ST9801-CS000426ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
P.O. Box 478
255 Parkway Blvd
Coppell. TX 75019
Phone: (972)304-3679
Fax: (972)304-3570
FAX CO VER SHEET
To: BRUCE MACDONALD
Fax: (972)304-0427
Phone: (972)462-1500
lie= Cop~ Tree Issue
From: Kent Collins, P.E.
Date: April 26, 2000
Pages: 3
CC:
[] Urgent [] For Review [] Please Comment [] Please Reply [] As Requested
· Comments: Attached is a memorandum written by Larry Clendenen, an arborist employed by
Freese and Nichols, the engineer for the Coppell Road project. Note that it is non-committal in nature,
apparently due to the uncertainty of the viability of a living tree. It does discuss the lack of vigor in the
tree, likely due to development activities or other factors. It concludes that, if the tree is saved, no soil
damage can occur within the drip line of the tree. The ddp line of this tree is large, spanning the entire
alley to the south and much of the drainage channel to the north. The area within the ddp line has been
substantially disturbed with the construction of the subdivisions, and will be disturbed further with the re-
grading of the channel and possible armodng of the banks. Keep in mind that the person designated by
ordinance to make these determinations for the City has recommended removal of the tree. Obviously,
the City would need agreement from the Asbury Manor Home Owners Association prior to removal of
this tree. Options for tree replacement at this point are uncertain. The only thing the City could commit
to currently would be to relocate one or more omamental pears on the channel bank at the completion
of the project. Please contact me at your eadiest convenience regarding this issue.
IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE ALL OF THE PAGES, PLEASE CALL (972) 304-3679
Engineering- Excellence By Design
FREESE - NICHOLS
Simon W. Freese, P.E. 1900-1990
Marvin C. Nichols, P.E. 1896-1969
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
Pecan tree in Coppell associated with stream channel improvement near
Westminster Way and Coppell Road
April 26, 2000
In order to continue with the proposed stream channel improvements associated with the
nearby improvements to Coppell Road, the bank slope must be decreased from the existing
1:1 to a slope of 3:1. In order to do this, as proposed, the removal of a mature 26-inch
diameter at breast height pecan (Carya illinoensis) would be necessary. This tree is
located near 737 Westminster Way in Coppell, Texas (see Fig. 1). The following
observations are provided only to assist the local homeowner's association with
information to facilitate their decision to keep and protect the tree or allow its removal to
expedite the channel improvements in light of its declining health..
This tree has experienced circumstances during the last growing season, or longer, that
would indicate a loss in vigor. These circumstances could include drought and the
possible regrading of soil levels or other disturbance at the time of nearby home
construction. Dieback at the ends of the branches is apparent but not excessive. This tree
will, with no further disturbance, most likely continue to survive, but in a decreasing
condition of health over the next several years. When compare~d to a healthy pecan
located only a few hundred yards south on Coppell Road the dieback and reduced vigor
become more apparent (Fig. 2, 3 and 4). Removal of this tree should not be considered
until any existing City Tree Ordinances are reviewed.
It is my opinion that if the decision is made to leave the tree, consultation with a Certified
Arborist would provide the greatest opportunity to increase the health of the tree. This
tree is obviously showing signs of stress, evident in the dieback. Any further disturbance
will likely increase the rate at which the tree is declining. Protection of this tree must
[CPL98447]T:XLE'I~THE TREE\TREE MEMO.DOC
exist to the extent that no soil damage will occur within the drip line of the tree. This
would most likely include bank stabilization with concrete or rock-filled gabion.
Figure 1. Tree showing slope to
channel.
Figure 3. Dieback in tree.
Figure 2. Dieback in tree. Figure 4. Healthy tree nearby.
[CPI~98447}T:\[,ETkTHE TREE\TREE MEMO.DOC