We shared in our last newsletter the recent Board decision to remove the trees on Carmen Way and several underperforming trees on Blue Spur Circle. The majority of the trees on Carmen Way and Carmen Court are Chinese Elms. According to the Association's arborist's report, this tree species has a fast growth rate with a mature height of 40-60 feet tall. It does best when planted in an area that allows ample growing space. The Root Damage Potential Rating is Moderate but over the life of the tree conflicts can be expected. When picturing ideal trees for our park strips, trees in the 40-60 feet range which thrive in areas with ample growing space would make the list. We've seen several of these trees fail already due to not being able to spread their roots sufficiently to stabilize the tree and we're seeing sidewalk damage occurring from some of these trees as well.

 

For all these reasons, the Board has decided to remove the trees on Carmen Way and Carmen Court. They have decided to replace the trees with Chinese Pistache. The Chinese Pistache, according to the arborist's report, has a slow to moderate growth rate with a mature height of 25-35 feet. The Chinese Pistache is also adaptable to growth in a restricted root zone and has a Root Damage Potential Rating of Low. 

 

Monarch Tree Services will be out beginning June 5 to remove the trees on Carmen and 5-6 trees on Blue Spur. The stumps are scheduled to be ground on June 11. Because of the depth of stump grinding, an Underground Service Alert will be requested which requires markings in the street. Monarch will use washable white paint to indicate areas where they need alerts. Utility companies may use flags or colored paint to mark utility lines.

 

As shared in the newsletter, new mulch will be installed throughout most of the community after the tree removal, however Carmen Way will remain unmulched as a test for the resurgence of the Myoporum ground cover. If the ground cover does not rebound, replanting will take place with a different plant option. This will be repeated on Casablanca and then on other streets where trees seem to be impacting the success of the ground cover. 

 

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this project.