Entrance Landscaping Changes

Trees at the Front Entrance

On a side note, separate from the annual meeting, I wanted to provide an update about the work that will be done at the front entrance to the neighborhood.

For as long as I have been a member of the HOA board, we have been told that the trees at the front entrance were going to become a problem. We were told they were planted too close together and this would prevent their normal growth. Anytime we had contacted someone to trim the trees or improve the landscaping around the trees, the landscapers, trimmers or arborists would always tell us the same thing.

Since last year, we've had 2 Arborist, 4 tree companies, and a Master Gardener inform us the trees have Fire Blight and within a couple of years they would all die off. Last year the board noticed 6 trees looking unhealthy, this year several more are looking bad. It seems that the warnings from the professional landscapers are proving true and their recommendations have always been to remove the trees. In the past years the estimates to remove the trees have been cost prohibitive and from the looks of the trees in previous years seemed unwarranted. This year all but a few of the trees are showing signs of disease and loss of foliage, and a reputable tree trimming company has given us a bid to remove all the trees for half of any of the previous bids.

From what I have read Bradford Pears have a 20 to 25 year life cycle, depending on the species. Our trees are about 17 years old or older. Considering the age, the disease, and that the trees have already noticeably deteriorated, we have decided to take advantage of a low bid to have the them removed before they begin to lose large limbs or fall over during high winds. After the removal, we will look to update the landscaping.

To keep the costs manageable, the work will be done in multiple phases.

• • Phase 1 Remove the trees and stumps, this should begin within the next 30 days.

  • Phase 2 Test the soil and restore nutrients within the soil for landscaping.

  • Phase 3 Replace some of the trees with fewer trees and new low maintenance landscaping.

Our hope is to complete the work over the next couple of years. We have the funds to cover the cost of removal, phase 1, plus some to contribute to Phase 2 and 3. Dues may need to increase to cover the completion of phase 3. As always volunteer labor, for phase 2 and 3 can help keep cost down. Hiring a contractor to complete the work can be as much as 10 times more expensive than if we only have to purchase material.

I will keep everyone updated as the project progresses. If you have any questions in the meantime, please feel free to write to myself at President@stonefieldcrossing.org or the board at board@stonefieldcrossing.org.

Thank You

Michael Bennett

President, Board of Directors