Looking for sources. Root loss due to topping

evo

evo

Been here much more than a while
Location
My Island, WA
ya'll I'm working on a project, and I am looking to cite sources of studies or other credible information that supports the effects of root loss due to over pruning or topping.

Basically, one of the local hacks topped a bunch of trees on a critical area's bluff in a watershed ravine. There are valid concerns about the root loss due to the topping for landslides and erosion.
@guymayor @KTSmith @JD3000 @cerviarborist @anyone else?
 
Also significant loss of auxins that stimulate root growth. Combine that with loss of photosynthate sent that way as well.

Not sure if I have anything in document form to send over
 
These might help a bit
 

Attachments

My guess, the hemlocks will die, maples will rebound... Huge maples grow out of stumps with intact, though stressed root systems... Certainly no over-story to block sun.

What are local regulations on that type of cutting?


Better topped than removed.



Waterfront properties are tough. People buy and pay higher taxes for waterfront, wanting views.
 
"View easements" are pretty common along the coast here. Written into the deed, so those topped trees are on your neighbor's property and you don't have to look at em.
 
southsoundtree said:
My guess, the hemlocks will die, maples will rebound... Huge maples grow out of stumps with intact, though stressed root systems... Certainly no over-story to block sun.

What are local regulations on that type of cutting?


Better topped than removed.



Waterfront properties are tough. People buy and pay higher taxes for waterfront, wanting views.
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Hemlock is toast. Maples will sprout from cuts and base, but notice the tight line pipe?
 
Serf Life said:
"View easements" are pretty common along the coast here. Written into the deed, so those topped trees are on your neighbor's property and you don't have to look at em.
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local critical area guidelines, state and federal trump easements or neighborhood associations ordinances.
 
evo said:
not old... and very much active. If a tree failure would occur and damage the pipe during a storm event, well shit would go down hill fast
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Is that a stormwater pipe, or a shit pipe?

Is there concern that the pipe(s) could be damaged by these topped trees failing?

Is the pipe not running through a forest full of trees that could damage it?
 
Pipe is storm water, it's pretty bomber and can take a hit. I know the guy who installed it, and generally it's about 1.5" wall thickness.. two major concerns are root loss contributing to the slope stabilization and the pipe as a target. Of course these trees will not just fall onto the pipe in the near future, but unmanaged re-growth will or in time total tree failure. The fact that a human caused event would and could lead to this failure and pretty damn high consequences of said failure, the contractor will likely be sued for damages... (remember this includes a trespass event)
Also the road is about 10 yards behind where the pipe originates, tied into the road ditch (AKA shit ton of water). Concern is tree damages pipe, pipe spills water causing surface slides or deeper seated slides. As well as, root loss causes soil failure, damages pipe which then contributes to greater land movement into the sea

Neighbor who hired the crew is either playing dumb (and also pulling the victim card) or truly is dumb and a victim..

My role is current tree assessment, likelihood of survivability, projected restoration pruning cycles and costs, mitigation planting with a culling plan, determine if these tree can be allowed to become dominate again or best to keep them subordinated as under story, or long term staged removal replacement process.

I'd just girdle the hemlock and leave it as a snag if it weren't for the pipe.
 
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I think that rather than focus on root loss, it might be easier to argue that 1. The trees have been effectively removed. 2. The canopies and root systems of the trees provided erosion control services. Roots by holding soil, and canopies by intercepting, retaining and gradually releasing stormwater.

The loss of the trees should be appraised giving consideration to the services they provide and the cost to cure should include canopy and root restoration as well as stop gap measures to manage stormwater and erosion until new trees are established. .
 
Some interesting general site history. Not far down the road the Army Cops of Engineers used water cannons from boats to erode a relatively sandy bluff to build and increase a sand spit for a development.. the county won’t touch that area with a 10’ pole, in-fact you even have to trick them to come out to that site
 
And time to start planting.

On the dime of whoever did the topping of course. Remember species diversity please!
 
JD3000 said:
And time to start planting.

On the dime of whoever did the topping of course. Remember species diversity please!
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Done and will do... planting heavy at a 4:1 or 5:1 ratio. This is due to recent climatic conditions and issues with some iconic species. Not to mention signs of laminated root rot in the neighborhood.. kinda at a loss for suggested species. Cedar? Is hit or miss, hemlock is out, grand fir meh, Doug fir is out.. that’s about half or more of the natives...

Don’t forget that I am doing a culling plan on the chance if all the new plantings make it. But in time..
 
evo said:
Done and will do... planting heavy at a 4:1 or 5:1 ratio. This is due to recent climatic conditions and issues with some iconic species. Not to mention signs of laminated root rot in the neighborhood.. kinda at a loss for suggested species. Cedar? Is hit or miss, hemlock is out, grand fir meh, Doug fir is out.. that’s about half or more of the natives...

Don’t forget that I am doing a culling plan on the chance if all the new plantings make it. But in time..
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Can't help on species selection but there's plenty of good folks here on the Buzz from out there as well as local Profs. L.C. Scott perhaps?
 
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