HomeMy WebLinkAboutOTTER BOX CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS (209 S. MELDRUM ST.) - FDP - 35-09/A - CORRESPONDENCE - LANDSCAPE PLAN (3)(4/29/2010) Emma McArdle - Black Walnut S Meldrum Page 1
From:
Tim Buchanan
To:
dave.lenort@brinkmanpartners.com
CC:
Emma McArdle; Ralph Zeno
Date:
4/29/2010 1:18 PM
Subject:
Black Walnut 209 S. Meldrum
Hi Dave,
This following is a summary of the construction impact to the Black Walnut at 209 S. Meldrum that we
reviewed with you on 4-29-10.
1. Excavation required for construction without a vertical shoring wall will result in a significant amount of
root cutting within a few feet of the tree trunk that will damage the tree to the point it would need to be
removed.
2. Construction a vertical shoring wall could keep excavation 10-12 feet from the outer bark of the tree.
Staying 15 feet away is generally the minimum distance that is suggested for a tree of this size.
Excavation at 10-12 feet will damage the root system but the tree could survive under a stressed
condition. The cost for the vertical shoring wall was reported to be around $10K - $12K.
3. There is a devastating disease of Black Walnut found in the region, but not yet in Fort Collins. This
disease is called Thousand Cankers Disease. It has killed almost all of the Black Walnut in Colorado
Springs, is currently found in the west Denver area, and has killed over 60% of the Black Walnut in
Boulder during the last 6 years. Scientist with CSU tell us that once in enters a community it will likely kill
all of the Black Walnut over a decade. The closest infected trees are currently located in Berthod, with the
disease moving northward. We are currently monitoring closely the Black Walnuts in Fort Collins for the
possible arrival of Thousand Canker Disease. There are no effective controls for the disease. If it arrives in
Fort Collins then diseased Walnut trees would need to be removed.
4. If the Walnut was removed due to the impact from construction then 6 mitigation trees would be
required. There are three new trees that were not part of the mitigation for the other removed trees that
could be designated. New unsized trees planted where the walnut tree is located could provide other
mitigation trees. Mitigation trees could also be planted off site as street trees in the area. City Forestry
could help coordinate planting off site mitigation trees.
In summary the Walnut tree could survive in a stressed condition if the shoring wall method is used. If
thousand Cankers Disease enters Fort Collins it likely will kill most of the Walnuts in the City within 10
years from its arrival.
After you review this information with the owner I would be glad to discuss this matter further with you.
Tim
Tim Buchanan, City Forester
413 S. Bryan
Fort Collins CO 80521
ph 970-221-6361
fx 970-221-6849