Contractor Corner
How our landscaping contractors are keeping our property healthy and beautiful
Tree Pruning and Removal
This past September B&G walked with our arborist contractor and developed a list of trees that need pruning or removal. The work is planned for January or February 2027 although there are always factors that would affect the actual date.
Areas where dead trees are removed will be planted with grass or trees depending on the area and proximity to driveways, buildings and other trees. If a dead tree was in the woods we will not replant.
Our contractor typically ties ribbons on trees from his proposals. Ribbons do not necessarily mean we will approve a proposal. Red ribbons are for removal and green are for pruning or treating. Once the contract is approved, we will ensure ribbons match the work we agreed for the contractor to complete.
Identified Trees to Prune
| Bldg | Address | Tree | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24N | 8995 WB | Crabapple | Several large limbs are dead |
| 24W | 8887 WB | Locust | Several large limbs are dead |
| 26W | 8949/8951 WB | 2 Locusts | Several large limbs are dead |
| 28SW | 8969 WB | Black Walnut | Limbs are hanging down to the ground |
| 28SW | 8969 WB Russ A | Mulberry | Limbs are hanging down to the ground |
| 30S | 9125 WL | Crabapple | Several large limbs are dead |
| 38SE | 8762 WB | Crabapple | Several large limbs are dead |
| 45N | 8885 WL | Bur Oak | Several large limbs are on the roof |
| 45S | 8881 WL | Locust | Several large limbs are dead |
| 45S | 8881 WL | Arborvitae | Tallness blocks light to locust |
| 45SW | 8893 WL | Common Hawthorn | Several large limbs are dead |
| 45NE | 8885 WL | Locust | Several large limbs are dead |
| 48S | 9085 WL | Crabapple | Several large limbs are dead |
Identified Trees to Remove
| Bldg | Address | Tree | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3SW | 8875 WB | Hawthorn | Tree mostly dead due to infection and age; no replacement plants needed. |
| 24S | 8881 WB | Crabapple | Tree mostly dead due to infection and age; plant grass. |
| 24S | 8883 WB | Autumn Blaze Maple | Tree mostly dead due to chlorosis infection; plant grass. |
| 25N | 8913 WB | Ash | Tree has succumbed to emerald ash borer; plant grass. |
| 25S | 8907 WB | 3 Ash | Trees in the woods are dead and may fall on our bushes or driveway; no replacement plants needed. |
| 40E | 8649 WL | Spruce | Tree was hit by lightning; plant grass. |
| 47S | 9041WL | Ash | Tree has succumbed to emerald ash borer; plant grass. |
| 47W | 9051/9053 WL | Crabapple | Tree mostly dead due to infection and age; plant a tree. |
| 48N | 9077 WL | Crabapple | Tree mostly dead due to infection and age; plant grass. |
| 48S | 9071 WL | Crabapple | Tree mostly dead due to infection and age; tree limbs are too low; plant grass. |
MMSD
As planned Johnsons Nursery planted the first installment of 10 free MMSD trees on 9/23/26. We now have a group of owner-volunteers watering the trees.
Because we were able to get these trees installed for free, they do not have a warranty. Additionally our contract with MMSD states that OLCA must maintain due diligence in ensuring proper watering and care to protect the trees for the next 11 years. Thus as soon as the trees were planted B&G volunteers engaged waterers and installed deer fencing. This purpose of the fencing is to keep deer from eating the leaves and rubbing the trunk.
In September 2027 we will receive our final installment of free MMSD trees. B&G will be determining locations with MMSD and Davey Tree Service next summer. The goal of the 2027 trees is to locate them in areas with a lot of water, such as behind the condos on Westlake and in the large slough at the center of our complex.
B&G-Grounds News
From our hardworking committee
Removal and Replacement of Salt-Damaged Evergreen Bushes
B&G management, the board and SCI reached an agreement with KEI to remove and replant the salt-damaged bushes. B&G devoted considerable time researching best practice replacements with landscape experts. One obvious goal is to replace with bushes that are more salt tolerant than the arborvitaes and yews that died. Other considerations included growth, size, pruning needs, budget and owner desires.
Plantings for 2027
B&G is maintaining a list of potential bush and tree replacements for 2027. These are in addition to the already described viburnum hedge replacements. We will evaluate in spring and make the final call if replacement is needed. This list is subject to change as we make new discoveries or owners bring a need to our attention.
All plantings (including those in the Identified Tree Removal section above) are pending finding an owner or owners willing to lead the watering effort for the association.
Tentative Trees and Bushes for 2027
| Bldg | Address | Tree | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24E | 8881 WB | Spirea | Two very short spirea bushes are dead under the balcony. Replace with new bushes |
| 25E | 8901 WB | Winter creeper | Most of bush along the garage is dead. Replace with new bush. |
| 31W | 8992 WB | Dogwood | One of the hedge dogwoods is mostly dead. Replace with new bush. |
| 39E | 8758 WB | Sand Cherry | Ancient hedge is dead (thanks Randy!) Will replace with new hedge possibly witch hazel. |
| 47W | 9051/9053 WL | Tree | Site of crabapple to be removed. Replace with a new tree. |
B&G Volunteer Updates
What our OLCA volunteers have been working on
Grass, Bush and Tree Watering
We are in the last stretch of watering for the 2026 season. Volunteer owners have been diligent in keeping our new grass, shrubs and trees watered.
For those volunteer owners who are watering we hope you can continue to help through the season, which is the date SCI turns off the bibs. That date has become a moving target. Please watch your email for updates.
As mentioned in previous newsletters, all owners are encouraged to water bushes and trees in their vicinity. Even established plants can use water when days are hot and dry. Well-watered plants are healthier, more disease-resistant and grow faster.
As always, if you have questions of the volunteer owners on the B&G committee, feel free to send an email.
B&G Landscape Committee
Published: November 1, 2026 to: Buildings & Grounds
