In the past few months we have witnessed the demise of numerous elm trees throughout the subdivision that have been killed by the Dutch elm beetles. According to several arborists with whom we have been consulting, these elms and many other trees were severely stressed by the drought and high temperatures during the summer of 2012. The WMC is presently planning to remove elms that have fallen on two properties and are threatening to do so on a third. In addition, numerous trees located near the sidewalk are in need of removal along Rolling Ridge Drive.
These projects were not anticipated when we budgeted for 2014. Since the removal of these trees is a safety issue for pedestrians along Rolling Ridge as well as three property owners, we do not have the luxury of postponing the work. Accordingly, we will be using reserve funds to finance the tree removal projects.