Chesapeake Beach tree board approves removal of large pin oak at 4014 Thirteenth Street with one-for-one replacement

The Chesapeake Beach Tree Board on Dec. 3 approved a permit allowing removal of a large pin oak at 4014 Thirteenth Street and required a one‑for‑one replacement to be planted at a more desirable location on the property.

The board’s review focused on a pin oak the town identified as worthy of preservation but also as posing potential hazards. Sharon, a town staff member, summarized the application and the town planner’s recommendation, saying the pin oak "is important for its storm water function of the critical area and if removed should be replaced." The board noted two other trees on the property are below the ordinance threshold and are not subject to board review.

The homeowner told the board they had previously taken steps to protect the tree, including moving a waterline 25 years earlier, and said the tree now appeared to be causing foundation damage. "The front foundation of the house is cracking. It's got enough weight against the foundation. It's actually pushing the back corner," the homeowner said, adding the tree had a visible crack in the trunk and water intrusion in the basement.

Board members and staff visited the property and described a crack and root mass pressing against the foundation. Jay, who performed the on‑site observation, said he saw "a substantial crack where the tree widens off one side to the south one to the north" and that the tree had evidence of seeping and rot. Board discussion weighed the tree’s ecological and canopy value against the reported structural damage and occupant safety concerns.

After discussion, the Tree Board granted the permit to remove the pin oak, designating it a danger to the property because of its proximity to the foundation. The approval requires mitigation: a one‑for‑one replacement from the town’s recommended list (recommended species included pin oak, northern red oak, swamp oak, white oak, or willow oak) to be planted at a more appropriate location on the lot. The board indicated it will formally submit the statement to the town staff.

The board’s statement also clarified that the two smaller trees on the permit are not subject to board review because they fall under the size threshold in the urban forest ordinance. The decision was framed as balancing the tree’s age and canopy value with the immediate safety and damage concerns raised by the homeowner.

The board did not record an on‑the‑record roll‑call tally in the transcript; the permit was approved and the board indicated it would file the formal statement with the town the following day.