HomeMy WebLinkAbout120920 Jim Richards Comments 5.1Comment regarding the protection of key trees on the 1485 Lawrence Road project, Item 5.1
I appreciate that the applicant is proposing to save all the remaining Protected Trees and seems
willing to trim and save all trees, protected or not, that may have a positive impact on the
project. At the same time, I remain concerned about certain cases.
Regarding Trees #1 and #2 (the one near the driveway)
I strongly feel that the arborist’s either-or characterization and the targeting of Tree #2 to save
Tree #1 is a false choice. Based on the countless oaks prospering along regional streets and in
medians, it is not credible to assume that this particular tree is different. At any rate, there is no
reason to cut it down presumptively based on speculation.
The obvious solution is to carefully put in the driveway, as specified by the arborist, and then let
nature take its course. You can always remove the tree later if and when there is an actual need
to do so. I suspect that the elimination of the overhead power lines will do more good than an
appropriately installed driveway would do harm. It would be very gratifying to watch this tree
recover its natural shape when the power lines are gone.
Regarding the claim that moving the road over six or seven feet (it’s already 6’ away from the
tree) will encroach on Tree #1, please note that the trees are 120’ apart with an 80’ gap
between the driplines. I have oaks about this large happily growing 15’ apart.
I see no credible reason not to keep both trees. These mature oaks are major contributors to
the character of the Lawrence Road community. They deserve to be protected trees.
Regarding the pines along the southern edge of the parcel
If possible, consider adding a condition to keep some or all of the four tall pines to the south of
the building pad on Lot 4. For some reason, the arborist has lumped these mostly healthy,
dominant trees together in the vague category of “declining” and therefore said they should be
“removed”. These alpha trees are very important to the local ecosystem. They are only
declining in the sense that they are mature, won’t live forever, and haven’t been maintained.
I’ve been paying close attention to their appearance the last several years and have seen no
noticeable change. Prune them if needed, but don’t remove them.
These pines certainly provide a positive impact to the project and to the neighborhood
environment. Each year, Red-tailed Hawks use nests in these trees to fledge their young. The
primary nest is clearly visible for observation, as are the hawk’s awesome airborne displays.
Sincerely,
Jim Richards, 1463 Lawrence Rd