Arborist Report
808 Ryan Road Florence, Massachusetts
Arboricultural Assessment
Prepared by Brady Yacek
Massachusetts Certified Arborist # 2337
ISA Certified Arborist # NE – 6672A
byacek@yahoo.com
508-240-4719
February 15, 2024
808 Ryan Road Phone 413-345-0053
Florence, Ma
Prepared for David A. Schoen
The following arboricultural assessment provides recommendations for tree retention, removal
and replanting for 808 Ryan Road Florence, Massachusetts. The purpose of this report is to
inform the property owner of trees that should be removed or retained based upon location, tree
health, structural integrity and address benefits and liabilities to proposed structure as well as to
existing trees. The goal of this assessment is to reduce the risk of injury and/or property damage
and provide advisement regarding trees that require removal as well as to suggest replanting with
species that will be an asset to the property.
808 Ryan Road Florence, Massachusetts
The objectives of this tree assessment include:
Selective removal of hazardous and/or undesirable trees.
Recommendations for species and/or cultivars that will be a benefit to the
landscape and surrounding ecosystem.
808 Ryan Road Florence, Massachusetts
This Red Maple has multiple trunks arising from one main trunk. This is a
structural defect known as co-dominant stems. This type of growth typically
occurs when the tree was either injured causing a split in the main trunk, or is a
biological defect caused by two or more trees growing in close proximity to each
other which may give the appearance of one tree when it is actually two or more.
This weak structure does not allow wood fibers to knit together and instead grow
parallel leading to a compromised or weak union.
808 Ryan Road Florence, Massachusetts
Due to the size of this tree combined with its location and presence of vertical split
with decay it is considered hazardous and should be removed.
The arrows in this picture indicate visible deadwood. Here the bark has fallen off revealing
decayed wood beneath.
808 Ryan Road Florence, Massachusetts
These tall White Pine trees located close to the proposed house exhibit structural
defects which pose a significant risk to people and property. Therefore these large
Pines are deemed hazardous and should be removed.
808 Ryan Road Florence, Massachusetts
Decay (as well as insect damage and excavation by woodpeckers) in the trunk of
this Pine tree is a hazardous defect and requires removal of the tree.
808 Ryan Road Florence, Massachusetts
This tree is an example of co-dominant stems as well as a visible vertical crack
which further weakens the attachment point at the main union. As a result of these
combined factors this tree should be considered for removal.
808 Ryan Road Florence, Massachusetts
75% - 90% of the trees located on the property are either dead/diseased,
structurally compromised, in poor health or display a severe lean towards the house
or neighboring property. It is recommended that all trees that fall within the
footprint of the proposed building as well as any trees identified as high risk due to
structure, disease and/or poor health combined with the presence of a target or
future target be removed. Of the 24 trees over 20” diameter at breast height (4.5 ft
above ground) that are recommended for removal, all are either dead, diseased or
significantly structurally compromised. There are several trees along Burts Pit
Road that appear to be town trees. These trees have been left out of this
assessment and may need to be evaluated by the Town of Northampton Tree
Warden.
There is a plan to re-plant the property with appropriate species that have been
taken from the Northampton Recommended Tree List. This plan is in progress and
is being discussed with the property owner to fit the needs of the property going
forward.
Prepared by Brady Yacek
Massachusetts Certified Arborist # 2337
ISA Certified Arborist # NE – 6672A
byacek@yahoo.com
508-240-4719