HomeMy WebLinkAbout20240910 RDA Hamilton 65 Hollidge Hill - Arborist Letter + Report-email sizeAugust 9, 2024
Thomas & Susan Hamilton
65 Hollidge Hill Lane | PO Box 1658
Marstons Mills, MA 02648
RE: American beeches (Fagus grandifolia) at 65 Hollidge Hill Lane, Marstons Mills
At the request of the Town of Barnstable Conservation Commission we have compiled a written report on the
current status and health of two (2) American beech (Fagus grandifolia) trees located at 65 Hollidge Hill Lane,
Marstons Mills, Massachusetts.
The included arborist report presents a comprehensive assessment of the conditions of the indicated trees.
The evaluation includes an assessment of their overall health and vigor, identification of potential hazards, and
recommendations for management and preservation. The information contained within this report is intended
to provide the Commission with the necessary data to make informed decisions regarding the protection and
management of the tree resource on this property.
I have conducted a thorough assessment of the trees in question and have attached a detailed report outlining
my findings and recommendations.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Ralph Alfieri
Owner | Alfieri Tree Care
ISA Certified Arborist
ⓇNE-7156A | ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ)
68B NICOLETTAS WAY | PO BOX 2719 | MASHPEE, MA 02649
OFFICE@ALFIERITREECARE.COM
ALFIERITREECARE.COM
774 327 8576
AMERICAN BEECHES (FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA) AT 65 HOLLIDGE HILL LANE, MARSTONS MILLS
Site Address:65 Hollidge Hill Lane, Marstons Mills
Visit Date:May 30, 2024
Site Description:
65 Hollidge Hill Lane, Marstons Mills, MA (081 | 006 | 027) is a 1.2-acre waterfront property adjacent to
Hamblin Pond. The lot has an irregular shape with approximately 115 feet of pond frontage. Despite its
proximity to the pond, the entire residential lot is located in FEMA Flood Zone X, an "Area of Minimal Flood
Hazard." The house and attached deck is located approximately 100’ from the shorefront.
The majority of the southwestern area of the property is located within the Town of Barnstable defined
100-foot buffer zone and within the Conservation jurisdiction. The shorefront approach is a gradual downward
slope from the house, leading to a naturalized lawn and sandy area. There is a landscaped fire pit and
approximately 9-12 individual feature trees in this area.
Site Assessment:
Alfieri Tree Care was initially contacted by the property owner at 65 Hollidge Hill Lane on a referral from a
neighbor who is an existing client. The neighbor is actively treating a high-value ornamental beech tree on their
property for Beech Leaf Disease.
First detected in Ohio in 2012, Beech Leaf Disease has rapidly spread throughout the Northeast US and New
England. BLD was first detected in Barnstable County in 2022. BLD is caused by a parasitic nematode
(Litylenchus crenatae),a microscopic worm that infiltrates the leaf buds and feeds on the leaf tissue. BLD
significantly weakens a beech tree’s overall vitality and health, making them susceptible to other pests and
diseases. Without chemical intervention, mature beech trees will succumb to the effects of BLD within five to
ten years.
At 65 Hollidge Hill Lane, two mature American beech trees (fagus grandifolia) are situated within the 100-foot
buffer zone.
The first tree, “Beech A,” (Exhibit A) has an approximate diameter at breast height (DBH) of 16-18 inches, and is
encircled by a raised wood deck. The deck was constructed around the tree, and due to natural growth, the
trunk is now in direct contact with the deck. This contact will eventually cause the trunk to girdle and could lead
to serious damage. The trunk of Beech A is approximately 5-6’ from the nearest point of the roof’s eave and
8-10’ from the nearest exterior wall. The base and root zone of the Beech A is located below the deck and is
surrounded by a rock wall and the foundation of the adjacent residential structure. The deck's coverage of the
lower trunk and root zone has also created adverse conditions under the deck, including increased soil
compaction, root competition with the deck's foundation, and a higher risk of disease due to the damp, shaded
environment.
AMERICAN BEECHES (FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA) AT 65 HOLLIDGE HILL LANE
Beech A is exhibiting signs of decline, including a sparse canopy with significantly reduced foliage and cupped,
distorted leaves with interveinal banding. The tree is also leaning slightly outward, likely due to the uneven
weight distribution of the large leaders on the southern side of the tree. Given the evident structural issues,
proximity to the house and progression of the BLD symptoms, this tree would not be a viable candidate for
treatment or saving.
“Beech B,” (Exhibit B) located on the south side of the property, is approximately 20-22” in diameter at breast
height (DBH) and is situated 21-23’ from the deck and structure. This tree is also showing signs of decline due
to BLD, including a sparse canopy and distorted leaves.
A cavity, approximately 3’ up from the base, appears to be the wound of a lost co-dominant stem (likely
occurring 5-10 years ago). The cavity is roughly 10” at its widest point, and exhibits decay, excessive moisture
and the early stages of rot. Given these structural issues, proximity to the house and the progression of BLD
symptoms, Beech B is also not a viable candidate for treatment or saving.
While chemical intervention can suppress Beech Leaf Disease, it’s a significant financial investment. Based on
current recommendations, the annual cost for foliar applications for both trees would be approximately
$2,800-$3,500. Unfortunately, the active ingredient in these applications,fluopyram, is toxic to aquatic
organisms and should not be used near water bodies.
A recent alternative, a systemic nematicide injection with a 24(c) special needs label, is also cost-prohibitive
and may not be effective for trees with advanced symptoms and other signs of decline.
AMERICAN BEECHES (FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA) AT 65 HOLLIDGE HILL LANE
EXHIBIT A | Beech A
Left | Location of tree “in” raised deck, sparse canopy (note foliage on other
surrounding trees)
Center | Tree position in relation to deck, slight angle of tree
Right | Darkened, thick, deformed leaves with interveinal banding
EXHIBIT B | Beech B
Left | Location of tree in proximity to house
Center | Sparse canopy
Right | Cavity with visible decay
AMERICAN BEECHES (FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA) AT 65 HOLLIDGE HILL LANE