In recent weeks, we have opted to have several trees removed from our Pool and Common Areas. The decision to cut down and remove these large trees was not made lightly and were based upon the expertise of a certified Arborist, and in whose opinion these trees posed a liability to the Association. We must address imminent liabilities when we are informed of them. With the wind storms we have experienced in the past few years, it is not a far-fetched scenario that limbs could fall.
Last week, the large tree near the Gazebo/Pergola on the east side was removed. Many people have asked why this was done and here is our response; this tree was very overgrown and there was an exorbitant amount of weight hanging off either side and in such a way as it could not be trimmed or thinned enough to limit the possibility that it could split and fall on someone or their home. So, we opted to have it removed.
This is also true of the tree in front of the 2 story homes on East Creek; this tree is rotten, unstable and poses a liability to the Association. It will be removed tomorrow as well as more trimming on the trees on Warrior Trail.
Our plans are to replace these two recently removed trees this fall but we will not plant them so near to homes this time. We will locate them near the Gazebo/Pergola, in the large open area.
There will likely be additional tree trimming going on for a while; there are many trees here that need attention, especially those in homeowner’s back yards and which are the homeowner’s responsibility.
The Fines and Enforcement Policy approved by the Board at last night’s Special Meeting has been filed with Dallas County. We will begin to send out Violation notices, per the statute, early next week.
We had our first of 2 annual applications of Organic Fertilizer this week, primarily in hopes the recent rains would help get it into the roots and begin the process of choking off all of the weeds. There will be another application this Fall.
In the past few months, we have spread about 300 pounds of Bermuda grass seed on both sides of the subdivision and more will be spread as needed to fill in. Plus, there is some St. Augustine grass in many areas that is spreading out very well. Our ultimate goal is to have more grass than weeds, something worth mowing. Our new landscaping contractor, Metroscape, will raise the mower decks and leave the grass a bit longer to prevent loss of moisture, something they normally do in Summer.
We did get a few calls at the Office asking what that stuff was on the sidewalks. Due to the size of the HOA (22 acres), the subcontractor hired to apply the fertilizer used a full size turf tractor and a rather large spreader; this is why the stuff ended up in places which did not necessarily need fertilizer.
We had some trees trimmed this week and have more scheduled for next week. The huge tree just South of the Office had a lot of excess weight on it and we were concerned of large branches falling eventually, so it got a trim. The Certified Arborist from the tree service wanted to remove it entirely, but we opted for a thinning out. It may need to be removed in a few years, but for now, it will remain.
We will be trimming and thinning out the trees around the Pool, on days the Pool is closed (Monday and Thursday). Below is a photo of the Pool trees (click on it to enlarge). Our plans are to thin them out so we can get some grass to grow around the Pool deck and stop the dirt from washing into the Pool when it rains. This has been partially accomplished by adding in some St. Augustine sod, but it needs light to grow and spread out.
Overgrown Tress around the Pool
There is a Bradford Pear tree in Common Area next to the Pool fence (far right in front of 26 W. Townhouse) which the Arborist also suggested to remove completely. He said these type of trees are prone for limbs breaking off and since it is in Common area, it is the Association’s responsibility if it damages a home or injures someone. We have opted to have it thinned and topped off instead of removal. We will have the tree service check it periodically and follow his advice if things change.
Oak Tree next to Shop Office
This Oak tree will be thinned, shaped and topped off, something it really needs. We do plan on having additional trees trimmed around the subdivision, as some look like they have never been touched.
We are using SP Tree Service, located here in Grand Prairie, and are getting a reduced price since we are local to them and they want our business. We can certainly keep them busy trimming trees for a few months and we will be spacing things out throughout the Fall. Compared to other dealings I have had in the past with tree services, they are highly competitive.
Any homeowner wanting a free estimate for trimming or removing a tree in your back yard (which some homeowners really need to get done) can contact them thus:
PHONE 469-789-6775 Dallas DFW SP TREE SERVICE | COMPLETE TREE REMOVAL & CARE | 24/7
Tree Service | Tree Trimming | Tree Removal | Stump Removal | FREE ESTIMATES
Mention that you live in the GPMCHA subdivision
They have offered to give us a group rate if we can get enough homeowners wanting tree services so they can do several homes in one trip.
We will be posting a 1 page Notice on each and every homeowner’s property so that we all understand the rules and to give everyone the opportunity to correct problems before things escalate. This precedes sending out actual “Notice of Violation” letters and the possible levying of fines as allowed by our Bylaws which state: In addition to such other rights as are specifically granted under the Declaration, the Board shall have the power to impose reasonable fines, which shall constitute a lien upon the Lot of the violator.
If you do happen get a written Notice of Violation, you can find all of the details related to it in our Bylaws, Page 8, Section 20.
Here is a link to the June 2014 Notices going out to all homeowners> Notice Items June 2014
As you can see, this light has been purposefully damaged. For the light to be angled like this, basketball or similar object was thrown at it to skew it in this manner. This same light fixture has been replaced several times, paid for by your dues. It doesn’t take long for the glass globe around the bulb has been shot off and the fixture vandalized and inoperable, as it is now.
We have no idea who is doing this, but if you see anyone damaging or vandalizing any Association property, please call the office and let us know.
This weekend we had a visit from “Bee Rescue Swarm Removal”, a professional bee removal company who came out to remove a swarm from a water valve box in front of one of our townhouses. The beekeeper removed the swarm without killing them.
If any of you have problems with bee swarms on your homes or in your walls, you can contact this company at http://brsr.org/
This comes from the Grand Prairie website and remains in force until further notice.
As of June 3, 2013, the following restrictions are in effect in the city of Grand Prairie:
No watering on Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday.
Even Numbered addresses may water on Mondays and Thursdays.
Odd numbered addresses may water on Tuesday and Fridays.
Handheld and soaker hoses are allowed to be used any time.
*The following restrictions also apply at all times:
Residents and business are prohibited from watering their lawns anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
When watering, a constant stream of water should not be allowed to flow into the street drainage.
Watering during precipitation is prohibited. Rain sensors are required on newer watering systems.
The Drought Contingency Plan also prohibits all non-essential uses (water use that does not directly benefit or maintain health, personal cleanliness, or firefighting purposes) including the following:
Irrigation of landscape areas, including parks, athletic fields, and golf courses, except otherwise provided under this Plan;
Use of water to wash any motor vehicle, motorbike, boat, trailer, airplane or other vehicle; except as otherwise provided under this plan.
Use of water to wash down any sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or other hard-surfaced areas;
Use of water to wash down buildings or structures for purposes other than immediate fire protection;
Flushing gutters or permitting water to run in any gutter or street, except as part of water quality management to flush stagnant water or enhance disinfection residuals;
Use of water to fill, refill, or add to any indoor or outdoor swimming pools or Jacuzzi-type pools;
Use of water in a fountain or pond for aesthetic or scenic purposes except where necessary to support aquatic life;
Failure to repair a leak(s) within a reasonable period after having been given notice directing the repair of such leak(s) and;
Use of water from hydrants for construction purposes or any other purposes other than fire fighting.
Use of water from public drinking supply for gas well operations including fracturing and drilling.
For more information, call 972-237-8377 or 972-237-8154.
