HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-14-2022 Tree Committee Meeting MinutesTree Committee Meeting
April 14, 2022
10:09 a.m.
Delchamps Room
Members present: May Moss Parker, Craig Tappan, Patrick Waldrop, Joanne Hogan, Paul Fontenot,
Jamie Rollins . Absent: Skip Jones, Corey Martin and Knox McMurphy . Gayle Fogarty took minutes.
Guest: Justin Britt, P.E., Project Manager, Dewberry Engineers, Inc.; Hunter Simmons, Planning
Director (arrived at 10:30 a.m.)
Paul Fontenot called the meeting to order. The minutes from the meeting held on January 13 , 2022
were reviewed and approved, motioned by May Moss Parker and 2 nd by Craig Tappan and
unanimously carried.
New Business:
Justin Britt, P .E., Project Manager, Dewberry Engineers, Inc informed the committee that a 75in Oak
tree was cut down in the Laurel brook development unintentionally , he stated that there was
miscommunication, and they want to correct the mistake. (see attached photos & development master
plan rendering) Mr. Britt stated that this development is outside the pennitting area, but wanted to
obtain the recommendation of the Tree Committee on a replacement. There was general discussion
among the committee members, and it was recommended to replace the 75in tree with some mature
Live Oaks and several smaller ones.
There was general discussion among the tree committee members and Hunter Simmons regarding the
tree ordinance in the CBD and trees in the ROW. ·
Hunter Simmons requested input from the tree committee regarding nuisance trees as part of the tree
ordinance, Jamie Rollins requested that the portion of the ordinance pertaining to nuisance trees needs
to be updated .
Hunter Simmons suggested looking at the fees associated with the heritage trees in the ordinance .
Jamie Rollins informed the committee that a tree risk assessment was completed on the Live Oak
located at 200 South Section Street near the Lutheran Church, he shared the finding with the
committee . (See attached assessment)
Patrick Waldrop mentioned the invasive trees at Knoll Park , there was general discussion among the
committee members, and Jamie stated that he would talk with Jessica Walker, Special Projects
Manager about posting something to social media regarding invasive tree education for the public .
Old Business:
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11 :3 7 a.m .
Tree Risk Asse ss me nt:
55 .8 live Oak at 200 S. Section St.
Traq Rating Risk is LOW
IS SUES FOU ND:
There appears to have had major root damage over the years . It has resulted in a sparse canopy. The
tree is in what is called "stress mode". This is a period that a tree is more susce ptible to pest and fungal
attacks . The canopy will not improve without creating greater health in the root system . This ca n be
improved but it takes some time.
Dead wood-There is some dead branches that are 4 inches or less that should be pruned to lessen
likelihood of failure .
Smooth Patch Disease-Small patches of fungi that causes the bark to slough off leavi ng a very smooth
textured bark underneath . Does not impact the life of the tree and sometimes can be outgrown as the
tree matu r es .
Termites-There was a few termite trails seen. I would set out bait traps plus treat with a chemical
barrier around the trunk. Treatment can last up to a year .
Root flare-The root flare has too much soil on it. It should be cleared off and inspected. Bricks and
asphalt was seen buried next to root flare .
Volunteer tree-There is a tree growing in a cavity . That should be removed .
HEALTH SUGGESTION S:
Growth Regulator-This chemical mimics a ste ro id in the tree. It slows canopy growth and dou ble s the
fibrous root system over the next few years.
Soil Sample-Checking the pH and nutrient levels. Acidic soils tend to bind macro nutrients and clay
particles together.
Soil Remediation -Application of lime and fertilizer according to soil samp l e results.
Liquefied Carbon Blend-liquefied carbon with humates such as seaweed . Help to create of more
favorable environment for mycorrhizae.
Aeration/Humus-Vertical aeration into the soil and back filling with humus helps to decompact the soi l
and create an o ptimal environment for root growth.
Please review the proposal. You can use the link below to review and accept online :
https:lja pp .singleops.com/vi sits/len5n 1 vlk l mi8u x6xr2oazm4huk/pu blic prese nt proposa l
Don avan Balla rd (Pl an t Health Care Specialist/Certified Arborist)
Chris Fra ncis Tree Care
cell: 25 1-510-333 8
phc @ch ris francistree care.com
ISA Certified Arborist #SO-10095A-
TRAQ Certified (Tree Risk Assessme nt Qualification-lSA)
Master Gardener-Alabama -
Pond Design and Installation-Aquascape Designs
Level 2 Alabama Certified Urban Forestry AUFA-
Alabama Licensed Land scape Designer
Certified Gardener-Ro y al Horticultura l Society of Eng la nd -
Certified In Landscape lighting and Des ign -Vista Lighting
Cert ified Aerial Rescue -TCIA
Certified Landscape Management-Au burn Univ/Alabama Green Ind ustry
Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness -Avila University-
Ornamental Turf & Pest Contr ol Li censed -Dept of Ag Alabama