RED MAPLE TREES – AN IMPORTANT NOTICE

You may have heard, recently or over the past few years that our community has a tree declining issue. Thanks to the hard work of several key people in our association, we now have updated and clarified information that is crucial for you to understand. The following communicates a summary of what we have learned, the decisions that are before us, and some recommended options for all homeowners who have, in particular, red maples on their property. While this current situation is specifically red maples please pay attention to the needs of all trees. Trees need nutrients, pruning & intervention with disease or insects at times.

SUMMARY OF OUR SITUATION:

A few years ago, as our community representatives tried to gather information on this problem, the news they received was not good. At that time, insecticide was applied to treat gloomy scale. But we are currently facing the same issue again. The updated data is much more helpful. Basically, just treatment of gloomy scale alone will not solve the problem.

• The explanation of our problem – the red maple trees in our community are dying.
• The scope of the problem – we have approximately 240 red maples in Callonwood; 77 are on our maintained HOA common property and the rest are along the streets in front of resident homes and in their yards.
• The reason for the problem – although the trees are being killed by an insect infestation, called Gloomy Scale, the problem goes deeper than that.
These maples trees had three problems before any insect ever attacked them. These three reasons are what has weakened the trees and made them vulnerable to these insects.
• Many of these trees (now larger) were planted in a thin strip of soil cramped between a side walk and a street curb.
• They were planted in poor soil conditions, which were exasperated by compacting during construction.
• Volcano mulching (the term used for piling mulch high against the trunk) added to the problem.
These three factors have encouraged improper root growth that is ‘girdling’ and strangling the trees.
• The consequence of this problem – because the trees have been stressed and weakened, they have become vulnerable to the Gloomy Scale which is sucking the nutrients out of the trees. Most (if not all) will eventually die if no intervention is taken.

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT:

• Our mature canopy is one of the most attractive aspects of our neighborhood and contributes significantly to our property values, according to government experts, and real estate professionals.
• Overhead heat maps show the significant heat reduction these trees provide during the summer. The areas of our neighborhood that have less tree-cover are significantly hotter. These trees provide shade and make porches and yards more tolerable during high heat and our sidewalks more enjoyable to walk. The data even shows that our trees contribute to greater neighborhood interaction.
• For these reasons and others, many states and counties around the country are taking a very strong stance with regards to removing street trees. Here in Callonwood, homeowners, per our founding documents, have always had a “custodial relationship” for the “street trees”. Street trees being identified as the trees between the street and sidewalk. Meaning all care of the “street trees” is the homeowners’ responsibility. Street trees are not allowed to be cut down unless they are dead or dangerous and must be replaced by an adequate size tree. Any “street tree” that needs to be cut down has to get approval through the ARC process and must be replaced. Any other trees, yard trees, must also use the ARC process before any removal. (See First Servicers Website under Architectural Modifications Icon to submit a request.) Consideration is given for possible removal of yard trees understanding that some homes have multiple large maples in their front yard as well as multiple oaks as “street trees.” See ‘Trees, Trees, Trees’ on Callonwood.com for more information on this.
• When trees die, they become dangerous and costly. Currently, the red maples’ girdling roots make them vulnerable to sudden falls and put vehicles, homes, and people at risk. Removal of the dead or fallen tree is expensive. Cutting them down, taking them away, grinding the roots, removing the wood chips and replacing with soil, and planting a replacement tree can cost approximately $1,300 – $2,000 per tree and more if the tree is a larger size.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

Trees do produce a large amount of leaves in the fall. Surface roots can damage sidewalks and plumbing. So, as with everything else in life, there are pros and cons to our beautiful trees. Stallings & Indian Trail, however, are responsible to maintain the sidewalks regardless of damage by trees

OPTIONS FOR SAVING OUR TREES:

Our updated data is from the Urban Forestry expert for Union County, Dr. Keith O’Herrin, Ph.D.  Click here to view his report (PDF).

We have also sought input from several professional arborists. All parties agree and have provided examples from other communities nearby which have addressed the same problem. There are four steps needed to save our trees.

• Root pruning – this involves removing the mulch and dirt and cutting away some of the strangling roots. Yes, you can do the job yourself but some arborists recommend less cutting then this example for the health of the tree. Honestly, with our 6 month negotiated homeowner pricing, we recommend having a professional do it. It’s not an easy job .
• Feeding/fertilizing – this involves nutrients that will help the trees recover.
• Improved mulching – keeping the mulch several inches away from the trunk and expanding the mulch area.
• Insect treatment – spraying to remove the Gloomy Scale. There are different options: insecticide/oil, or once a year systemic.
Most communities, who have been successful with treating this problem, have established a program to implement these steps as needed over a three to five year period. The good news is that fully treating a tree can be much less costly then removing and replanting.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Common Area Trees
• Our HOA boards have received estimates from several professional companies for tree treatment. They have examined all the trees in our community and built a treatment strategy.
• Our boards have voted to begin treatment of our commonly owned trees and have the funds to do so.

• Private Trees (does not apply to townhomes) – certainly, our community guidelines make it clear that it is the responsibility of every home owner to care for their lawn, shrubs and trees. But ultimately, the choice will be made by every home owner if they will take preventative measures to save their trees or have to face the cost of removal and replacement. For the betterment and safety of our community, we hope most homeowners will treat their trees. Violations can be issued for unsafe trees that need to be cut down. Also, there is a risk of damages if a tree falls.

• Costs –The HOA Boards chose Arborguard for our Arborist. For the single family side, one of the main reasons was because they were willing to give the quantity discount to private homeowners for six months. However, private homeowner’s can source anyone they want or do the work themselves. Individual trees would have to be evaluated for confirmation of treatment needed.
• Root repair = $67.50/tree (one time cost unless other root problems develop over time)
• Fertilizing/feeding = $58.50/treatment (1 treatment per year for up to 3 years)
• Systemic Gloomy Scale spraying = $54/treatment (1 treatment per year for 3 years)
• Total treatment year one = $180/tree. Following years = $112.50/tree

CONCLUSION:
The company we selected has agreed to offer the same price to all home owners if they schedule the work within the next six months. Sooner is better as the gloomy scale becomes active in the Spring. After that, any of the pricing could increase and most likely would increase significantly. Years 2 & 3 pricing will be subject to change. We encourage all home owners who have red maples to contact our team if they have any questions at all. We are more than happy to help. You can reach out to First Services or contact the HOA Board through our websites. Contact Arborguard, Terry Wisner, ISA Certified Arborist, (704) 330-3899 or twisner@arborguard.com for the negotiated services/pricing.