Stratford Manor-CS 990520 Route 6 Rox 240 * Sulphu' Springs TX 75482
Dallas 214/521-1690 * Suburban 972/772-5315
Area Lakes 903/485-2358 * Northeast Texas 903/485-4771
Rockwall/Metro · 972/772-$314
www.arboricultural.com
20 May, 1999
Preston Skaggs
Construction Management and Development
Alton Loyd, Inc.
Suite 400
5225 Village Creel< Drive
Piano, TX 75093
Re: Tree Evaluation at Stratford Manor
Dear Mr. Skaggs,
Upon your request, the Ash (Fraxinus pennsy/vanica) designated as Tree #609 (Lot 10i
upon your latest revised tree survey, a 36" DBH specimen, was evaluated once more as
a candidate for preservation. At the time our original evaluation some months ago, we
did not consider this specimen a likely candidate for retention. Our opinion at that time,
and at this point in time, remains the same.
The structural integrity of this Ash is severely compromised by loss and degradation of
the central leader in decades past. The remaining stud of the central leader clearly
demonstrates long term decay. This has resulted in the formation of a cavity, which
faces upward, providing water retention that sustains and accelerates the decay
process. Because this species is much !ess successful at compartmentalizing decay
organisms than other species such as Cedar Elm, we can reasonably expect the
column of decay to extend well below the aged, upwardly cupped, cavity. Visual
examination revealed disrupted bari< well below the dead stub, a further indication of the
extensive length of this column of decay. This decay column markedly compromises
structural integrity in relation to the immediately subordinate major limbs.
Even extravagant remedial measures cannot insure t,~e secure attachment of th~s~
maior limbs, which provide a significant percentage of the existing canopy. Any
structures located within the reach of this tree's canopy will be severely compromised in
the immediate future. We therefore rate this tree as ~A.YARDOU$. ASI cannot assume
any liability ,;or future injury or damage to ~ersons or propefl:.y for a specimen in this
condition. In the normal course of business, we do not recommend planting this
species in high use or residential areas due to the characteristically brittle wood
displayed by this species, ncr can we advise theliability exposure when retaining a tree
of this species in this degraded condition.
Stratford Maqor Tree Eva uation. Fage ! of 2
Though we highly value the esthetic effects of trees upon our quality of life, we must
add safety to this formula. Unfodunately this tree was both neglected and abused for
years prior to our introduction to this site. We therefore recommend that th~s specimen
be removed.
Respectfully submitted,
Start Randall
Staff Arboriculturist
CC: David Whitsett
Prosper Land Company, LLC
PO Box 902331
Dallas, TX 75380-2331
5tra~for<~ Ma'~or Tree Eva uatlon. Fa,.3e 2 of 2