Over the next few months, you may notice significant activity in our community as we work to address issues with our tree canopy. You might ask, “What’s the problem?” Over the years, various issues have been overlooked, and if left unresolved, our tree canopy will continue to deteriorate.

Many trees in the common areas are dead or dying due to neglect, disease, or insect damage. To better understand the scope of the problem, we sought the expertise of Dr. Keith O’Herrin, Union County’s Urban Forester. Dr. O’Herrin conducted a study and submitted a report, dated May 29, 2024, which was presented to the Board for action. Given the extensive work required and the lack of a budget allocation for this year, the Parks and Landscaping Committee, along with the Board, developed a strategic plan.

After consulting with several tree service providers, we selected Monster Tree Service to assist in devising a comprehensive approach to these issues. The challenges identified and the proposed solutions are detailed in a document available on the BrandonOaks.com website. Additional updates about landscaping efforts can be found in the 2024 Year in Review article on the website.

We encourage you to review these materials and share your feedback. Your input is valuable as we work together to improve and sustain our community’s tree canopy.

Denny Mathias
Brandon Oaks Parks and Landscaping Committee Chair

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Quick Links

2024 Year in Review

Tree Canopy Report

Red Maples in Union County

Tree Pruning Specifications

 

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A Note from Eric Waynick:

Monster Tree Service can provide homeowners with a quote on treating Gloomy Scale on their Maple trees.
Our standard PHC (Plant Health Care) program includes (3) Soil Nutrient treatments, (1) Scale treatment, and (1) Arborist Evaluation. The pricing is based on the DBH (Diameter of the tree at Breast Height) of the individual tree. The 1st nutrient treatment is in March along with the Scale Treatment.  We will provide the annual arborist evaluation at no cost for the 1st year ($180 savings) for homeowners who sign up for the 4 treatments prior to Feb 28th. This would allow us to start their treatments in March.

Contact Eric (704-741-8568, EWaynick@whymonster.com) to make arrangements or for questions.


Web Links to:
https://cusick.cincwebaxis.com/cinc/community-documents/  2024 Year in Review
Brandon Oaks Tree Canopy Project.pdf
Brandon Oaks Tree Canopy Report 2024.pdf
Tree Pruning Specifications.pdf
Red Maples in Union County.pdf

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Brandon Oaks Tree Canopy Project

With the number of pine trees one sees upon entering Brandon Oaks, the obvious question is, “Where are the oak trees?” There are some oaks but the predominant trees are pine.  Brandon Pines might be a better name.

When developing began, fast growing trees along the main thoroughfare were needed and pine trees won out.  They were planted in tight rows that would best be suited for Christmas tree farming.  For years these Loblolly Pines have grown to over 50 feet.  Left alone any surviving pines could grow on average to over 110 feet.  Considering the proximity to their neighboring pines, vying for nutrition on top of berms, the adjacent homeowners have deep concerns of falling trees during serious storms.  As a homeowners’ association, we need to address this ageing tree problem.

To that end the Board made a request for Dr. Keith O’Herrin, the Union County Urban Forrester, to conduct a tree canopy study of Brandon Oaks.  His report to the community dated May 29, 2024, highlighted several problems that need addressing.  

1. The average canopy in Brandon Oaks is 39%.  The average canopy in the southern part of Brandon Oaks is well below that with “urban heat islands” showing up in the Gardens as well as areas in the southern part of the community.
2. Incorrect tree mulching, “volcano-mulching,” shortens the life span of trees, especially the red maples, the most common tree planted by homeowners.
3. Lack of tree diversity makes trees more susceptible to insect and disease attacks.
4. Gloomy scale was observed throughout the community attacking the red maples.
5. Oak trees should be planted along sidewalks where no trees currently exist to increase walkability.
6. The pine trees along Brandon Oaks Parkway, Ponytail Lane, and Mustang Drive are too crowded.  These trees are at the age when they become more susceptible to pine beetles if not open to full sun. These pine trees need thinning out.
7. The ash trees throughout the community, especially in Oak Park, are being attacked by the Emerald Ash Borer.  EAB is 100% fatal to these trees.  They should be replaced when they die.
8. The walking paths around the pond and areas around the basketball and tennis courts need trees planted.
9. Oak Park’s mature trees need pruning to remove deadwood and weak limbs. Trees should be planted along the south and east side of the park along the sidewalks.  Increase the tree canopy around the parking lot and tennis courts.
10. Bridleside Park should have the ash trees removed as well as the split hackberry tree and dead hickory tree.
11. The red maples in Gardens Park need attention and some removal.  
12. Trimming the scarlet oak trees in Morning Creek Park now will extend their life and give clearance to people using the sidewalk.
13. The lacebark elm trees in Carlisle Park need pruning for proper structure to increase their lives.

The action steps Dr. O’Herrin recommends are in the report.  We are taking action on those steps that require immediate attention and are within our budget.  We have funds left in the P&L budget because of primarily stopping the pine straw purchasing and labor cost for spreading; in 2021, 2022, & 2023 we spent $33,250, $17,062, and $36,464 respectively.  Following Dr. O’Herrin’s recommendation of moving from pine straw to mulch, we had the reserves to contract a tree service to address the above issues.  All research confirms that as mulch deteriorates, it provides the soil with beneficial nutrients, whereas pine straw just dries up, providing no nutrition to the soil.   After receiving quotes from tree services, the Board has selected Monster Tree Service to address our canopy problems.

We have been working with Eric Waynick, President of Monster Tree Service. Eric met with Dr. O’Herrin to develop a plan to improve the Brandon Oaks canopy.  We asked Eric to prepare a quote that addresses the immediate needs, broken down in workable chunks for this winter.  He proposed to:

Brandon Oaks Parkway

1. Remove 37 dead, dying, diseased, co-dominant stemmed pine trees from the Brandon Oaks Parkway
2. Remove the 3-5 small, dead crab apple trees along the main parkway
3. Dead Wood removal on pine trees to remove lower dead limbs on parkway starting at main entrance
4. Raise canopy on all oak trees to 12-15'.
5. Ensure 5' clearance around all streetlights.
6. Remove any deadwood >3" in bottom 2/3 canopy.

Fountainbrook Maintenance

1. Raise canopy on (30) willow oak trees to 12-15'.
2. Remove any deadwood >3" in bottom 2/3 canopy.
3. Ensure 5' clearance around all streetlights.
4. Includes debris/chip removal from site.

Pony Tail Lane Maintenance

1. Raise canopy on all oak trees to 12-15'
2. Remove any deadwood >3" in bottom 2/3 canopy
3. Ensure 5' clearance around all streetlights.
4. Includes debris/chip removal from site.

Monster Tree Service will work on the entire project over the next 2 months.  You will see them throughout the neighborhood attacking our canopy problems.  When completed, Monster Tree will prepare a rotation plan to work on either a third or a quarter of Brandon Oaks’ canopy annually, repeating each grouping every three or four years.

The overall scope is to gradually plant a variety of trees to replace the pines on top of the berms and add trees along the sidewalks to decrease the hot spots.  When this plan is prepared, it will be made available to you.  Being that this will be a long-term plan, an open meeting will be held.

One issue that will come up is the working relationship between Monster Tree and you as a homeowner needing tree servicing.  That discussion has not taken place yet but will after this winter’s work is completed.  Your input to that discussion is welcomed.

Eric has already taken action to provide Brandon Oaks homeowners with free hardwood mulch.  Our initial load of mulch came from the DOT project and was not the best mulch to work with.  After that pile was all distributed, we developed a plan for Monster Tree to deliver hardwood mulch, free of disease, and mulched finer at NO COST to us.  

We also have been working with Nature’s Garden owner, Sherry Rupert, a Brandon Oaks homeowner and P&L Committee member, to distribute these truckloads of mulch to needed areas.  Sherry calls for the mulch to be dropped at a specific location where she distributes the mulch to the needed trees.  Between Monster Tree and Nature’s Garden, expect to see a lot of activity throughout Brandon Oaks.

As another benefit to homeowners wanting mulch for your yard as many have already done, contact Sherry (704-654-0355).  She will let you know which available piles to pick from.  This mulch is NO COST to you.

Please contact me if you have any questions concerning the tree canopy project.

Denny Mathias
Brandon Oaks Parks and Landscaping Committee Chair
5323 Courtfield Drive
cell: 704-451-1397
email: DCMathias@aol.com