ALLEN LANE TRAIN STATION SITE EVALUATION REPORT
TO:
WENDY GREEN-HARVEY
FROM:
DORIS KESSLER, FRIENDS OF ALLEN LANE STATION BENJAMIN MONETTE, FRIENDS OF ALLEN LANE STATION EMILY MCCOY, FRIENDS OF ALLEN LANE STATION STEVE STROIMAN, FRIENDS OF ALLEN LANE STATION
SUBJECT:
PLANTING, SOIL, AND SLOPE ASSESSMENT FOR THE ALLENS LANE TRAIN STATION
DATE:
JUNE 24, 2011
CC:
DORRIS KESSLER, BENJAMIN MONETTE, EMILY MCCOY, STEVE STROIMAN
This report represents our assessment of the implementation of the landscape design for the Allen Lane Station as presented in the contract documents that were made available to the Friends of the Allen Lane Station by SEPTA. We expect the quality of the landscape to reflect the care and craftsmanship of the building, platform, and pedestrian bridge. As members of the West Mount Airy Community, we appreciate the exceptional plan that was designed and documented for the landscape planting. The issues of landscape planting go beyond aesthetics particularly when a considerable amount of money is budgeted for the quantity of plant material required by the plan. The overall quality of the landscape portion of the project, however, is shockingly poor and in no way reflects the design intent. The area of most concern is that there are many dying and dead perennials, shrubs, and small trees. There are four primary reasons for this: 1. ISSUE: A lack of suitable growing medium. The soil contains an unacceptably low level of organic material. The soil appears to be composed primarily of clay and aggregate what would normally be considered “construction grade” rather than “planting soil.” ACTION ITEM: The soil should be replaced with a proper growing medium according to the specification. 2. ISSUE: A lack of watering. All trees and large shrubs should be watered on a consistent basis in a method of the contractor’s choosing. ACTION ITEM: We suggest the use of 20 gallon Gator Bags. 3. ISSUE: Slope instability. The slopes were not properly stabilized prior to planting and are sloughing off in many places. ACTION ITEM: Slopes should be stabilized with a combination of re-grading, erosion control matting, and where appropriate, seeding before planting larger trees, shrubs, and perennials. 4. ISSUE: The trees are planted too deep. The vast majority of the trees have their root flares buried. This is not an acceptable planting practice and results in an increased chance for tree fatality within 510 years of planting. ACTION ITEM: The trees should be re-dug and planted correctly. In addition the following items were noted as lacking or deficient:
1. ISSUE: Many shrubs were pot bound with severe root compaction. ACTION ITEM: Root bound trees and shrubs should be replaced. 2. ISSUE: There appears to have been tree substitutions. ACTION ITEM: An accounting of what was delivered and planted on site should be made and agreed to the most current plans. The attached images illustrate the points listed. In addition, should there be a need to replace the contractor due to poor performance, we have provided a list of reputable landscape contractors below: Brian Ames David Brothers t: 215-247-2992 or 610-584-1550 http://www.davidbrothers.com/contact_contact.html Laurel Hill Gardens 8125 Germantown Ave t: 215-247-9490 http://www.laurelhillgardens.com/about.html Think Green PO Box 528 Glenside, PA 19038 t: 215.887.2595 http://www.thinkgreenllc.com/
IMAGES
All of the large trees in this area are buried too deep. The straw indicates that this area was seeded although it shows not sign of growth.
Image 1
Close up of straw shows that if this area was seeded, it does not appear to have taken. The proper growing medium for a lawn does not appear to be present.
Image 2
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This typical condition for the trees in this Zone shows that the tree is buried too deep. The root flare should be present.
Image 3
Several dead shrubs are present in this plant bed.
Image 4
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Wounds in the bark are present. Both are buried too deep.
Image 5
Stake is too close to the tree. The tree is buried too deep.
Image 6
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Image 7
All of these small trees show signs off severe stress. Low canopy cover, dead branches, shriveled leaves are all present.
Inadequate planting medium. Large aggregate is present and there appears to be low organic content.
Image 8
Tree is buried too deep
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Slope is unstable and sloughing.
Image 9
Several shrubs are dead or showing signs of decline
Image 10
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Dead and dying shrubs
Unstable slope, inappropriate planting medium
Image 11
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Stressed trees are buried too deep in unsuitable soil.
Unstable slope, inappropriate planting medium
Image 12
Typical of the trees in this area that are stressed and in decline.
Image 13
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Exposed landscape fabric.
Dead and dying plugs in unsuitable soil.
Exposed landscape fabric.
Exposed landscape fabric.
Dead and dying plugs in unsuitable soil.
Image 14
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Dead shrubs
Image 15
Unsuitable growing medium
Image 16
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“Soil” is being washed out.
Cleanouts should be be cut down to meet finish grade.
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Shrubs are dying and are about to be washed out onto the platform.
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Disturbed area has been ignored and the slope is failing
Tree is buried too deep, root flare should be present
Tree saucer has been incorrectly dug and is being undercut by water
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Tree is damaged and buried too deep
Several dead shrubs
Lack of suitable planting soil and the slope has not been stabilized.
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Shrubs showing signs of severe stress and are in advanced decline.
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Slope is failing
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