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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Lisa H. HammerLISA H. HAMMER January 2008 P.O. 13ox 330203 Miami, FL 33233 (305) 476-5748 (305) 461-3167 Fax lisahhammer@bellsouth.net Ao-ne-f NO a zd W311 ?i0d aiOo3 OI1fld 2H1 OINI 011fl9 CURRICULUM VITAE SUMMARY A native Miamian with over twenty-five years of professional experience in South Florida horticulture. Particular expertise in arboriculture, landscape maintenance, integrated pest management, and plant nutrition. Advise property owners, managers, and landscape industry professionals in efficient landscape management. Provide on -site consultations, prepare technical reports and specifications, develop and deliver training programs, and provide expert testimony in legal cases. WORK HISTORY 1987-present Lisa H. Hammer, Horticultural Consultant Private consulting practice in landscaping and arboriculture, advising property owners, managers, and landscape professionals on landscape management. Specialties include plant diagnosis and prescription, tree pruning specifications, landscape maintenance specifications, Landscape monitoring programs, tree preservation programs, landscape training programs, tree and landscape appraisals, hazard tree evaluation, landscape design review, legal cases involving trees and landscaping. 1983-1987 Extension Agent, Urban Horticulture, Florida Cooperative Extension Service Developed educational programs in urban horticulture in Dade County. Targeted audiences were grounds maintenance professionals, retailers, and homeowners. Provided workshops, seminars, and on -site evaluations. Coordinated and managed Master Gardener volunteer program. Developed community gardening programs in inner city neighborhoods. 1982-1983 Laboratory Technician, Shands Teaching Hospital, University of Florida Performed laboratory duties related to medical research project on effects of pectin on serum cholesterol levels. Funded by Florida Citrus Commission. Performed gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, and basic laboratory duties. 1981-1982 Horticulturist/Keeper Aide, City and County of Honolulu Zoo Installed and maintained plants in aviary. Worked inside cages with various bird species, installing, pruning, and fertilizing plants for aesthetics, perching, and shelter for birds. 1979-1981 Research Assistant, Department of Fruit Crops, University of Florida Part-time student assistant to agricultural researcher in studies involving the effects of ultraviolet radiation on food crops, maximization of resin content in pines, development of abscission compounds for citrus, and effects of plant growth regulators on peach bloom. Duties included basic laboratory functions including the usage of a spectrophotometer and gas chromatograph. Also maintained experimental plants in the greenhouse and growth chambers. Performed micro -grafting and budding procedures. 07 - 005mq ina - £ubmi ttc. ( - Lisa IA. flct.rn over LISA H. HAMMER CURRICULUM VITAE PAGE 2 OF 4 EDUCATION 1977-1981 Bachelor of Science, Agriculture, University of Florida Major in Fruit Crops. Certificate of Specialization in Tropical Agriculture. Awarded William F. Ward Achievement Award, 1981. 1984-1987 Master of Science, Biology, Florida International University Thesis research in pollination ecology. Awarded Florida International University Travel Fellowship, June 1985, to participate in "Tropical Agroecology" course, Costa Rica. Organization for Tropical Studies, July -August 1985. Awarded Organization of American States fellowship, August 1986, to perform master's thesis research in Costa Rica. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS American Society of Consulting Arborists. Registered Consulting Arborist No. 333. International Society of Arboriculture. Certified Arborist No. SO-0758. Board of Directors, Florida Chapter, 2000-2002. Tree Care Industry Association (formerly National Arborist Association). Florida Arborist Association. President 1995. Florida State Horticultural Society. Vice -President 1984. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS State of Florida, Certified Pest Control Operator. Certification #JF89007. American Society of Consulting Arborists. Registered Consulting Arborist #333. International Society of Arboriculture. Certified Arborist #SO-0758. PUBLICATIONS "Palm Shaving", Florida Arborist, Volume 5, Number 4. Winter 2002. Florida Chapter International Society of Arboriculture. "The Date Palm in the Florida Landscape". Florida Arborist, Volume4, Number 4. Winter 2001. Florida Chapter International Society of Arboriculture. Case Capsule #1, "Arboricultural Consultant", Vol. 28, No. 6, Dec. 1995. Pollination Ecology and Floral Biology of the Yellow Passionfruit, Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa. Proc. InterAm. Soc. Trop. Hort., 30:35-44. 1986. Submlt#ed Into the puble recorg4 in connection with item L4 17 on 01--P4- OS Priscilla A. Thompson City Cleric LISA H. HAMMER CURRICULUM VITAE PAGE 3 OF 4 The Pollinators of the Yellow Passionfruit — Do They Limit the Success of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa as a Tropical Crop? Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc., 100:283-287. 1987. PRESENTATIONS Trees Florida 2006, International Society of Arboriculture, Florida Chapter and the Florida Urban Forestry Council. June 2006. "The Grovenor House: A Successful Tree Preservation Project". Complete Tree Management Program, Florida Chapter International Society of Arboriculture, University of Florida Extension, and Miami -Dade Community College. October 2002. "ANSI Pruning Standards". International Society of Arboriculture, Florida Chapter, Annual Conference, 1999. "Site Considerations in Tree Species Selection." American Society of Consulting Arborists Annual Conference, 1996. "Case Capsule, Results of Internal Revenue Service Audit of Casualty Loss Claim after Hurricane Andrew". American Society of Consulting Arborists Annual Conference, 1992. "Effects of Hurricane Andrew on South Florida's Trees". Florida State Horticultural Society Annual Conference, 1987. "The Pollinators of the Yellow Passionfruit — Do They Limit the Success of Passfora edulis f. flavicarpa as a Tropical Crop?" InterAmerican Society of Tropical Horticulture Annual Conference, 1986. "Pollination Ecology and Floral Biology of the Yellow Passionfruit, Passijlora edulis f. flavircarpa". COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP American Society of Consulting Arborists, Document Review Committee. 1995 to 1997. Dade/IFAS Cooperative Extension, Urban Horticulture Advisory Committee. 1990 to 2001. Metro -Dade County Tree and Forest Resources Advisory Committee. 1991 to 1994. TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS Florida Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture, Certified Arborist Training. June 1998. Taught Tree Selection, Planting and Establishment section of Certified Arborist training program. Florida Arborist Association, Southern Chapter. Tree Pruning Seminar, June 1995. Taught Tree Biology section. Miami -Dade Community College. 1991-1992. Part-time instructor. Taught Horticulture II, a required course for Landscape Technology majors. Dade County Extension Agent. 1983-1987. Planned, coordinated and taught numerous workshops, seminars and training programs on a variety of topics related to urban horticulture. Coordinated, managed and taught sections of Master Gardener volunteer program. Lisa H. Hammer, Horticultural Consultant. 1987 to present. Numerous private training sessions for professional landscape maintenance and pest control company personnel, and municipality nRloy into the record in connection wi mea item 7 on i± 0 Priscilla A. Th�omrscril< City Clerk LISA H. HAMMER CURRICULUM VITAE PAGE 4 OF 4 AWARD -WINNING PROJECTS American Landscape Contractors Association, Decade Award, Maintenance. Presented to Tropics North Landscaping and Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, FL. 2005. Have provided Landscape Monitoring Service to Ocean Reef Club for 13 years. American Society of Landscape Architects, Florida Chapter, Year 2000 Design Award. Presented to Curtis & Rogers Design Studio, Inc., Miami, FL. 2000, for Carnival Corporation headquarters. Provide Landscape Monitoring Service. American Landscape Contractors Association, Grand Award, Maintenance. Presented to Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, FL. 1996. Provide Landscape Monitoring Service. American Landscape Contractors Association, Merit Award. Presented to Pembroke Lakes Mall, Pembroke Pines, FL. 1996. Provide Landscape Monitoring Service. Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association, Top Award, Re -Landscape Over $500,000. Presented to Ocean Reef Community Association, Key Largo, FL. 1995. Wrote Landscape Installation and Landscape Maintenance Specifications. Provide Landscape Monitoring Service. American Landscape Contractors Association, Grand Award, Re -Landscape Over $500,000. Presented to Ocean Reef Community Association, Key Largo, FL. 1995. Provide Landscape Monitoring Service. National Xeriscape Council, Florida Xeriscape Award, Landscape Management. Presented to Florida Power & Light Company, Florida City, FL. 1992. Project Manager. Wrote Landscape Design, Installation and Maintenance Specifications. Provided Landscape Monitoring Service. SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD FOR 1TEMF'zn_ONo-zq-os . LISA H. HAMMER Horticultural Consultant September 17, 2007 Mr. AL::h. Rubino Serp A Serp Investments 3185 Lamb Court Miami, FL 33133 Phone (305) 476-5748 • Fax (305) 461-3167 P.O. Box 330203, Miami, FL 33233 lisahhammer@bellsouth.net RE: 2840 Shipping Avenue Dear Mr, Rubino: On Wednesday, September 12, we met at the above -referenced property where you requested my evaluation of a live oak (Quercus virginiana) tree. My report follows. BACKGROUND Your firm is constructing a twin home on this lot. There is a pre-existing live oak tree located in the setback area near Shipping Avenue. You intended to retain the tree, but now that :construction is nearing completion, the tree is found to be obstructing construction of a sidewalk and access to the garage of the east -side unit. It would also prohibit the installation and operation of a security fence across the front of the property. You requested a tree removal permit from the City of Miami and it has been appealed by the Grove Tree -Man Trust. You requested my professional opinion regarding the tree's condition and recommendations for solutions to the problem. OBSERVATIONS At the time of my visit I noted the live oak tree in question located in the front setback area. I measured its trunk diameter at 19.5 inches. It is approximately 35 feet in overall height, with a crown spread of about 30 feet. The trunk bends such that the entire crown is located to the north of the trunk, over Shipping Avenue. The health of the tree is fair at best. The foliage is slightly chlorotic (yellow) and there is some twig dieback. Crown density is fair and foliage growth is moderately vigorous. Submitted into the pub4i' record in connection veal item pZ r -( on 0/-2y- 0 Priscilla A. Thompson City Clerk Mr. Anthony Rubino 2840 Shipping Avenue Evaluation of Live Oak Tree Page 2 There are several broken branches, most of which are old; one is more recent. One main leader over the road has been struck by vehicles on numerous occasions. The roots do not appear to have been significantly damaged during construction, but some damage or stress most likely occurred due to heavy equipment operation, excavations, etc. Some excavation was performed on the east side of the tree when investigating sidewalk construction, but no significant roots were found in that area. The top of the rootball is higher than surrounding grade. DISCUSSION There does not appear to be any feasible way to re-route the driveway to accommodate this tree and provide adequate access for a vehicle to enter or exit the garage. It might be possible to route a sidewalk around the tree, but since the rootball is above surrounding grade, there would be problems with excessive slope of the sidewalk (reducing grade by cutting tree roots is not recommended). A security fence and gate would also be problematic due to space, slope, and access. If the tree were to somehow remain, it would be highly susceptible to all types of damage and stress related to vehicular movement (root damage/stress, strikes to the trunk, etc.). Since the tree is in fair condition at best, the best long-term solution would be to remove it and provide replacement trees as required by the City of Miami Tree Protection ordinance. RECOMMENDATIONS Since there is no other feasible alternative, I recommend that this tree be removed and mitigated by installing replacement trees as required by the City. For a 19.5 inch - diameter tree, the City requires replacement with 16 hardwood trees 2" DBH and 12' in height OR 8 hardwood trees 4" DBH and 16' in height OR a contribution to the Tree Trust Fund in the amount of $8,000. There is no space in the rear or on the sides of this property for new tree installation. There may be adequate space for two trees in the front swale area, one on either side of the property. Off -site mitigation (if permitted by the City) or a contribution to the Tree Trust Fund would be the other options. Submitted into the public - record in connection with ikein Pi z 1 t on car-z41/-0�- Priscilla A. Thompson �"----. , City Clerk Mr. Anthony Rubino 2840 Shipping Avenue Evaluation of Live Oak Tree Page 3 CONCLUSION In conc_'usion, the live oak tree in question is in fair condition. It is obstructing garage access, sidewalk installation, and security fence/gate installation and operation. There is no feasible way to retain it and it should be removed and mitigated according to City requirements. Thank you and please call if you have any questions. Sincerely, Lisa H. Hammer Horticultural Consultant ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #333 ISA Certified Arborist #SO-0758 SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBUC gECORD FOR ITEM vz�ofr=/-�. LISA H. HAMMER Horticultural Consultant October 1, 2007 Mr. Anthony Rubino Serp & Serp Investments 3185 Lamb Court Miami, FL 33133 RE: 2840 Shipping Avenue Dear Mr, Rubino: Phone (305) 476-5748 • Fax (305) 461-3167 P.O. Box 330203, Miami, FL 33233 lisahhammer@bellsouth.net On Friday, September 28 we met at the above -referenced site with Mr. Jim McMaster of the Grove Tree -Man Trust, as a follow-up to our first meeting on September 12 and my subsequent report dated September 17, 2007. Ms. Liliana Dones of the Tree Watch Committee did not attend the meeting as originally planned. Several issues were discussed during our meeting and I would like to add the following points to my initial findings and recommendations: 1) As first reported, the live oak tree in question is in "fair condition at best". It has some pre-existing stresses as evidenced by chlorosis, sparse crown density, dead limbs (one of which is about 8 inches in diameter and 20 feet in length), twig dieback, and non - vigorous growth. When compared with neighboring live oak trees, the differences are readily apparent. 2) The stress and decline noted in #1, above, are not related to construction damage. Mr. Rubino has photographs of the tree in 2004, prior to beginning any construction work, which show that it was in more -or -less the same condition at that time. 3) The tree is not in good enough condition to survive relocation. 4) It remains my opinion that if the tree is subjected to additional stresses such as driveway construction, sidewalk construction, security fence/gate construction, continual vehicle passage over the root zone, and possible strikes by vehicles trying to access the garage, additional decline in tree health is likely to occur. As tree health declines and dieback continues there is a risk of branch and limb failure (breakage) into Shipping Avenue. Submitted into the pub i�in connection with 7 '7 on O 1 -24.0 Priscilla A. Thompson City Clerk Mr. Anthony Rubino 2840 Shipping Avenue Follow -Up Evaluation of Live Oak Tree Page 2 I remain convinced that tree removal and mitigation by the current owner is in the best interest of the community, as it will prevent the new owners from bearing the cost of imminent tree removal, and provide for mitigation which might otherwise be waived if the tree is removed after it dies. Thank you. Sincerely, Lisa H. Hammer Horticultural Consultant ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist #333 ISA Certified Arborist #SO-0758 SUBMITTED INTO THE PUBLIC RECORD FOR ITEM27 ON orry os'. Amerman Society of Consulting Arborists - Rec . tered Consulting Arborist Page 1 of 1 asca A M E Ri i t.: A N What is a Consulting Arborist? SOCIETY o f f' ONSULTING ARBORISTS Why chooso a Consulting Arborist? Why join ASCA? ASCA newsroom ASCA flier -Fibers only RCA designation ASCA TILE EXPERT REFERRAL DtRECi C3R CORFERaICES ADDflI I AL RESOURCE & SITE MAP CONTACT US .SLAW ASCA RENEW YOUR MEMBERS MP HOME_ There is neither a higher authority nor a more objective voice in the arboricultural profession than a Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) on matters involving the legal, environmental and aesthetic considerations of trees and plants. Those who earn the RCA designation are routinely called upon for expert testimony, damage assessment and appraisal, municipal and commercial landscape planning and development, tree preservation, hazard assessment, and other situations requiring expert knowledge and experience in the arboricultural industry. Registered Consulting Arborists must meet stringent requirements for technical education and experience, successfully complete the requirements of ASCA's rigorous Consulting Academy program, and produce a series of consulting reports that meet strict professional review standards. The Consulting Academy's curriculum follows a case study format and is taught by a nationally recognized faculty. Its courses investigate four key areas of consultation skills: technical writing and report presentation; training as an expert witness; consulting ethics; and practice management. To view the application for becoming an RCA, please clic; ',ere. Con& ] ig .* amorist? I Why choose a Consulirg n,borist? ' SCA? ASCA newsroom I ASCA members only $Iild Into the pub*, connedlon'with wpm Z r1 on 9(-24- Ai Priscilla A. Thompson ti (itv Clark http://www.asca-consultants.org/join_rca.html 1124/2008