Proposal for Tree and Shrub Care for: Town of Warrenton

PETER DEAHL, FINE PRUNING, L.L.C.

16 Berkeley Court, Sterling Virginia, 20165
703.501.0417 / 703.430.3501 (Fax)
nobigdeahl@verizon.net
www.thepruningschool.com
Inside every shrub is a work of art waiting to bloom

03/10/19

Town of Warrenton
18 Court St
P O Drawer 341
Warrenton, VA 20188
540.347.6576
Attention: Edward Tucker
etucker@warrentonva.gov
Objective: Survey the condition of the elm in front of the old Courthouse

Dear Bo:
I had a chance to look at the elm in front of the old Courthouse. If you have any
further questions please let me know. Many thanks, Peter

1. Tree’s Crown: There is no leaf density in the elm’s crown. Trees need leaves
to create that energy to exist. By removing the elm’s apically dominant parts
over the years, this elm is literally starving to death. Stripping a tree of its
photosynthetic abilities and material destroys its immune system.
2. Tree’s Stem and Branches: There are numerous woody parts that are
decayed or possess cavities. This affects the trees integrity, which in turn can
cause the tree to fail either by losing tree parts or by the entire tree falling.
3. The Tree’s Critical Root Zone, “CRZ”: This elm has spent its entire existence
growing within an impervious environment of asphalt and concrete
infrastructure. It has little root system from which to gather the water and
nutrients it requires. From a personal standpoint, I find it heroic that this tree
has remained vertical and alive as long as it has. Though the care it has
received looks severe, it is likely the only thing that has kept it alive over the
years. The Town has invested a great deal of time and money on this elm
 and the elm in turn has given back the best it could. I recommend the tree
be removed before it can no longer stand on its own.
4. If this tree is removed, replacing it will be impossible in the same location due
to the existing infrastructure. However, directly across the street adjacent to
the Fauquier Bank property is a large willow oak in a grassy area just off the
Bank’s patio. Beneath the willow oak’s canopy there is ample room for an
ornamental tree such as a Virginia fringe tree as a replacement. Fringe trees
grow well in sun or shade, which makes this a good location for replanting.

Respectfully submitted
Peter Deahl, ISA Certified Arborist, #0074
Peter Deahl, Fine Pruning, LLC
703.501.0417
nobigdeahl@verizon.net