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Home My WebLink About20210315 Ingram Partial Demolition and Addition Supplemental Info- Architecture letter studioA Landscape Architecture+Engineering,DPC April 30, 2021 Saratoga Springs Design Review Commission 474 Broadway Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Att: Ms.Tamie Ehinger, Chairperson Via email: amandatucker@saratoga-springs.org Re: Proposed Garage at 207 Nelson Avenue,Saratoga Springs, NY Assessment of Garage Location Alternatives and Impact to Existing 38"Diameter American Elm Tree Dear Ms. Ehinger: Studio A Landscape Architecture and Engineering, DPC(Studio A)was requested to evaluate the proposed location of a garage structure at 207 Nelson Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY and suggested alternative locations in relation to its potential effect on the health and survivability of an existing 38-inch diameter American Elm (Ulmus Americana)tree on the property as related to the garage construction.As such, Studio A landscape architect and environmental planner S. Jeffrey Anthony,visited the project site at 10:00 am Monday, April 26, 2021 to observe existing conditions and perform the requested assessment. The following report presents Studio A's observations of existing conditions, summarizes scientific data pertaining to the health of trees that may be affected by construction operations, evaluates the proposed siting alternatives, and presents findings pertaining to the expected (potential) impacts to the elm tree related to the alternative garage locations evaluated. Part 1—Existing Conditions The American Elm tree which is the subject of this report is a +/-38-inch diameter (DBH)tree that is located along the western property line of 207 Nelson Avenue. It is approximately+/-20 feet south of the parcel's northern property line and 40 feet north of the parcel's southern property line.Visual inspection of the tree indicates that it is a healthy specimen. The tree is listed on the Substantial Saratoga Historic Tree Register as "American Elm No. 38." The crown of the tree (or "drip line")was located and stakes driven into the earth along the eastern extremity of the tree's crown. Virtually all, if not most, water and nutrient intake for a tree is from its roots located in the vicinity of the tree's drip line.The crown extends approximately 40 feet out from the trunk of the tree (see "Existing Architectural Site Plan").The extent of the tree's crown is scientifically verified in that the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) defines the critical root zone (CRZ) of a tree as "an area equal to 1-foot radius from the base of the tree's trunk for each 1 inch of the tree's diameter at 4.5 feet above grade (DBH)."Therefore, a 38" DBH tree should have a crown extending 38 feet(or 40 feet as measured)from its trunk in all directions.The total protection zone diameter for such a tree would, therefore, be 76 feet to 80 feet wide. 38 High Rock Avenue,Suite 3 I P.O. Box 272 I Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 1518.450.4030 It was noted in the field that the tree in question is approximately+/-8 feet east of an existing masonry structure that is on an adjacent parcel to the west. It is also approximately+/-24 feet to the south of an existing structure that is on an adjacent parcel to the north. Both of these structures are presumed to have footings and foundations below grade and would, therefore, inhibit root growth of the Elm tree to the west and somewhat to the north. (See "Existing Architectural Site Plan"). Upon further investigation, shallow shovel excavations were advanced on the property approximately 6 feet to the east of the tree's crown or drip line. Shallow roots extending from the Elm tree were noted several inches below grade (See attached Photograph#1A, 1B, and 1C).According to the University of Missouri Extension Service, "Tree roots are not mirror images of the treetop. Roots are concentrated in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil and spread two to three times the width of the branches."This observation supports the notion that trees adapt to their environmental conditions and strive to find water and nutrients. In this particular instance,the Elm tree in question is deterred from finding water and nutrients to the west of its crown due to the existence of the masonry structure+/-8 feet away as well as the structure to the north.Therefore, the tree has reached out to the east beyond its crown and drip line to obtain water and nutrients. Conclusions of this field observation indicate that the critical root zone (CRZ) of the existing Elm tree is not only 38 to 40 feet to the east of its trunk but extends well beyond. In addition, the CRZ of the existing Elm tree is extremely compromised to the west of its trunk(if even non-existent) and somewhat compromised to the north of its trunk, thereby leaving only the land area to the east and south of the tree available for water and nutrients. Part B—Scientific Data Pertaining to the Health of Trees A critical factor in protecting a healthy tree is the protection of tree roots from disturbance. Protecting roots within the drip line (CRZ) of a tree is most critical, however, damage to roots outside the drip line will also be deleterious to the health and survival of a tree. Damage to roots within or outside the CRZ may occur from excavations deeper than the 12"to 18" in which most roots of the tree exist that are critical to water and nutrient intake. Damage to a tree may also occur as a result of compaction of the soil surface above the root zone and/or installation of an impermeable surface above the root zone. As such, excavations for footing and foundations for structures deeper than 12"to 18"would be detrimental to the CRZ of the tree. Note that in the north-east footings for structures are required below frost level, or+/-4 feet below grade. Additionally, the operation of construction vehicles above the CRZ or root zone beyond will cause soil compaction which will reduce oxygen and water supply for the tree. Installation of impermeable surfaces, such as pavements and buildings, will also result in a reduction of available oxygen and water supply in the soil. Both of the above are deleterious to the survival of a tree. It is noted by the University of Missouri Extension Service (as well as other leading experts in the field) that "Soil compaction is a serious problem....reducing air space in the root zone..." which is a leading cause of tree mortality. Similarly, installation of impermeable pavements and structures above the root zone will have the same deleterious effect. Part 3—Evaluation of Proposed Garage Siting Alternatives The applicant has proposed to locate a garage on the north side of the existing house, proximate to a concrete paved driveway to the east and fence extending north from the west wall of the house (see "Proposed Architectural Site Plan").This location is well to the east of the existing American Elm tree's critical root zone and will have no impact to the potential of survival of the tree. It has been suggested that the proposed garage structure be located somewhat proximate to the parcel's west property line, within the "backyard"of the existing residence.This location is virtually totally within the existing Elm tree's drip line (CRZ) and also within the area in which roots from the tree were observed beyond the CRZ to the east. Construction of a garage in this area will significantly impact the CRZ of the existing Elm tree in that virtually all of the root area that is available to the tree for water and nutrient intake is within this area since the tree's CRZ is seriously impaired to the west of the tree and somewhat to the north of the tree. Construction in this area will require excavations well below the 12"to 18" depth of the root zone for footings and foundations and,thereby, sever roots and, seriously affect the ability of the tree to obtain water and nutrients. Construction of an impermeable surface (building) in this area above the root zone will also reduce and eliminate rainwater from entering the soil, compact the soil and reduce available oxygen in the soil and, thereby, impair the ability of the Elm tree to survive. Part 4—Findings and Summary It is recommended that the garage not be constructed to the west of the existing house(in the backyard) proximate to the existing Elm tree and within the tree's CRZ.This location will seriously affect the survivability of the Elm tree by severing roots within the CRZ for construction of footings and foundations, compacting surface soils and reducing available oxygen and water in the soil, and thereby resulting in the inevitable death of the tree. The existing 38" diameter American Elm tree is a healthy specimen and pursuit of siting the garage within its CRZ is not recommended. Few healthy American Elm trees exist in Saratoga Springs today.This specimen should be preserved for as long as possible. Siting of the garage on the north side of the existing house is a logical alternative.The space is existing, a driveway currently provides access to the garage site and the proposed architecture is compatible with the existing architectural character of the house.Additionally, siting the garage to the north of the house will also preserve the back yard of the parcel for use by the occupants, as is the condition of other parcels in the neighborhood. Yours truly, S.Jeffrey Anthony, RLA, ASLA For Studio A Landscape Architecture, D.P.0 Cc: Susan Davis, AIA Enc: Sources Cited Literature Cited • Harris, Charles W. and Dines, Nicholas T.Time-Saver Standards for Landscape Architects, Second Edition. Section 550, Plants and Planting. • Oregon State Extension Service,Tree Protection on Construction and Development Sites, December 2009 • Arbor Day Foundation, How to Save Trees During Construction • University of Missouri Extension. Preventing Construction Damage to Trees • Saratoga's Elm Legacy. Preserving Historic Elms While the Next Generation Grows. Saratoga Urban Forestry Project.Summer 2014 • 24i- l., '1%.i 1011k . 11 -V .' s Elm Tree 4 {, ` ________t` "tee ,: 1a •' MasonryBuildingto west _-,- - t � �+-� --=F-• � . '� of Elm Tree on adjacent � I ' IF, property r r do p:114. 7-t i ,. .. ,tl•k- •; kkr' i r , irioi,.;. . •r , s 4 . s Elm Tree "Drip Line" ' � at +/-40 feet from tree ' ,■ 4,Li trunk tr' . ,, - 207 Nelson Ave Photograph No. 1A 38 HIGH ROCK SUITE 3• SARATOGA SPRINGS NY• 12866 studi oA SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY APRIL 30, 2021 P 518 450 4030 •STUDIOADPC.COM Landscape Architecture+Engineering,DPC ti x 3i n; y"lir, fir. ' ''2-- ' �5 • t_ ' N, . r.' 'KA ' . • . .• .-- b. " 674* '41:Iii, 4- :. ..4'' . .. . ' 't - Al.%....* litib'' �"' '5 t'` Existing structure on it "11. {t t. adjacent property to . , • b �, north and masonry build +gip yr . � �' r ' ' r.f.J'� a ing on adjacent property . �" T °, to east A4. `rte „ .., _ . L . . . . . , ,,,,,,,, ` :,..... ,:L. `rt, - '• } A' Stakes set at Elm Tree —. • , ',} ,� - -. Drip Line +/-40 feet i tillft14 4* F .i-' , • ._ - ,�� , from the tree trunk "W-v • ,,..4. ,.....$1,4,, , ..,', 7,... ...-'2, L. - .00. • 207 Nelson Ave Photograph No. 1B 38 HIGH ROCK SUITE 3• SARATOGA SPRINGS NY• 12866 S t U d I O/ \ SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY APRIL 30, 2021 P 518 450 4030 •STUDIOADPC.COM Landscape Architecture+Engineering,DPC • ,� � � _} ',e,..'-,.:.'" � ° l 4 Elm Tree "Drip Line„ ` 3 " � ' • t at +/-40 feet from tree trunk 1y -' ,.r `�,y � meq, �,,. ,�,2 v. : t ti • ; r - _. s4'w "_ � 4� -'° • �-', •T 6' distance beyond "Drip J ':•9 :141 ' F 404 k* Line" 4...7.:„E . ',..,..-,.".?, ,,-..46i.z,z444,.„..---.,..t.:,-Ig,. ."-4..iir-.4;,,fy .-.-,. .4.11.t'''' • . .f. . (-"':„.-"-, =i-...-', -, :1 ,,...,, ,.et.,-;.r.7.6`;;,.. ,L- '---;:.: • y • r' + r " - • • r t t 1• k •c'''',,,1 . - r .. - ,O ' . ' y 4Y . Y ti 4 % • + Evidence of shallow roots ` from Elm Tree % • 207 Nelson Ave Photograph No. 10 38 HIGH ROCK SUITE 3• SARATOGA SPRINGS NY• 12866 S t U d I O/ \ SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY APRIL 30, 2021 P 518 450 4030 •STUDIOADPC.COM Landscape Architecture+Engineering,DPC 1 1 1 S60°09 ' 1,3 "E 129.83 ' DECORATIVE METAL FE\CE — — - - —x x x — x----,--,__,,, i— i — i— i — �� — — t — — °000 °I O'H7-/----- E 1 O ° EXISTING DRIVEWAY " 1 co OO ' ° ELM TREE LOT SIZE = WOOD ° CHIMNEY • C GATE 1 O 9,009 SQ.FT. ° ° 1 EXISTING WALKWAY I 0 E-XIS�IAIC 9R1�EDGF— 1 Q � W o CANOPY OF TREE = STEPS Io '' 0 2 STYWOOD ` I Lv WA-R )r / Z 1 a 0 . PORCH z 0 VALVI 0 31 FRAME HOUSE zCIO 62' 43/ - -I 0 I WOOD _ — Jlo II I/4• 10 X DEC CI r 3'-10 3/4" — O � O Ln 1 .....Z.... x I N - - • •0. CONC. 1 I N —°—°_°_° —° _° °730. 00' 1 .8' 1 N , I STORM N55° 7754___g_______ _____0__ — z°_°_ _ J MH BRICKN i SAA W C en ey WOOD GATE 0 Way _ _ ___ _ _ ____ _ _ ___ _ _ -- 75 ' _ _ wide EXISTING ARCHITECTURAL SITE PLAN — SCALE : 3/32" = 1'-0" STORIV \ DRAIN *ARCHITECTURAL SITE PLAN INFORMATION BASED ON SURVEY PROVIDED BY THOMPSON-FLEMING LAND SURVEYORS \ I i 7-9-A"1 . 3.8 560°09 ' 1 s "E DECORATIVE NETAF FE\CE , - -x x x - )---,---/-,--,_ , _ ,_ , - '� - - , — — 1 - 129. 83 ' 0 o I ° I IA I I I Io II '" ° I 6 I � � EXISTING DRIVEWAY 6 Q..) co -I:I ELM TREE o 01 jLOT SIZE = 9,009 SQ.FT. -` O1 5/5 DRC DISCUSSION TOPIC • C: o EXISTING WALKWAY 1 10'x4'WALKWAY SEGMENT CI FYIcTINf f1RIP Ffl('F , _1 ° Q W CANOPY 00 OF TREE ; I Iii 1 o Z(-)I I -, — IIIIA =R DECK I O PORCH z / AA A= 0 0 NI O 01 62' 43/4" - 0 0 I �J IO•-II I/4" I I 1 3' 10 3/4' 1 � I O 1 1 \ N L6 SN x I ' v °O.-0-°-°- O.-°-° ° _° -° _°-°-°- 30. 00 ' � i N , I STORM --- M H N55° 7 7'54 "W �°- - -- N BRICK spii wee y 0 W a_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - -,-- - - 7 5w�de_ _ _ o — PROPOSED ARCHITECTURAL SITE PLAN k---- — — ----- , SCALE : 3/32" = 1'-0" STORM DRAIN *ARCHITECTURAL SITE PLAN INFORMATION BASED ON SURVEY PROVIDED BY THOMPSON-FLEMING LAND SURVEYORS \