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HAMMITT Bob From: MEDLIN Johnny R To: HAMMITT Bob Cc: PLAMONDON Scott F Subject: FW: Washborne Park & Westmoreland Park Tree Condition Date: Wednesday, September 20, 1995 1:44PM Hi Bob, This report took a little longer than we earlier anticipated. However, here it is. I'm not sure just what you want us to do from here. From my reading of the below I would say that the turning off of the irrigation systems had a VERY SIGNIFICANT negative impact on these trees. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there is much we can do for them now. I've not had any additional contact with the property owners nor Councilor Swanson-Gribscov. What ya think? Johnny From: PLAMONDON Scott F To: MEDLIN Johnny R Subject: Washborne Park & Westmoreland Park Tree Condition Date: Thursday, September 14, 1995 12:22PM I have completed my inspection of the trees located in Washborne and Westmoreland parks. The following is my analysis: WASHBORNE PARK Many of the introduced species and unique trees are dead, in decline or stressed with the majority of native species in a relatively good condition. There are a number of factors that have contributed to the decline and death of these trees. 1. In this park the trees grew up dependant and accustomed to regular watering during the dry summer months. There has been a drought condition during the last few years and the irrigation system has been not working effectively or has been turned off. With the installation of a drain field in the center of the park about 13 years ago, there are areas that are a lot dryer. All of this has resulted in the decline of these trees. The significant trees in this park that have died or are in decline include a large Dawn Redwood, a large Beech, 2 mature Yew trees, and a Western Larch or Tamarack. The Coast Redwood in the south end of the park is also starting to show signs of stress with a thinning out of the foliage in the top of the tree. There are other trees less significant like small Flowering Cherries and Birches that are also dead or dying. 2. Other contributing factors to the decline and death of the trees are the heavy clay nature of the soil, compaction from foot traffic and competition for water and nutrients from other plants, turf and volunteer trees like the Tree of Heaven. 3. The trees along the border and edge of the park are native trees for the most part and these are not being negatively impacted by the lack of water since they are accustomed to this condition. Nevertheless, a large Big-Leaf Maple along the east side of the park is starting to show some signs of stress mainly due to compaction from the foot traffic along a well worn path next to the tree. The following are my conclusions and recommendation for the trees in this park. 1. Replanting this park with the same unique and varied species would necessitate a functional irrigation system designed to effectively water the tree areas. Location of the replacement trees need to be in places not impacted by the heavy foot traffic, and future uses of the park. In addition, there may be a need to admen the soil in some areas to accommodate particular species not well adapted to heavy clay soils. Neighbors bordering the park have expressed to me their desire to have the unique trees replaced since they have given the park a special character. Page 1