Front Yard Update & Possible Tree Removal

Dear New Plaza owners,

As you are all aware, the plantings installed in the yard earlier this summer have not fared particularly well. The Board has consulted with GreenLOFT, who installed the new front design; the Ward 2 Arborist from DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration; local nonprofit Casey Trees; and Carroccio Landscaping, the company with which the Association recently signed a contract for monthly landscape maintenance. GreenLOFT will be replacing all dead and dying plants in the coming weeks, and with Carroccio’s assistance, we will implement a regimented care plan to nurture the replacement plantings.

Although there are multiple causes that contributed to the yard's blight, all parties consulted agreed that one factor in particular is likely the primary source of the problem: the large tree of heaven in the yard. Trees of heaven are a highly invasive species that pose a great threat to other plants and man made infrastructure, especially in urban areas. The tree is a prolific seeder (its seedlings are constantly sprouting in our yard) and its fast-growing seedlings ensure their survival by releasing allelopathic chemicals that stunt the growth of other plants. 

More worryingly, the tree’s deep and fast-growing roots are notorious for causing severe damage to sewers, sidewalks, and building foundations. In addition to the threat the tree poses to our building structure and foundation, our Association is responsible for any future damage the tree causes to the neighboring property or the abutting sidewalks and streets. The Board verified this liability with DDOT's Urban Forestry Administration.

In sum, the tree of heaven is a problematic species. In fact, the tree of heaven is one of only three tree species for which DDOT’s Urban Forestry Administration does not require mitigation factors. In other words, the District makes it easy to remove this particular species of tree. As such, the Board feels there are compelling reasons-- in the Association’s best interests-- to consider removal of the tree. It should be noted that removal of the tree at this time would be a preventative measure, since the tree is not presently causing any structural damage; however, it is only a matter of time before the tree will cause damage and thus have to be removed at what would likely be a much greater cost.

At our upcoming monthly meeting, the Board will vote on whether or not to hire a professional arborist to remove the tree. The removal of any tree-- especially one this size, age, and prominence-- is not a decision the Board takes lightly. Therefore, we would very much like owner feedback on the matter. Please email your feedback to board@thenewplaza.com by Monday, September 30. In the absence of owner feedback, the Board will assume support for the removal of the tree.

We look forward to your feedback.