Arborist Assessment Report

Arboricultural Assessment Report v1                                                    NCES REF: J000742
Proposed Footpath – Elm St, Cooroy (Palm Lakes)



4    RECOMMENDATIONS AND ACTIONS

Refer to the VAS in Table 1 for a description of vegetation nominated for removal based on the site
assessment and design characteristics.
Due to the preference of a safe pedestrian pathway and the limited ecological value of the existing
vegetation buffer it is recommended that Pathway Option 2 be constructed with the following
recommendations:
        It is recommended that a biodiversity offset is provided for all mature trees required for
         removal. The offset is to be undertaken in accordance with NSC offset policy. Offsets should
         be in the form of revegetation works which can be used to re-establish the existing vegetation
         buffer between the new footpath and the property boundary.
        Tree #22 exists within the pathway alignment. This tree has been lopped in the past and
         displays a significant amount of epicormic growth that in time will overhang the future
         pathway, presenting a direct risk to pathway users. As this tree contains lower basal hollows
         it is recommended that this tree be lopped to height of approximately 4m and retained as a
         habitat tree. In order to accommodate this tree, the footpath alignment will need to bend
         around or be reduced in width (refer to Plate 3).
        Remove saplings, small trees and shrubs which occur within 1m of the footpath in order to
         reduce ongoing maintenance.
        Deadwooding and canopy reduction is to be undertaken to semi-mature trees that are
         setback from the pathway edge (approximately 6m).
        All trees nominated for removal should be stump ground to a minimum 300mm or as required
         to construct the footpath to the design levels. This includes all historic tree stumps present
         within the footpath alignment.
        Erect tree protective fencing along the surveyed earthworks extent (toe of batter). Fencing to
         remain in place during works.
        Any works which are to be performed in or around a tree’s SRZ (structural root zone) requires
         on site supervision by the project arborist.
        All protection works must be in accordance with ‘AS 4970 2009 Protection of Trees on
         Development Sites’.
        Hazard assessment and follow-up hazard assessment (12 months after works) should be
         undertaken to identify any further deadwooding required.




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