Jul 15

Upcoming Tree Removals & Prunings

All trees with questionable health and/or structural integrity are examined by multiple arborists.  In many cases, branch and root samples are taken to the UT Soil, Plant, and Pest Center for professional examination by plant pathologists.  Determinations about which trees must be removed are made by multiple qualified professionals only after thorough examination and inspection.  Several trees are being monitored for overall health.  Necessary removals are approved by the board and scheduled for removal by licensed, bonded, and insured professionals.  Improvements to overall tree management practices are essential to preserve Abbottsford’s tree canopy.   The following tree work will be scheduled to begin sometime this month, depending on arborist availability.

1.  Overton Park has three maple trees diagnosed with Slime Flux by plant pathologists, Dr. Ranabhat and Dr. Moraes, at the UT Soil, Plant, and Pest Center (report attached).  Two trees in the upper median across from the clubhouse have already died, and the third is showing signs of infection.  Slime Flux transmits through shared root systems.  Drs. Ranabhat and Moraes recommend removal to prevent spread to other maples in Abbottsford.  

2.  Playground Oak Removal:  Master arborist, Jacob Winn (Bartlett Tree Experts) examined the large, historic playground oak tree to determine its structural integrity.  Using specialized resistance drilling equipment, Jacob determined that the structural integrity of the oak tree is insufficient (Level III Tree Risk Assessment Report attached).  Unfortunately, the tree must be removed for safety reasons.

3.  Greenwich Park Redbud Removal:  The redbud at the bottom of the walkway between Foster Hill and Greenwich Park is infested with Granulate Ambrosia Beetles and must be removed and burned to prevent spread to other trees (report attached).  A second redbud in the area is being tested and may also require removal.

4.  Foster Hill Deadwood Pruning:

  • A large, dead co-dominant stem in the tall Hackberry near the parking area in the lower median will be pruned.
  • Dead will be pruned from the Kwanzan Cherry trees and Crabapple in the upper median.
  • Low, dead limbs will be pruned from Willow Oaks in Foster Hill’s lower median.

3.  Bowring Park:

  • Dead limbs in Kwanzan Cherry trees on Bowring Park will be pruned.
  • Stump grinding of invasive privet trees will prepare the site for future planting improvements in front of both parking areas.  Privet were overgrown and dead/dying, unattractive, overhung the parking areas, crowded the street lights, and are one of the most noxious invasive plants in the Southeastern US.
  • A dead pine tree in a tight area next to the perimeter fence will be removed.

4.  Abbottsford Median:

  • Dead limbs will be removed from the large Pin Oak in the median across from 107 Abbottsford.
  • A rapidly declining Maple in the SW corner of the 2nd median closest to the entrance to St. James Park will be removed due to rapid decline, significant loss of bark, and suspected Slime Flux disease (plant pathology report pending).
  • The bulky limb of a previously wounded Southern Magnolia will be pruned to reduce the weight on the large, lateral limb in hopes of preventing breakage and loss of the entire limb.
20240619-Slime-Flux-Overton-Park-MapleDownload
Playground-Oak-TRA-ReportDownload
20240625-GAB-on-Redbud-at-1010-GP-1Download

Jul 15

Rapid Tree Decline

Dear Neighbors,

Several trees throughout Abbottsford have rapidly declined in the last few weeks (photos attached).  Plant pathologist, Dr. Sylvia Moraes, at the UT Soil, Plant, and Pest Center has analyzed several samples collected from trees throughout Abbottsford.  More samples are currently being evaluated.  Slime Flux or Bacterial Wetwood was identified on the two dead/dying maple trees at the top of Overton Park across from the clubhouse and playground area.  A third maple at the bottom of that upper median is also showing signs of slime flux. The bacteria spreads to nearby maples if their root systems touch, so all maples in that area may need to be removed and replaced with another species of tree.  Slime Flux cannot be cured and infected trees must be removed.

Granulate Ambrosia Beetle (GAB) larvae and adults were found in a Redbud tree at the base of the walkway between Foster Hill and Greenwich Park.  Infested trees must be removed and burned to prevent the spread of these destructive beetles.  The beetles are tiny (1mm-2mm), but can kill trees quickly.  They prefer thin-barked, deciduous trees such as Redbuds, Dogwoods, Ornamental Cherry, Japanese Maples, and over 90 others.  Unhealthy trees are most at risk.  I will work with arborists to monitor trees for any signs of GAB, but I could use your help.  Please keep a watchful eye out for any signs of tree decline or if you notice any distinctive Frass tubes shown in Figure 5 of this Article.  Report any concerns to me immediately.

Thank you for your help.

Ashley Cantrell

Landscape Chair

210-827-3736

ashleycantrell3@gmail.com

Jul 08

Book Discussion July 17

Greetings,

Join us on July 17 at 7pm to discuss The Wager: Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny & Murder by David Grann. We will be at the Abbottsford Clubhouse. Brad Pendleton will facilitate.

This is a well-researched book of historical non-fiction. It is a story of the shipwrecked Wager, a tale of death, destruction, betrayal, and survival. David Grann has revived the incredible story with his research from multiple sources including the archives of the British Navy to books published by participants in the tragedy.

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio will make The Wager into a movie. Release date is unknown.

Come and hear what happened to the mutineers of The Wager.

See you soon.

Nancy

Jun 18

Neighborhood Safety Reminder

As we officially enter the summer season and many of us embark on our travels, this memo serves as a reminder to safeguard our homes and remain vigilant for our neighbors.

Recently, we experienced a break-in in Abbottsford, which is currently under active police investigation. This seems to be a crime of opportunity and not a violent crime. The homeowners involved have requested privacy regarding the details of the incident, but they believe that together, we can enhance the safety of our community against another occurrence.

The Board has the following suggestions for improving home security in Abbottsford:

  1. Lighting: Abbottsford can be quite dark at night. We encourage everyone to turn on their outside garage lights or, even better, install dusk-to-dawn timers to automate this process. However, please remember that break-ins can, and often do, occur during the day.
  2. Security Systems: Ensure your security system is activated and utilized. Installing
    cameras, especially at the front door and in the alleys near garage doors, can be very effective. Additionally, consider placing cameras in courtyards, porches, and the sides of your house. It may also be wise to add sensors to upstairs windows, as second floor windows can be used to bypass perimeter security.
  3. Mail Security: Be aware that the USPS system has faced several hacks recently, which
    could make holding your mail problematic. Thieves can use this information to see if residences are vacant. Informing your neighbors when you will be out of town and potentially asking them to collect your mail is advisable.
  4. Visible Security Signs: The police have suggested that displaying stickers or signs from
    your security company at the front and back of your house can act as a deterrent.
  5. Additional Measures: Consider using motion-activated alarms and hiring a house sitter if you will be away for an extended period.

The Board of Directors is actively exploring additional options to further enhance the safety and security of Abbottsford. We will share more information about the recent break-in if it becomes available. In the meantime, let’s all take the outlined steps to make our neighborhood a safer place to live.

Abbottsford Board of Directors.

From 6/1/24:

As summer approaches and children take to the streets to enjoy outdoor play, we kindly remind all residents to prioritize safety. Children are often absorbed in their games and may not always be aware of approaching vehicles. We urge drivers to exercise extreme caution, adhere to speed limits, and be vigilant for kids, pets, and other pedestrians. Parents, please remind your children to stay aware of their surroundings and avoid playing in heavy traffic areas whenever possible. Let’s work together to ensure a fun and safe summer for everyone in our community.

May 03

Cicada netting

Over the next week, you will notice a layer of protective tulle wrapped around some of our young trees in HOA common areas.  This is to prevent “flagging,” which is the dead branch damage caused after female cicadas create slits to lay eggs in woody branches between 1/4″ and 1/2″ diameter.  Once Cicada season ends, these protective coverings will be promptly removed.  Thank you for your understanding as we try to reduce the loss of our newly planted trees.

This video from the Cicada Crew at University of Maryland shows how you can protect any small trees in your yard.  https://youtu.be/X4vjivdnfMM?si=evtpQYYSHZAhhFP3

Ashley Cantrell will demonstrate how to protect young trees from Cicada damage his Saturday, May 10th at 10am in the second median past the guardhouse in Abbottsford.  Female cicadas create slits in woody branches between 1/4″ and 1/2″ in diameter before laying their eggs.  This can damage young trees with predominantly small branches to the point of killing them.  Young trees planted in the past 2 years are most at risk.  Japanese Maples may also me at risk.  If you cannot attend, this video shows how to properly protect young trees from cicadas damage.  Thank you.