Tree Report RPT 4.30.21 (1)
David C. Hawkins – Consulting Arborist
Office/Fax: 413-253-4266 Mobile: 413-237-5106
Email: dhawkufs@comcast.net Web: www.ufstrees.com
154 Buffam Road, Pelham, Massachusetts 01002
May 4, 2021
John Handzel
NU-Way Homes
10 White Avenue
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
RE: Liberty Street at Riverside Drive, Northampton – Tree Health Assessment and
Construction Impact Report
John,
This is a follow up to our April 23, 2021 meeting and inspection of the trees on the residential
property proposed for development at the intersection of Liberty Street and Riverside Drive,
Northampton. The concern for these trees is the proximity of two new houses proposed for the
area north and west of the existing house. You have requested that I assess and comment on
the trees’ health, vitality, and the potential impact the new construction would have on the
trees.
The following report summarizes my observations and recommendations.
John, thanks for the opportunity to assist you with this project. Please call or email with any
questions.
Best,
David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist
Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc.
NU-Way Homes Tree Health and Construction Impact Report May 4, 2021
Attn: John Handzel Liberty Street at Riverside Drive, Northampton
Prepared by David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist 2 | Page
Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc.
Observations and Recommendations
The three trees consist of two sugar maples (Acer saccharum) 41 and 22 inches DBH along
the north property line and one 29-inch DBH tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipfera) that straddles
the west property line. There are also several large shade trees along the northwest property
line, and two large street trees that will not be impacted by the construction as planned, and not
included in this report.
The sugar maples near the north property line are in good health with little or no dieback or
large deadwood. Both trees also have one or more weak branch attachments that may be
prone to failure if not addressed. Support cable installation is one option. The north crowns of
both trees are also encroaching on the house and driveway to the north and should be pruned
for roof and side clearance.
These two sugar maples will be significantly impacted by the new house construction. As
shown in the site plan, the 41-inch DBH maple (east tree) is 13 feet from the foundation edge.
Add 5 more feet of excavation to allow safe access and construction of the foundation leaves
the limit of disturbance at 8 feet. Given the limited root space to the north from the house and
driveway, the majority of the root system is most likely in the footprint of the proposed new
house. If this tree is to be retained, airspading and root pruning would need to be far enough
away to retain the tree’s critical root zone – in this case 41 feet1. At best, and depending on the
airspade results, the CRZ could be as close at 30 feet if roots less than 2 inches are
encountered. In addition to the root loss, I would estimate 30 to 40 percent of the tree’s crown
on the south side would have to be removed for adequate clearance for the new house.
The second sugar maple to the west would also be impacted in a similar way. Although smaller
in diameter and crown spread, the excavation will still come within 8 feet of the tree’s trunk. I
would estimate the minimum critical root zone at about 20 feet – 15 feet minimum. Pruning to
accommodate the new house would require removal of about 25 percent of the tree’s crown on
the south side. More pruning may also be needed on the north side of both trees to clear
branches from the existing house to the north. Therefore, given the impact of the construction
on these trees, as planned, I would recommend removal of both trees before construction
commences.
1 The critical root zone is defined as one foot of radius per inch diameter.
NU-Way Homes Tree Health and Construction Impact Report May 4, 2021
Attn: John Handzel Liberty Street at Riverside Drive, Northampton
Prepared by David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist 3 | Page
Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc.
Estimated limits of disturbance for the foundation (red line). Most of the branches in the upper
left will also have to be removed
The tulip poplar in the southwest corner of the property will also be impacted by the
construction. Currently this tree is in good health with no noticeable structural defects.
As planned, this tree is 13 feet from the foundation so, allowing 5 feet for construction, the
limits of disturbance will be 8 feet from the trunk (red line in photo below). Similar to the two
maples, the majority of the root system is likely in the lawn area where the new house is
proposed so the critical root zone of this tree would be about 20 to 25 feet. Pruning low limbs
will also be necessary to achieve clearance for the new and existing house to the west. Due to
the anticipated root and crown loss, removal should be considered.
NU-Way Homes Tree Health and Construction Impact Report May 4, 2021
Attn: John Handzel Liberty Street at Riverside Drive, Northampton
Prepared by David Hawkins, Consulting Arborist 4 | Page
Urban Forestry Solutions, Inc.
Another issue regarding the tulip poplar is the fact that it staddles the property line which
means both property owners own it, and mutual consent is needed before any action can be
taken – including root and branch pruning.
Conclusion
Due to the proximity of the three subject trees to the proposed limits of disturbance, it is my
recommendation that these trees will not survive the construction of the two houses on this lot
and should be removed before construction commences. I also believe that there is not enough
space to relocate the house’s and preserve the trees’ critical root zones.