Ash Trees Throughout Our Subdivision – and Emerald Ash Borers (EAB) That Are Killing Them 

 

The original developers of this subdivision planted and left many existing Ash Trees, along with various types of Maples, throughout the area. This was no problem back in 2000, but since 2008, the EAB has moved into Wisconsin and is quickly killing these Ash Trees.  In fact, Wisconsin is now a “quarantine state” such that cut ash tree wood cannot be cut and be moved elsewhere to be used as firewood. In 2016, your HOA determined that many of the Ash Trees near the Silver Spring entrance were heavily invested and/or already dead, and so had them removed and/or replaced (with a different type of tree).  Some additional trees in that area will probably receive the same action this year.  These HOA common-areas trees will be acted upon using HOA funds.  The Condo Association will, of course, evaluate and take appropriate action on their ash trees as they see fit, while individual HOA house owner members are responsible for their own trees.

 

In early 2017, one of our Members using his own property containing many Ash Trees and located only two blocks from this entrance, had several tree services examine them as a test.  They all found that these trees had either no or light infestation and could probably still be saved.  Given that while some trees on a property don’t have to be replaced when removed, “street trees” do have to be replaced. The choice is either “wait until each tree dies (expected in the next 1-3 years), then spend $500-$800 EACH to replace with a new smaller tree – or treat existing mature tree(s) that can still be saved, at an annual cost of approx. $30-35/year/tree, depending upon tree size/trunk diameter.  The reason for investigation, decision, and action NOW is because the most effective treatment time is mid-Spring (May-June).

 

Insecticide treatments available are either a soil injection or a tree-trunk injection. Over the last 5-7 years of usage, the soil injection method has been found to be about 60-80% effective and the trunk injection treatments to be about 95-98% effective.  While some of the chemical soil methods can be done by homeowners, most of both types of treatments are usually best done by commercial trees services.  While this approach costs more, the professional knowledge, safety concerns involved, and effectiveness appear to be worth it.  The most common chemical trunk injection used, of Emamectin Benzoate, is applied every two years.

 

If interested in reading more about this very timely problem online, below are several public-oriented documents that you may find of interest:

www.emeraldashborer.info/documents/Multistate_EAB_Insecticide_Fact_Sheet.pdf

https://www.mda.state.mn.us/~/media/Files/plants/eab/eabtreatmentguide2.ashx

https://datcpservices.wisconsin.gov/eab/article.jsp?topicid=19

www.emeraldashborerfaq.com/

https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/disturbance/invasive_species/eab/.../systemic_insecticides/

 

We hope that you find this information important, timely, and of benefit.

 

**********************

Subdivision Roads Surfaces (Good and Bad Conditions)

 

About 3 - 4 years ago, M. Falls did a resurfacing of our subdivision roads (Autumn View, Creekwood Crossing, Hidden Lane, Ravenwood, Ridgewood, and Walnut Way, including Courts off it).  Many of us noted that, while the Walnut Way surface appeared to be pretty good afterwards and remains so to this day, the surface of the other roads quickly acquired long cracks and many large worn surface areas.  The “common thought” was that perhaps two different contractors were used by M. Falls, one good, one not good.

 

A recent discussion with the Director of Engineering for M. Falls helped clarify this situation.  Unfortunately, the problem was not with the resurfacing job done, but rather with the original roadwork, and methods used on each of these, back in the 1999-2004 timeframe.  Apparently, most of our residential roads were constructed using a (now known to be poorer-method) vs. Walnut Way which was constructed in 2003-2004 using a totally different method.  Not being a street-engineer myself, I am not going to try to understand, or explain, the differences.  However, the Director of Engineering indicated that this is why they have (now) learned that standard “every 8 or 10-year resurfacing methods” are ineffective on M. Falls’s older roads, and that his Dept. is slowly working through a list of those that need a more substantial “tear off and rebuild (in my words)” action to improve. 

 

While none of this information immediately “fixes” our subdivision’s road surfaces, at least it hopefully better explains why so many of them looked “poor condition” right after the recent resurfacing work done.

**********************

One item of information that some House or Condo Owners sometimes (unfortunately) need to reference in the Spring is "How do I get curbside lawn grass damage, caused by a street snowplow during the winter, repaired?".  We didn't find this included in the Menomonee Falls' FAQs but the answer from the Public Works Dept. is "You only need to report it to them and they will take care of repairing it (except for the watering!). 

 

The preferred method is to simply send them an email, with your contact information and address, to (pw@menomonee-falls.org), as this automatically creates a paper trail for them.  You can instead call (262-532-4702), but you will normally have to record a voice mail message (press #), for them to later return your call - to then get your contact info and address.

4850BLK HEAVY DUTY RURAL MAILBOX-BLACK

 

4815BLK NEWSPAPER HOLDER-BLACK

 

4874BLK MAILBOXES-IN-GROUND MOUNTED-BLACK DELUXE MAILBOX POST-2 SIDED FOR (4) MAILBOXES-IN-GROUND MOUNTED-BLACK

 

4873BLK MAILBOXES-IN-GROUND MOUNTED-BLACK DELUXE MAILBOX POST-2 SIDED FOR (3) MAILBOXES-IN-GROUND MOUNTED-BLACK

 

4872BLK MAILBOXES-IN-GROUND MOUNTED-BLACK DELUXE MAILBOX POST-2 SIDED FOR (2) MAILBOXES-IN-GROUND MOUNTED-BLACK

 

4870BLK MAILBOXES-IN-GROUND MOUNTED-BLACK DELUXE MAILBOX POST-2 SIDED FOR (1) MAILBOXES-IN-GROUND MOUNTED-BLACK

Flambeau Mailbox Extender (EZM-10) Trays or Inserts.

 

One of our HOA Members had been using this Mailbox Insert for over 13 years, and loved it, as it made it so much easier and safer to remove mail from the back of the mailbox, esp. when sitting in a vehicle.  It tended to protect the mail from getting wet as well, due to its design.

 

These Extender Trays are made in either red or white hard plastic (they last for many, many years), although the red is preferred, given that white envelopes show up better inside of them.  The Model EZM-10 Inserts fit any regular sized (#1) USPS approved mailbox.  Flambeau also still makes a slightly larger Model EZM-15, that fits into the oversized (USPS #1-1/2) mailboxes, which cost about 10% more (retail or wholesale) when obtained directly from them.

 

In July 2016, our HOA decided to obtain and provide a mailbox tray to every current (House and Condo) HOA Member.  Replacement or additional trays MAY be available, for $5 each, from our HOA – but only if we have any remaining on hand.  If you do want one, contact our Website Administrator via this website.  Otherwise ANYONE can obtain them on their own, either in quantity for another subdivision, or individually for themselves, friends, or relatives, from the company directly.

 

These Extender Trays (Model EZM-10) are available from many resellers on eBay or Amazon for $15-$30@.  However, they can be purchased directly from the manufacturer, Flambeau Hardware (a div of Flambeau Inc – www.flambeauhardware.com), for only $4 each, plus about 40c shipping, wholesale with a minimum order of $150 (or about 40), OR for only $7 - $8 @ plus shipping, for individual units (retail).  Flambeau also has several outlet stores throughout the Midwest, including one in Baraboo, WI. (608-356-3602).

 

If ordering from Flambeau, the contact is:

Jen Humes (Wholesale/Quantity Sales) (direct#) 440-632-3723 or 800-457-5252 x3723

Courtney Weaver (Retail/Individual Unit Sales) 800-232-3474 x3731

Some streetlights in our area are owned/maintained by the Village, while others are owned/maintained by WE Energies.  Either way, if you notice one that is out, the fastest way to get it attention, is to report it to the M. Falls Engineering Dept. on their website.  A link titled "Report Streetlight That Is Out" on our Websites Of Interest page will take you there.  Completing the form on the website is preferred, but you can instead contact them by phone (at 262-532-4400) during M-F 8 am - 4:30 pm.  The same reporting method applies to problem (burned out) traffic signals.  Thank you on behalf of the safety of all of your neighbors.

Per our HOA Restrictions:

Shade trees shall be planted and maintained along the street lot line(s) with one tree every 40 feet of frontage, which may be as few as two trees for some lots, or many more (8-9) for others, such as corner lots. The minimum size of trees at planting must be at least 2.5-3" trunk diameter. If a tree dies, it must be replaced as soon as practical. Specie of tree is to be chosen from those approved by the ARB.

 

With the Ash Borer problem affecting Ash Trees, they of course are no longer allowed to be newly planted in our State.  We have contacted several tree nurseries and compiled the following list of suggested tree types as replacements when necessary, and so are approved by the HOA ARB. These trees combine several characteristics that make them very good choices. They can live in the clay soil, can handle the humidity, are mostly tall and thin, and are resistant to insect infestation.

 

Approved list as of 12 -2019

1- State Street Maple

2- Autumn Blaze Maple

3- Kentucky Coffee Tree (Male Cultivars - which do not make a mess because they lack seeds/pods)

4- Silver Linden

5- New Horizon Elm

6- London Plane Tree (Has A White Bark)

7- Hybrid Swamp/Bur Oak

8. Sugar Maple

 

As of 8-2017, we have located at least two large area nurseries who carry all or most of these types and they have provided the following approx. price quotes (subject to change over time).  Also note that neither of the two nurseries do tree removal, with necessary deep stump grinding for new tree installation, so this must be accomplished by another company.  These sources are ONLY suggestions, to save many people having to do as much calling around.

***************

Johnson's Nursery     Phone: 262-252-4988     POC: Monica Sancho     Menomonee Falls, WI

They currently carry all seven of the above tree types.  Approx. cost to replace one tree would be:  $300-$400 for Tree depending on type (avg. $350) PLUS $360 Installation

Again, this DOES NOT include any existing tree removal or stump grinding.

***************

Trees for Less Nursery     Phone: 262-242-7522     POC: Rick O'Malley     Mequon, WI

State Street Maple 2.5” $230                 Burr Oak 2.5” $360               New Horizon Elm 2.5” $201

Autumn Blaze Maple 2.5” $280               Swamp Oak 2.5” $320

Silver Linden  2” (All that is available) $180               Kentucky Coffee Tree 2” (All that is available) $210

PLUS $145/tree for installation and initial fertilization. This includes a one-year tree health guarantee.

Again, this DOES NOT include any existing tree removal or stump grinding.

***************

There are many landscaping / tree service companies in the area who will do the removal and stump grinding.  If desired they will also obtain the replacement tree (from a nursery) and install it; compare their tree and installation charge to that of these nurseries.  If using two separate companies to remove and install the new tree, ensure that the stump grinding is sufficient for a new 2.5-3" diameter trunk tree to be planted in the same spot.  It is also sometimes a good idea to get a quote from more than one company.  "Some" possible tree removal/grinding companies include:

RG Tree Service 262-255-2259 / Wachtel Tree Service 262-538-1900 / Arbor Pro 414-840-7722 / American Landscaping 262-252-4260 / plus many others.  This is NOT an endorsement of any of the above, by the HOA.

 

 

Some of our Members have recently notified the HOA, expressing disappointment over area dog(s) leaving uncollected excrement in their yard.

Please note Menomonee Falls Municipal Code Sec. 14-11: Removal of Animal Excrement Required:

 

a)  No person owning or keeping any animal shall fail to prevent such animal from defecating upon

     any property other than the premises of the guardian or keeper.

b)  It is a specific defense to a charge of violating this section that the defecation occurred on private

     property with express permission of the owner or all tenants thereof.

c)  It is a specific defense to a charge of violating this section that the defecation was from an ungulate

     or camelid within any park, recreation area, or open space.

d)  It is a specific defense to a charge of violating this section that the guardian or keeper immediately

     remove or clean up such deposit and dispose thereof by depositing it in a toilet or a receptacle

     ordinarily used for garbage and covered by a lid or in an otherwise lawful and sanitary manner.

e)  The maximum penalty for a first conviction within two years, based on date of violation shall be

     $500.  For a second or subsequent violation, the court shall impose the maximum.