.Types of Pruning— Mature Trees A CROWN CLEANING Crown cleaning or cleaning out is the removal of dead, dying, diseased. crowded, weakly attached, and low-vigor branches and watersprouts from a tree crown. B. CROWN THINNING Crown thinning includes crown cleaning and the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and airmOvement into the crown.Increased light and air stimulates and maintains interior foliage, which in turn improves branch taper and strength.Thinning reduces the wind-sail effect of the crown and the weight of heavy limbs.Thinning the crown can emphasize the structural beauty of trunk and branches as well as improve the growth of plants beneath the tree by increasing light penetration. When thinning the crown of mature trees, seldom should more than one-third of the live foliage be removed. At least one-half of the foliage should be on branches that arise in the lower two-thirds of the trees.Likewise, when thinning laterals from a limb,an effort should be made to retain inner lateral branches and leave the same distribution of foliage along the branch. Trees and branches so pruned will have stress more evenly distributed throughout the tree or along a branch. An effect known as "lion's-tailing" results from pruning out the inside lateral branches.Lion's-tailing,by removing all the inner foliage.displaces the weight to the ends of the branches and may result in sunburned branches, water- sprouts, weakened branch structure and limb breakage. C. CROWN REDUCTION Crown reduction is used to reduce the height and/or spread of a tree.Thinning cuts are most effective in maintaining the structural integrity and natural form of a tree and in delaying the time when it will need to be pruned again. The lateral to which a branch or trunk is cut should be at least one-half the diameter of the cut being made. D. CROWN RESTORATION Crown restoration can improve the structure and appearance of trees that have been topped orseverely pruned using heading cuts.One to three sprouts on main branch stubs should be selected to reform a more natural appearing crown. Selected vigorous sprouts may need to be thinned to a lateral,or even headed,to control length growth in order to ensure adequate attachment for the size of the sprout.Restoration may require several prunings over a number of years. S II.Types of Pruning—Mature Trees (continued) E. CROWN RAISING Crown raising removes the lower branches of a tree in order to provide clearance for buildings,vehicles.pedestrians,and vistas. It is important that a tree have at least one-half of its foliage on branches that originate in the lower two-thirds of its trunk to ensure a well-forme& tapered structure and to uniformly distribute stress within a tree. When pruning for view, it is preferable to develop "windows" through the foliage of the tree, rather than to severely raise or reduce the crown. III. Size of Pruning Cuts Each of the Pruning Techniques(Section I)and Types of Pruning (Section II) can be done to different levels of detail or refinement. The removal of many small branches rather than a few large branches will require more time,but will produce a . less-pruned appearance,will force fewer watersprouts and will help to maintain the vitality and structure of the tree. Designating the maximum size (base diameter) that any occasional undesirable branch may be left within the tree crown, such as 'h' t' or 2' branch diameter, will establish the degree of pruning desired. IV. Climbing Techniques A. Climbing and pruning practices should not injure the tree except for the pruning cuts. B. Climbing spurs or gaffs should not be used when pruning a tree, unless the branches are more than throw-line distance apart. In such cases, the spurs should be removed once the climber is tied in. C. Spurs may be used to reach an injured climber and when removing a tree. D. Rope injury to thin barked trees from loading out heavy limbs should be avoided by installing a block in the tree to carry the load.This technique may also be used to reduce injury to a crotch from the climber's line. 6 4/6.- TREE "TREE PANTING 1. Introduction: responsibilities and possibilities It takes five years to plant a tree. A successful tree planting involves: a)Selection of a site, and definition of site characteristics (space: above, at, and below the soil surface; type of soil; drainage, etc.). b)Selection of the right kind of tree (i.e., a species that can grow to full size and live for 40-100 years or more in good condition, providing the desired landscape function, with very low maintenance). c)Selection of high quality specimens for planting. • d)Preparation of the site. e)Installation of the tree(s). f)'imely, adequate post-planting care. g)Monitoring for the first five years. h)Effective water management, protection, and pruning (training for suitable primary branch structure and general form) for the first five years. If all of those operations are carried out appropriately, the tree can thrive, and can provide from one to many human generations of benefit, at very little cost or effort after the critical first five years. 'Yee planting can range from the planting of seeds weighing only a few milligrams, to relocation of mature trees weighing 25 to 40 tons. Most tree planting, however, consists of installing nursery grown trees that are from about one to three years old. -2 In California, the majority of landscape trees are growin containers and marketed as 1, 5 or 15 gallon size container specimens. The' most generally preferred size for planting is the 15 gallon size. Therefore, most of the guidelines offered here will relate to the planting of 15 gallon size container-grown trees. The following pages illustrate the steps in the installation process. !bat planters will not have the opportunity or knowledge needed to carry out steps a) through d) above. It is to be hoped that those responsible for preliminary preparations will have done so in an appropriate manner. Even though citizen volunteers may not be able to do much beyond the operation of tree installation, all planters should be made aware of the need for effective fulfillment of the preliminary stages. Those who continue to work with trees should learn, practice and teach the full spectrum of proper tree management operations. -3- STAMM There are only two conditions under which a tree should be staked: (1) if the trunk is not strong enough to support the branches and leaves; or (2) if the tree needs protection from intentional or accidental damage by humans or by large animals in the area. When vandalism, browsing animals, or accidental injury to the tree need not be addressed, each newly planted tree should be inspected to determine whether support staking is necessary. When it is not, no staking should be done. Irees that have been grown in the open rarely need support. However, most of the available trees for planting will have been grown in containerized nursery blocks. Such practices as crowding, topping and rigid staking in the container usually induce abnormal, weakened trunks. Then it becomes necessary to stake the trees as soon as they are planted. When the staking is done correctly, the trees . are given the required support, and at the same time, are enabled to develop natural strength and flexibility. After 6 months to a year of proper support staking, the trees will no longer need the stakes: at that stage the stakes and ties must be removed. If left in place after the tree has become capable of self support, the stakes and ties will not help, and may seriously harm the tree. There are thus three steps in staking: 1)determining whether stakes are needed; 2)installing stakes when necessary; and 3)removing stakes and ties in 6-12 months, when the tree no longer needs the support. A. Determining need for stakes • 1. Does the history of the planting site indicate a likelihood of vandalism? (If so, protective staking is recommended. ) 2. Will the tree be subject to injury from lawn mowers, nylon string trimmers (weed eaters), or other maintenance equipment? (If so, • protective staking is recommended.) 3. Will the tree be exposed to heavy foot traffic, injury from cars or trucks (e.g., if situated close to a parking site), or other sources of accidental impact? (If so, protective staking is recommended.) 4. Does the tree trunk show definite taper? (Taper refers to the decrease in trunk diameter from ground level upward. That is, pronounced trunk taper will be seen as a trunk that is broader at the base than further up the stem. Good trunk taper is usually found in species such as sweet gum (Liquidambar), and in pines, spruce and other trees which have branches growing out close to the ground.] (If the trunk shows pronounced taper, the tree probably will not need support staking.) 5. If a tightly-attached stake was present when the tree was obtained from the nursery, the stake should be left in place during the planting operation. After the tree has been installed, untie and remove the nursery stake. Does the unsupported trunk bend over under the weight of the branches and foliage? (If so, the tree needs support staking.) 6. If the unsupported trunk is bent over, either by the wind or by gently pushing it, does it return to a normal upright position when the pressure is released? (If so, it should not require support staking. ) 7. If a free-standing tree does not have enough strength and resilience in the trunk to hold and return the crown to a normal vertical placement, it should have support staking. The next step is to determine the ' point along the trunk at which it should be secured to the stakes. B. Specifications for staking. 1. Protective staking. When a tree is self supporting, but needs protection from people or machines, it should have protective staking. If the main potential for injury is from mowers and/or grass trimmers, -5- • 3 or 4 short stakes should be driven into the ground around the base of the tree. The stakes can be 2X2 inch by 4 foot lumber, or 3 inch round lodgepole pine stakes cut to 4 feet (and pointed on one end, in either case). The stakes should be set about 15 inches apart, surrounding the tree trunk. After the stakes are driven into the soil, their tops should be about 2} feet above ground level. (It is important that they be clearly visible, so people will not trip over or walk into the stakes.) If the trees need shielding from vandals or impact, e.g., by parking vehicles, the stakes should be heavier , taller, and connected by cross- pieces. 2X4 inch or 3X3 inch stakes, set to a 4-5 foot height, should be driven in at 15-18 inches apart, with 4 surrounding each tree. 2X4 inch cross pieces should be bolted or nailed to the stakes at 6-15 inches above ground level, at the tops of the stakes, and at 18-24 inch intervals between the top and bottom crosspieces. 2. Support staking. Use 2X2 lumber, about 6 feet long, and pointed on one end; or 3 inch round lodgepole pine stakes. (Other materials can also be used: the items above are suggested because of their ready availability and suitable size.) If the tree has a nursery stake snugly attached, and a uniformly thin trunk (i.e., no perceptible taper) which appears unlikely to support the crown (branches and leaves), it would be advisable to set the support stakes in place before untying the nursery stake. Support stakes should be installed in pairs, on opposite sides of the tree trunk, more or less perpendicular to the direction of seasonal strong winds. In coastal southern California, Santa Ana winds are generally from the northeast, and coastal winds usually from the southwest: therefore it is a good idea to set the support stakes on the northwest and southeast sides of the tree trunk. The stakes should be installed about 8-12 inches away from the tree trunk, in locations which will not cause rubbing against the trunk or -6- branches. Stake driving with a maul or other heavy harmer is not recommended. There is too much likelihood of injury to trees and tree planters. The most useful device is a post driver, • heavy metal cylinder, capped at one end, and having two handles attached to the sides. (The manufactured post drivers are 4-6 inches in diameter, and 24-36 inches long. Handmade 'versions usually are at the lower end of those size ranges.) The post driver is placed over the top of the stake,and the stake is driven into the ground by lifting and then forcefully pulling down on the post driver. The stakes should be driven into the ground to a depth of about 2 feet, when feasible. Stake placement for 15 gallon size container-grown trees is usually in the backfill zone: the backfill soil is not firm enough to give adequate stake stability, so the point of the stake needs to penetrate the undisturbed soil below the planting hole. After the stakes are in place, ties are to be attached to stabilize the tree trunk. To give maximum benefit, the ties should be placed at the lowest effective trunk height. When a trunk is secured to stakes at an unnecessarily high point, it defeats the aim of strengthening the trunk. When a trunk or branch is flexed by vindforce, gravity, or other pressure, the stress sets off a series of responses in the woody tissues: the end result is that the cell walls become thickened in ways that make the mail( or branch stronger, while retaining flexibility. If the trunk is tied higher than is appropriate for this process, it remains dependent on the support. To determine the right height for placement of support ties on the trunk: a)Hold the trunk firmly at about halfway between ground level and tree top. b)Have the upper trunk portion gently pulled to one side. The bending of the trunk should be as nearly horizontal as is practical, without risking breakage. (However, if there is uncertainty about the stem's -7- tolerance for bending without breaking, bend the tree's top only a little bit: better a slight misplacement of support ties than a tree whose top is broken out.) c)After the upper part of the stem has been flexed sideways, it should be released. d)If the crown does not return by itself to a normal upright position, the point at which the trunk is being held is too low for effective support. Grip the trunk at a higher level and repeat the flexing process. e)If the crown returns readily to a natural vertical position, repeat the process while holding the trunk in place at a lower level. f)After a few trial and error tests of the tree's ability to right itself after the upper part has been bent over and released, one can determine the lowest point on the trunk at which stabilization will assure vertical orientation of the entire stem. The proper place to tie the trunk to the support stakes is about 6 inches above that point. The ties should be strong enough that they do not break under wind stress; flexible enough to let the trunk move a little in the wind; and sufficiently broad, smooth and non-constricting to hold the trunk without damaging the bark by rubbing or girdling ("choking") the trunk. Many suitable types of tie material are available. These include heavy plastic plant (tree) tie ribbon, rubber or plastic tubing, and a variety of commercial products. Conversely, many utterly unsuitable types of tie material are available, which should never be used. /hese include wire, twine, rope, and a commercial product which consists'of a curved metal rod. Do not use anything which is rigid, or which will abrade the bark, or which can constrict the stem and thereby girdle it. It is usually best to attach the tie between the tree stem and the stake in a -8- figure eight pattern. That is, put the tie around the trunk, cross the ends then wrap it around the stake. Nail or staple the tie to the stake, but not to the tree. Mien both ties are in place, they should be firm and taut, but not stretched tightly. They should hold the trunk in an upright position, yet allow it to bend slightly under pressure (to allow a little sway in a breeze). The tops of the stakes should then be cut off about 2 inches above the ties. -9- PLANTDC A 'DIM 1. an DRAINAGE. _ _cam DIG A HOLE FILL WITH WATER Pff.ASLRiE RATE OF DRAINAGE MORE THAN 3 INCCS PER HOUR: EXCESSIVE DRAINAGE RATE 1-3 INCHES PER HOUR: GOOD DRAINAGE RATE LESS THAN 1 INCH PER HOUR: POOR DRAINAGE RATE vL rfir 1-GALLON-SIZE TREE: 5-GALLON-SIZE TREE; 12 INC}ff5 OR MORE 20 INCHES OR MORE 30" 15-GALLON-SIZE TREE: 30 INCHES OR MORE 2. DIG PLANT= /DIE AT LEAST 2 TIMES AS WIDE AS ROOT SALL. -10- . PLANTING A TREE (COAT.) 3. DIG PLANTING HOLE THE BIGHT DEPDR. - - - - _ _ - - _ r 2.. - - I ROOT (J BALL 13-15" 4, _ FOR 1REES ISH p CLAY SOIL; ECM DRAINAGE: HEAVY, SI-0H-iT'J-DRAIN SOIL: TOP OF ROOT BALL 1-2 INCHES ABOVE SURROUNDING GRADE I ROOT C BALL - - - - - - . v- ' - - -Y ROOT BALL 14-15" DEEPEN PLANTING HOLE AROUND EDGE y ULAN SOIL; 000D DRAINAGE: TOP OF ROOT BALL ABOUT 1 INCH ABOVE SURROUNDING GRADE ROOT „----)„ BALL - - - - _ � 1_2.. . - _ _ _ ,: / T :it: 2-4" WIDE ROOT 2-3 ET. DEEP t,• BALL lc FITS, HITT{ : 3/4" GRAVEL - W - I• ' :i v. • SANDY SOIL; FAST DRAINAGE: 1.' TOP OF ROOT BALI. 1-2INCHES AUGER DRAIN HOLES BESAW SURROUNDING GRADE IN BOTTOM OF FLAMING HOLE -11- PIANTING A TREE (CONT.) 4. PLACE ROOT BAIL IN PLANT= IDLE; BACKFILL WITH THE SOIL THAT WAS TAKEN OUT TO HARE DIE IDLE. FILL IN 3-4 INCHES. TME OR FIRM SOIL WITH FOOT PRESSURE. REPEAT UNTIL HOLE IS FILLED TO TOP EDGE OF ROOT BALL. 1. . _ . ROOT BALL 5. MAKE A RIDGE OF SOIL 4-5 1NZFIES HIGH AROUND OUTSIDE OF BA[YTLL AREA; TO KDRH A CATCH BASIN FOR WATER. CATCH BASIN a.- v ... . ..I" Arakilit ROOT BALL 6. WATER ROOT BALL our mcmw. USE HOSE NOZZLE OR ROOT FEEDER ATTACPSENT, IF AVAILABLE, TO WET INSIDE OF ROOT BALL. APPROXIMATE MARE OF WATER: • 1-GALLON-SIZE TREE: 1-11/2 QUARTS S'GALL.ON-SIZE TREE: 1-1I GALLONS 15-CALLON-SIZE TREE: 2-4 GALLONS -12- PLANTING A TREE (CONT.) 7. RAM THE BACKFILL SOIL. FILL THE CATCH BASIN WITH WATER. AFTER THE WATER SOAKS IN, REFILL. APPRLD@LA2E VOIDS OP WATER: 1-GALLON-SIZE TREE: 1-2 GALLONS S-GALLON-SIZE TREE: 3-6 GALLONS 15-GALLOON-SIZE TREE: 10-20 GALLONS 8. ADD MULCH. NO PITCH AGAINST TREE BASE. 2-3 INCH DEPTH OF MULCH OUT TO SOIL RIDGE. SUITABLE MULCHES: WOOD CHIPS (NITROLIZID, IF AVAILABLE), DRY LEAVES, DRY (BROWN) GRASS CLIPPINGS, REDWOOD BARK, AND OTHERS. MULCH - ~~" \ -11r 4". `i SOIL RIDGE (BERM) ROOT BALL BACKFILL 9. STATE TREE (ONLY IF NEED). TWO STAKES, 8-12 INDIES FROM TRUNK, LOCATED PERPENDICULAR TO DIRECTION OF PREVAILING WM. TIE TO TREE TRUNK 6" ABOVE LOWEST POINT THAT WILL RETURN FLECE STEM TO NORMAL UPRIGHT POSITION. -13- • / • • TIES: STRONG, FLEXIBLE, NON-CONSTRICTING; ATTACHED IN FIGURE EIGHT WRAP. LOWEST POINT ON STEM WHERE SUPPORI WILL RESTORE TOP OF TREE TO NORMAL VERTICAL POSITION, AFTER BEING B£IT SIDEWAYS AND RELEASED. ' I 1 ! 2 OR 3 INCH MICR STAKES, OR ROUND. 117 II I CATCH BASIN is.a? �— BACKFILL 1 ROOT BALL STACDC: Owns= INSTALLATION OF 15-GALLON-SIZE CONIApIDtGROWNTREE.