tree conservation report

Tree Conservation Report

6178 Mitch Owens Road

Prepared for:

The Wood Source

6178 Mitch Owens Road, P.O. Box 700

Manotick, ON K4M 1A6

Prepared by:

McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers Ltd.

115 Walgreen Road

Carp, ON K0A 1L0

November 13, 2012

6178 Mitch Owens Road Tree Conservation Report

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Table of Contents

1.0 OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................................................ 1

2.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 2

2.1. Definitions ............................................................................................................................................................... 2

3.0 CURRENT VEGETATION ......................................................................................................................................... 4

3.1. Methodology and Observations ............................................................................................................................. 4

3.2 Environmental Value of the Trees and Their Ecological Function .......................................................................... 5

4.0 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVED VEGETATION .................................................................................. 6

4.1 Conserved Vegetation ............................................................................................................................................ 6

4.2 Impacted Vegetation .............................................................................................................................................. 6

4.3 Tree Protection Measures ...................................................................................................................................... 6

Protection of the Root Systems ...................................................................................................................... 6 4.3.1

Fencing ............................................................................................................................................................ 7 4.3.2

Additional Protection Measures ..................................................................................................................... 7 4.3.3

Special Measures for the Removal of Ash Trees ............................................................................................. 8 4.3.4

4.4 Tree Planting Recommendations ............................................................................................................................ 8

5.0 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

APPENDIX A – INDIVIDUAL TREE SURVEY APPENDIX B – WOODED AREAS APPENDIX C – OVERALL CURRENT VEGETATION PLAN (TC‐0) CURRENT VEGETATION PLAN (TC‐1)

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVED VEGETATION PLAN (TC‐2)


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1.0 OVERVIEW

This Tree Conservation Report has been prepared for The Wood Source (613‐822‐6800) in support of Site

Plan Application to permit the development of the 6178 Mitch Owens Road, Manotick, Ontario.

The approximately 4.5 hectares property at 6178 Mitch Owens Road, east of Manotick Station Road, consists

of one parcel of land currently developed with an existing two storey store and office building, a mill, and a

storage shed complete with asphalt parking areas and outside lumber storage areas. The site is described

legally as Part of the North ¾ of Lot 1, Concession 3, Township of Osgoode, now in the City of Ottawa. The

site is designated Rural Natural Features Area in the City of Ottawa Official Plan and designated Rural

Commercial Zone (RC4i[181r]) in the 2008 City of Ottawa Comprehensive Zoning By‐law.

This Tree Conservation Report will summarize the condition of the current vegetation and define which trees

will be impacted by the development of this project. The construction of this project is planned to happen in

2013‐2014, construction starting August 2013 and ending in December 2014.


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2.0 INTRODUCTION

This Tree Conservation Report outlines the condition of all existing vegetation on site, the impact of

development on the vegetation and the mitigation measures recommended to preserve and minimize impact

on the conserved vegetation. The protection of a variety of trees on site will serve to improve the overall site

plan and promote a diverse vegetative landscape.

Vegetation field surveys were conducted on May 23 and September 7, 2012, by Heather Lunn, and Isabelle

Lalonde from McIntosh Perry Consulting Engineers to review the species and basic conditions of the trees and

large shrubs located at 6178 Mitch Owens Road in Manotick, east of Manotick Station Road.

The objectives of this Tree Conservation Report are:

To describe the existing woody vegetation (trees and large shrubs) growing on site including species

composition, size, vigour and health condition;

To assess the woody vegetation functions including environmental value, ecological function,

aesthetics, sensitivity to grade changes, drainage, sun and wind exposure, etc.;

To produce a document describing the forested area including stands of trees and individual trees

which may be candidates for consideration of conservation measures; and

To provide a professional opinion on the retention of woody vegetation.

2.1. Definitions

Some of the basic terms used within this document and on the plans have been defined below. Potential

protection techniques and remediation measures have been noted.

Critical Root Zone (CRZ): Zone under a tree where there should be no disturbance before, during

and after construction. The CRZ is established as being 10 centimetres

from the trunk of a tree for every centimetre of trunk diameter.

Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): Diameter of a tree trunk measured at 1.4 metre above ground,

standardized by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers and the

International Society of Arboriculture.

Dieback: Condition in which the ends of the branches are dying.

Drip Line: Perimeter of the area under a tree delineated by the crown.

Leader: The primary terminal shoot or trunk of a tree.

Scaffold Branches: The permanent or structural branches of a tree.


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Significant Tree: Tree / shrub deemed valuable because it is unusually beautiful or

distinctive, comparatively old, distinctive in size or structure for its

species, rare or unusual in the subject area, provides a habitat for rare

or unusual wildlife species in the subject area, or has an historical,

cultural, or landmark significance.

Significant Woodland: Woodland that contain mature stands of trees 80 years or older, have

interior forest habitat more than 100 metres from forest edge, and are

adjacent to a surface water feature.

Specimen Tree: Individual tree located in the middle of a field or open space. A

specimen tree is not automatically a significant tree.

Stress: Any factor that negatively affects the health of a tree.

Structural Defect: Flaws, decay, or other faults in the trunk, branches, or root collar of a

tree, which may lead to failure.

Topping (Topped): Cutting back a tree to buds, stubs, or laterals not large enough to

become a new leader on the tree.

Tree Sapling: Young tree measuring more than 1.50 metres high.

Tree Seedling: Young tree measuring less than 0.60 metre high.

Tree Shoots: Tree shoots are sprouts that emerge from dormant buds along the trunk

or branch of a tree. In an urban environment shoots are often

associated with stress to the tree. Trees with severe dieback due to

winter injury, drought and salt spray often produce many shoots as a

means of compensating for the loss of leaf surface due to stress or

injury.

Tree Suckers: Tree suckers are sprouts that form from the roots of existing trees and

tend to form new trees or shrubs. In an urban environment suckers can

be associated with stress to the tree and are prevalent after a

disturbance such as when mature trees are cut down. Some tree

species have the tendency to sucker.

Tree Whips: Young tree measuring between 0.60 and 1.50 metres high.

Vigour: Overall health; capacity to grow and resist stress.


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3.0 CURRENT VEGETATION

The inventory and analysis was a visual inspection of the tree species and their condition. The species were

determined based on leaf, bark and buds identification. The vigour was assessed based on visible defects

only.

3.1. Methodology and Observations

The property consists of a commercial mill with a store/office building, a mill, storage sheds, parking areas

and outside lumber storage spaces. In general the site is flat and is vegetated with large wooded area where

there is no building or other uses. The lot east and south of the property is the Emerald Links Golf & Country

Club and the lot located west of the subject land is the Osgoode Link Pathway, a 21 kilometre pathway

running on an abandoned rail corridor from Leitrim Road to Buckles Street.

Two methods of field inventory were used during the vegetation assessments:

A general inventory was conducted on the entire property and adjacent properties to determine the

species compositions of the wooded areas. The wooded areas on site are a mix of mature trees with

a large number of small trees with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of 15 centimetres or less.

Because of the number of trees and the size of the subject land the complete assessment of every

tree was not possible. For the purpose of this report and based on our field observations the wooded

areas were divided into vegetated zones. Each vegetated zone is distinct from another zone for its

species composition.

A detailed inventory was conducted in the north‐east portion of the property, where the

development of the site is proposed. In this area a complete assessment of every tree with a DBH of

10 centimetres in diameter or bigger was completed.

The list of all trees located in the north‐east portion of the property can be found in Appendix A – Individual

Tree Survey and the list of all wooded areas are described in Appendix B – Wooded Areas. Both tree surveys

are to be read in conjunction with the Overall Current Vegetation Plan (TC‐0) and Current Vegetation Plan

(TC‐1) accompanying this report. The approximate location of individual trees on the property was

established on site and is for reference purposes only. The location of these trees and their size should be

confirmed by a tree inspector.

In general the trees inventoried on this property appeared to be in healthy conditions, are a mix of saplings

and mature trees and show no apparent signs of disease. A total of 68 trees were assessed for their DBH.

The trees inventoried on this property are primarily a mix of deciduous and coniferous species including apple

trees (Malus spp.), white ash (Fraxinus americana), Manitoba maple (Acer negundo), American elm (Ulmus

americana), ironwood (Ostrya virginiana), white spruce (Picea glauca) and eastern white cedar (Thuja

occidentalis). The approximate DBH noted on the Overall Current Vegetation Plan, the Current Vegetation


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Plan and in this report were measured on site during the tree inventory site visit. With the exception of the

trees located on the property line, the trees growing on this site have an average DBH of 20 centimetres to 30

centimetres.

3.2 Environmental Value of the Trees and Their Ecological Function

Overall the majority of the trees composing the wooded areas on this property are not of significance. As

indicated in Appendix A and Appendix B, trees found in larger number on the subject land are Manitoba

maple and white ash. The Manitoba maple is a fast growing tree that establishes itself independently and

flourishes on many inhospitable sites. This tree is considered a weed species. The white ash is a tree

commonly found in wooded areas throughout Ottawa and the rest of Ontario. A total of 32 white ash trees

(Fraxinus americana) were inventoried for their DBH in the north‐east portion of the property and a number

of saplings were also observed during our site inventories. Since 2008 ash trees located in the Ottawa region

are affected by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). The EAB is a non‐native, wood boring beetle attacking and

destroying all species of ash trees. Because of the impacts on ash trees and to limit the spread of EAB the

Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a ministerial order to prohibit movement of firewood and ash

tree products such as nursery stock, logs, branches and wood chips from areas of Ottawa to any other

surrounding regions. During our field investigation we did not observe any signs of EAB on any white ash

however special precaution will be required when removing and working around ash trees. Special mitigation

measures will be described in the following section of the report.

None of the trees on the site are considered to be species at risk but there is potential to preserve parts of

the wooded areas for aesthetic reasons and to provide a more mature character in keeping with the existing

character of the adjacent neighbourhood. All efforts should be made to protect and preserve trees located

on site during construction if they fit in with the proposed development. Factors influencing preservation will

be the amount of grading required at the base of the trees and the proximity of access roads, concrete curbs,

servicing and/or built structures. Care will have to be taken to reduce the impact of construction on any trees

that are to be preserved. Most of the construction impacts for this project will be in the form of new

buildings, new hard surfaces and the grade changes impacts on the roots of the trees.


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4.0 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVED VEGETATION

The project for 6178 Mitch Owens Road involves the construction of a new mill warehouse and a new

showroom/warehouse with associated asphalt drive aisles, parking, gravel storage yard expansion and

landscaping areas. The proposed development shown on the Proposed Development and Conserved

Vegetation Plan (TC‐2) indicates the location of the proposed additions and affiliated infrastructures.

4.1 Conserved Vegetation

The proposed development of the subject land is contained in the northeast portion of the site. All wooded

areas located outside this zone is to be preserved at all time during construction. The limit of work and the

list of all trees to be conserved is indicated in Appendix A and B and on the Proposed Development and

Conserved Vegetation Plan (TC‐2) accompanying this report. Special mitigation measures will be required

when working around these trees. All conserved vegetation on site should be preserved at all times using the

mitigation measures indicated below.

4.2 Impacted Vegetation

Existing trees located in the northeast area of the subject land will be impacted by the development of this

site. A total of 64 trees will be impacted by the development of the project. The complete list of all trees to

be removed due to construction can be found in Appendix A – Individual Tree Survey. The Tree Survey is to

be read in conjunction with the Proposed Development and Conserved Vegetation Plan (TC‐2) accompanying

this report. Special precaution to adjacent vegetation to remain should be taken when removing any trees.

Impact on vegetation can be due to construction of new buildings and roads, grade change, changes to

drainage patterns, and effects of impervious surfaces.

4.3 Tree Protection Measures

Trees can be damaged in a number of ways during construction. The most common injury is to the crown or

trunk. These injuries are visible and permanent and in some cases can be fatal to the tree. The roots are

susceptible to physical injury through the cutting of the roots, soil compaction and/or smothering of the

roots. The roots of a tree are located in the top 150 to 250 millimetres of soil and can very easily be

inadvertently damaged. A vehicle parking under the root zone of a tree can compact the soil reducing the

roots ability to absorb nutrients and uptake water. A change in grade of more than 150 millimetres over the

roots will reduce its health and vigour. At any time no root system, trunk or branches of any tree should be

damaged.

Protection of the Root Systems 4.3.1

Within the critical root zone (CRZ) of trees to be retained / conserved and located within construction limits

there must be:


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No disturbance or alteration of the existing grade of any kind without approval;

No addition of fill, excavating, or scraping to change the grade;

No signs, notices or posters to be attached to any trees;

No storage of construction materials or equipment;

No storage of surplus soil, construction waste, or debris over the root systems of the protected trees;

No disposal (dumping or flushing) of contaminants or liquids; and,

No movement of vehicles (personal or business), equipment or pedestrians.

At any time during construction, root systems should not be damaged. In the event that a tree has roots that

will be impacted by construction work, the Contractor shall only tunnel or bore when digging within the CRZ.

The roots should only be cut by hand with a sharp spade or knife at the limit of disturbance prior to any

construction activities. This will ensure that the roots are not disturbed more than necessary. Any root

pruning requires the service of a Certified Arborist or Qualified Tree Worker under the supervision of a

Certified Arborist. Any roots that are exposed must be covered with native topsoil immediately, to ensure

that the roots do not dry out or have any further damage occur to them. All remedial works must be

conducted by a certified care professional to ensure proper care is administered in order to enable the

continued health of the trees.

Fencing 4.3.2

Before construction, fencing should be erected at the critical root zone (CRZ) of trees located in the

construction area to ensure that this protection is achieved. Tree protection barriers shall be installed

according to information on the Proposed Development and Conserved Vegetation Plan (TC‐2). Fencing shall

be maintained erect and in good repair at all times during construction operations, and shall be removed

upon completion when agreed by City staff. Temporary removal of fencing will not be considered without

approval.

Additional Protection Measures 4.3.3

When working near vegetation the Contractor shall ensure that exhaust fumes from all equipment are NOT

directed towards any tree’s canopy.

The Contractor shall take every precaution necessary to prevent damage to the trees to be retained /

conserved.

Where limbs or portions of trees are removed to accommodate construction work, they will be removed

carefully in accordance with accepted arboricultural practices.

Where necessary, the trees will be given an overall pruning to restore the appearance of the trees. Not more

than one‐third of the total branching shall be removed at a single operation.


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Trees that have died or have been damaged beyond repair by the Contractor shall be removed and replaced

by the Contractor at their own expense with trees of equal size and species or as directed by City staff.

Damages will include:

Any physical damage on tree bark;

Any broken branches;

Equipment and materials stored within the protected areas and beyond the limits of the contract;

and

Refueling of equipment within the protected areas.

Special Measures for the Removal of Ash Trees 4.3.4

During the field inventories, we did not see any signs of EAB on any ash trees growing on site; however this

does not confirm the insect is not present. Because of the potential of EAB on site and since the City of

Ottawa is located inside the EAB Regulated Areas by a Ministerial Order the Contractor will be required to

follow special measures when removing or pruning ash trees. Any non‐processed (not debarked) ash

products (logs, branches, etc.) can only be moved freely inside the jurisdiction of the City of Ottawa. In order

to limit the movement of ash products for long distances within the City of Ottawa limit, different options are

available for the Contractor when processing ash products:

Moving logs and firewood from large branches (more than four inches in diameter) as close to

Manotick as possible;

Bringing a portable sawmill on site to process the timber;

Chipping and disposing all small branches (less than three to four inches diameter) on site;

Moving all ash products to the Trail Road Waste Disposal Facility.

When cutting ash trees the Contractor shall separate ash products from other timber species on site to

ensure the products are easily identified for processing. The Owner and Contractor shall also ensure that any

ash products will not be move outside the EAB Regulated Areas / Ministerial Order Area.

4.4 Tree Planting Recommendations

Tree planting recommendations for 6178 Mitch Owens Road should implement the natural and rural

character of the existing area. Because the property located east and south of the subject land is a golf

course a landscaped buffer should be maintained and implemented along the eastern property line. In

general, proposed tree species should be a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. Where possible the use of

native, non‐invasive tree species should be preferred. Examples of species adequate for this site are maple,

ironwood, spruce, and cedar.


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5.0 CONCLUSION

There are several trees that are in good condition and should be protected during construction on the site.

Photos of each tree should be taken prior to construction, when the trees are in full leaf, as a record of its

condition. This will provide a record of the existing condition that can be used if the tree is damaged or is

showing signs of decline to determine if the condition is a result of construction activities.

Should you have any questions regarding the information presented within this package, please contact the

undersigned.

Sincerely,

Isabelle Lalonde, BLA, OALA, AAPQ, CSLA Landscape Architect 115 Walgreen Road, R R 3, Carp, ON K0A 1L0 T. 613.836.2184 (2283) | M. 613.229.2773 F. 613.836.3742 [email protected] | www.mcintoshperry.com


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Appendix A – Individual Tree Survey

6178 Mitch Owens Road Tree Conservation Report Appendix A ‐ Individual Tree Survey

a

Individual Tree Survey

TREE ID

Species – Common Name

Species – Botanical Name

DBH (cm) Health

Condition Remarks Design Recommendations

1 White Ash Fraxinus americana 27.50 Good

Tree to be removed because of the installation of new fire tanks.





4 Apple Malus spp. 17.70 Good

Tree to be removed as it is located inside a proposed parking area.

5 Ironwood Ostrya virginiana 18.60 Good







Tree to be removed as it is located adjacent to a proposed building.

9 White Spruce Picea glauca 46.50 Good



Tree to be removed as it is located inside the footprint of a proposed building.

11 Apple Malus spp. 11.50 Good Tree to be removed as it is located inside a proposed parking area.



13 White Ash Fraxinus americana 51.20 Good Tree to be removed as it is located inside the septic field area.


Tree to be removed as it is located inside the septic field area.


Tree to be removed as it is located inside the footprint of a proposed building.


b

TREE ID



DBH (cm) Health


16 White Ash Fraxinus americana 35.10 Good Tree to be removed as it is located inside the septic field area.

17 Manitoba Maple Acer negundo 13.80 Good Considered a weed species

Tree to be removed as it is not a tree of significance and is located inside the septic field area.

18 White Ash Fraxinus americana 22.50 Good Tree to be removed because of existing grade changes.

19 White Ash Fraxinus americana 14.50 Good Tree to be removed because of existing grade changes.



21 Eastern White Cedar Thuja occidentalis 17.30 Good
















29 Eastern White Cedar Thuja occidentalis 19.90 Good Tree to be removed as it is located inside a proposed parking area.




c

TREE ID



DBH (cm) Health








34 White Ash Fraxinus americana 19.20 Good Tree to be removed as it is located adjacent to a proposed building.




Tree to be removed as it is not a tree of significance and is located adjacent to a proposed building.

37 Manitoba Maple Acer negundo 18.30 Dead Considered a weed species

Tree to be removed as it is not a tree of significance and is located inside a proposed parking area.

38 White Ash Fraxinus americana 17.60 Good Tree to be removed as it is located inside a proposed parking area.


Tree to be removed as it is located inside a proposed drive aisle.





42 American Elm Ulmus americana 15.40 Good









d

TREE ID



DBH (cm) Health




47 American Elm Ulmus americana 15.50 Good Tree to be removed as it is located inside a proposed drive aisle.

48 White Ash Fraxinus americana 13.10 Good Tree to be removed as it is located inside a proposed drive aisle.

49 White Ash Fraxinus americana 12.00 Good Tree to be removed as it is located inside a proposed drive aisle.

50 American Elm Ulmus americana 56.40 Good Tree to be removed because of the construction of a new stormwater management facility.

51 White Ash Fraxinus americana 10.80 Good Tree to be removed because of the construction of a new stormwater management facility.


Tree to be removed because of the construction of a new stormwater management facility.





55 American Elm Ulmus americana 33.20 Good







e

TREE ID



DBH (cm) Health











Tree to be removed as it is located inside a proposed gravel storage yard.

64 White Ash Fraxinus americana 13.40 Good Tree to be removed as it is located inside a proposed gravel storage yard.

65 Manitoba Maple Acer negundo 70.00 Poor Structural defect; considered a weed species

Tree located outside the construction area. Tree to be conserved.

66 Colorado Blue Spruce

Picea pungens 'Glauca' 30.00 Good Specimen tree Tree located outside the construction area. Tree to be conserved.






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Appendix B – Wooded Areas

6178 Mitch Owens Road Tree Conservation Report Appendix B ‐Wooded Areas

a

Wooded Areas

Vegetation Zone

Description DBH (cm) Health

Condition Design Recommendations

A

45% white ash (Fraxinus americana)

30% Manitoba maple (Acer negundo)

5% ironwood (Ostrya virginiana)

5% sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

5% staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina)

2.5% American elm (Ulmus americana)

2.5% Apple (Malus spp.)

2.5% white spruce (Picea glauca)

2.5% eastern white cedar (Thuja occidentalis)

20 to 25 Good

A large portion of this vegetated zone is located within the

limit of construction. Refer to Appendix A and Proposed

Development and Conserved Vegetation Plan (TC‐2) for the

area of vegetation to be conserved.

B



5% European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)


2.5% trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides)

2.5% scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)

2.5% willow (Salix spp.)

20 to 25 Good No work proposed within this area. Entire zone to be

conserved.

C



20% trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides)

10% willow (Salix spp.)

5% scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)




conserved.

D



10% American elm (Ulmus americana)


conserved.

6178 Mitch Owens Road Tree Conservation Report Appendix B ‐Wooded Areas

b

Vegetation Zone

Description DBH (cm) Health

Condition Design Recommendations

E



10% scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)

5% trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides)


2.5% white pine (Pinus strobus)

2.5% white spruce (Picea glauca)

2.5% white birch (Betula papyrifera)

2.5% yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis)



conserved.

F



20% sugar maple (Acer saccharum)

20% American basswood (Tilia americana)


conserved.


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Appendix C – Overall Current Vegetation Plan (TC‐0) Current Vegetation Plan (TC‐1)

Proposed Development and Conserved Vegetation Plan (TC‐2)

tree conservation report

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