STAFF REPORT
DATE:
March 17, 2015
TO:
City Council
FROM:
Rob Cain, Urban Forest Manager
Robert A. Clarke, Public Works Director/City Engineer
SUBJECT:
Tree Commission Appeal for 2408 Elendil Lane
Recommendation
Approve removal of three Sapium sebiferum, Chinese Tallow trees, located at 2408 Elendil Lane.
Fiscal Impact
Removal and replacement costs of $1,151.00
Council Goal(s)
Environmental sustainability.
Background and Analysis
The resident, Mr. Amon, at 2408 Elendil Lane requested the Tree Commission approve the
removal of a Chinese Tallow tree for the following reasons:
Resident requested removal of City Chinese Tallow trees due to health hazards for
resident. He says he has a note from his Physician.
At the September 18, 2014 Commission meeting, the Tree Commission made the following
ruling regarding the request by Mr. Amon. The Commission voted on a 4-0 vote to:
Retain the tree as it is healthy and as there is no way to determine positive effects of tree
removal on the applicant's health. As the tree is healthy and sound the commission would
not approve tree removal.
The Tree Commission based the vote on the fact that the tree is in good condition and health.
Also, they do not have the authority to remove trees due to their possible allergic effects. The
Tree Commission evaluates each tree removal request on a case by case basis and only
recommends removal in cases where there is no alternative remedy to the reported negative
impact caused by the tree.
As part of Mr. Amon’s appeal, he has asked to add the other two city street trees in front of his
residence for approval to be removed. The trees are located to the far left and front right of the
residence. Staff has inspected the other two trees and recommends Council approve removal of
the additional two trees.
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Staff recommends all three Chinese Tallow Trees be removed. One of the trees is planted
directly adjacent to the driveway and a PG&E electrical vault. As this tree continues to grow in
size it will begin to damage both the driveway and the utility vault. Other Tallow trees in the
Village Homes neighborhood have been approved for removal by the Tree Commission for this
reason. Replacement trees are planted in other areas that have adequate room for a tree.
Another one of the trees overhangs the residence which allows the pollen, which triggers Mr.
Amon’s asthma, to fall directly onto the residence. To mitigate the chance of pollen falling
into/onto the residence staff recommends removal. This tree has a volunteer Valley Oak tree that
Mr. Amon has taken care growing in close proximity to its location. Removing the Tallow would
allow this Oak tree to grow unimpeded and to fill the space now occupied by the Tallow. The
Valley Oak is an acceptable replacement for the Tallow as the Valley Oak is a drought tolerant
species and longer lived than the Chinese Tallow trees.
Staff recommends Council approve the three Chinese Tallow tree removals as Mr. Amon not
only has allergies, but is asthmatic and the tree pollen that falls down onto the front area of the
residence is causing ill health effects.
Staff believes the tree removals would not be detrimental to the street and they will be replaced
with a more appropriate tree species which does not produce powdery pollen as the Chinese
Tallow does.
Attachments
Tree Commission work request
Photos of street tree
Resident’s doctor documentation
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City of Davis
Request from:
14-002385
Request Date:
Ricardo Amon
7/16/2014
4
Location Address: 2408 ELENDIL LANE
Home Phone:
304-8951
Offset:
Zone:
Tree #:
Tree Type:
Appointment Date:
101
West Davis (LLD)
KS6236
140312
Chinese Tallow Tree
Planting Location:
Appointment Time:
Date Planted: 11/23/76
Request Tree removal request
Cause:
Health and Safety
By:
Customer Comments:
Resident requested removal of City Chinese Tallow trees due to health hazards for resident. He says he has a note from his
Physician. Please contact resident.
Evaluation Comments:
The tree is in good health and vigor. The tree is the same species as the dominant street tree for the block and Village Home
subdivision.
Date Completed:
Completed by:
Supervisor int:
Additional Comments
Work order generated:
Printed on:
Yes
No
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