delawarecommonsstreettreecareimprovement

Delaware Commons Street Tree Care Improvements

September 21, 2007

Delaware Commons Homeowners ONLY

From:  DT DC HOA Board

Reference:  Street Tree Care Improvements

Dear Homeowner,

The Delaware Commons Red Maple street trees were inspected this year by City of Carmel Urban Forestry staff and determined to have significant problems requiring correction to ensure long term survival.  At this time the DT DC HOA is communicating with homeowners to correct these priority problems.  The identified conditions are:

• • Excess soil and mulch

  • Mounding of mulch on trunks causing water damage to protective bark layer

  • Significant girdling roots

  • Shallow fibrous roots due to excess mulch and decrease of oxygen to root zone

  • Use of rubber mulch mats - to be removed; decorative brick / stone edging too close to trunk and root zone.  Edging is unnecessary however needs to be expanded as trees grow.

• Ideally mulch ring should be extended to drip line.  Ring needs to increase with growth of trees.

This letter is to simplify communication between the City of Carmel Urban Forestry office, Department of Community Services and the affected homeowners in the communities.  Maintenance of the area between the sidewalks and the streets is required by the Covenants.  Since this area is City right-of-way and the trees are the property of the City, standards set by the City of Carmel Urban Forestry office must be followed.

The work can be done by the homeowner or by a landscaping professional. The HOA is providing two options for professional work.  All you need to do is print this document, check the box on the last page and return the indicated form as instructed by October 5, 2007.  All work is to be completed on the trees by October 31, 2007.

For more information, contact Delaware Commons HOA Board Members Dan Allison, Larry Schulz, neighborhood landscape committee members, Nancy Bonnema or Marcia Heroux.

Thank you,

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ForCarmel City Code and Ordinances information –see website:  www.ci.carmel.in.us.   SelectCity Codes and Ordinances.  Relevant codes are:  1-11, 2-22, 6-55 and 6-64.  Refer to Delaware Trace / Commons Declaration of Covenants at www.dtdchoa.com sections:  2.3, 4.17, 6.19.4, and 6.19.5.

Select one of the options:

• 1. Homeowner to correct problem using procedure information provided by City and assistance of Delaware Commons neighborhood representatives, Larry Schulz, Dan Allison, Nancy Bonnema, and Marcia Heroux. 

  2. Edges of Indy, community landscape contractor to complete work at a cost of $50 per tree with mulching.

1. Ornamental Tree and Shrub, Certified Tree Arborist to complete work at a cost of $70 per tree to include mulch and professional fertilization.  Red Maples have Manganese Chlorosis or yellowing of leaves due to insufficient nutrients.  Note:  Maples need annual long term care program for treatment of this condition.  A certified Tree Arborist is the best source to correctly diagnose and treat problems.

 NOTE: Click Here to view the Carmel Tree Specifications Documentation

All correction work will need to be inspected.  The DTDC HOA will coordinate with the City for final inspection of tree rings.  Tree rings should be mulched and maintained properly and root zones checked at least every other year for regrowth of shallow or girdling roots.  Click here for DIY information on these procedures.

The City indicates that if the girdling roots are not removed at this time, tree fatality will result within five years.  Some declining and dead trees in Delaware Commons were cut down Spring 2007. 

When replacing trees an application must be completed and forwarded to the Urban Forestry office for approval prior to planting. Click Here to view the application form.