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1 <br /> <br />________________________________________________________________________ <br />6347 Minnewashta Woods Dr., Excelsior MN 55331• 763-717-9366 • heritageshadetree.com <br /> <br />August 8, 2025 <br /> <br />City of Orono <br />2750 Kelley Parkway <br />Orono, MN 55356 <br /> <br />Re: Support for Variance Request – Retaining Wall Placement to Protect Mature <br />Trees <br /> <br />To Whom It May Concern, <br /> <br />As a certified arborist with 39 years of experience in tree preservation and urban forestry, <br />I am writing in support of the variance request for the existing location of the retaining <br />wall located at 1200 Wildhurst Trail. After evaluating the site, I believe that granting this <br />variance is in the best interest of the city’s urban forest and the health of several mature <br />trees on the property. <br /> <br />The retaining wall was carefully planned and constructed to minimize disruption within <br />the critical root zones of 4 mature trees, including two northern red oak on Mr. Roath’s <br />property (approximately 14 inches and 18 inches in diameter) and a red oak (approx. 24 <br />inch diameter) and silver maple (approx. 28 inch diameter) on the adjacent property. <br />These mature trees are both ecologically and aesthetically significant. They provide <br />shade, sequester carbon, stabilize soil, provide wildlife habitat, and contribute to the <br />character and property values of the neighborhood. <br /> <br />Importantly, the retaining wall serves a crucial role in preventing soil erosion on the <br />sloped site. The terraces reduce the velocity of water traveling down the hill toward the <br />lake. Preventing erosion maintains the stability of the entire slope and protects the trees <br />as well as water quality. <br /> <br />In addition to controlling erosion, the retaining wall and terraces are designed to capture <br />rainwater runoff, allowing it to percolate deeper into the soil profile rather than being lost <br />to surface flow. Water retention is especially important in dry seasons when mature trees <br />rely heavily on stored soil moisture. The wall helps to maintain a more consistent and <br />supportive moisture environment for the trees, reducing stress and promoting overall <br />health. <br /> <br /> <br />141 <br />PC <br />Exhibit H