Common Area Tree Issues v1.pdf

tree issues

1. Tree &
Landscape
Concerns
Presented by R. Tierney 2024
1

2. Background
Trees in our upper picnic and
beach area have been in
decline for several years.
Many of the trees in these areas are at the end of their lifespan (confirmed by multiple arborists hired by Deer
Lake)
Issue is accelerated by
ecological factors like Beech
Leaf Disease and soil
degradation/ erosion.
Oak trees in high-traffic areas have suffered the most and are at high risk of collapse.
Deer Lake Club 20242

3. High Traffic
Areas:
●Areas in question see the
most traffic out of any area
during the season.
●Essential that these areas
are safe and ready for use
during Summer months.
●Picnic area had extensive
drainage work done >20
years ago which needs
rehabilitation.
Deer Lake Club 20243

4. Deer Lake Tree
Species
•
Oaks
•
Red, white, black, swap
•
Hickory
•
Maple
•
silver, red
•
Birch
•
River, black
•
Poplar
•
Limited evergreens
•
Limited ash
•
Beech
•
Under threat from beech leaf
disease
Deer Lake Club 20244

5. Dangers of Doing Nothing • Risk of injury due to falling tree debris or limbs
• Loss of natural shade.
• Increased costs associated with dangerous
trees and emergency removals/ storm
damage.
• Loss of soil stability as root systems die off in
riparian zones.
• Loss of natural aesthetics key to Deer Lake’s
identity.
• Continued erosion & runoff.
Dead oak limb in upper picnic area
Dead oak top over clubhouse
Deer Lake Club 20245

6. Hazard Tree
Identification
•
Widow makers
•
Weak branch unions
•
Old wounds
•
Trees damaged by Irene and not
removed
•
Epicormic growth (new branches
coming off old pruning’s or
damage)
•
Cavities
•
Woodpecker or nesting holes
•
Woodpecker presence indicates
decay and bug infestation
Cavity present in white oak near upper lot
Red oak next to road with woodpecker holes
at base
Epicormic growth on white oak
Deer Lake Club 20246

7. What Can We Do? •
Multi-staged approach to restore the tree canopy over
these popular areas and improve access, safety, and
enjoyment.
•
Improve drainage and issues with fast runoff.
•
Improve overall health of natural areas.
•
Make it easier for people to walk around picnic areas.
•
Remove trees as soon as they are identified hazardous.
•
Proactively treat beech trees for beech leaf disease;
difficult since many are already infected.
Deer Lake Club 20247

8. Stage One
•
Tree Pruning and selective tree canopy elevation.
•
Allows more natural light into picnic areas
•
Tree pruning will remove rot and buy us more
time with many of our aged trees.
•
Repair drainage system already in place (sailing
beach picnic area). *Already approved
•
Site improvements in sailing beach picnic area.
•
Including rock removal and adding fill soil.
Runoff during heavy rainstorm over the summer 2023
Deer Lake Club 20248
Drainpipe in need of rehab

9. Stage Two • Remove trees that have the shortest life expectancy.
• Plant new trees in areas where shade is a priority
(beach area).
• Consider other site improvements to improve soil
drainage & runoff concerns.
•
Walkways, removal of telephone polls in favor of block
(Partially Approved)
• Consider other shade alternatives (artificial) for popular
areas by clubhouse/ beach.
• Establish nursery area and greenhouse to grow new
trees (in conjunction with existing forestry plan).
Current steps in place proposed to be changed to block
Arborist Dave on top of a tree
Deer Lake Club 20249

10. Benefits •
Improved accessibility & safety in sailing beach picnic
area where erosion has exposed rocks and roots.
•
Leveling of picnic tables with a paver surface would
increase the life of any new picnic tables placed.
•
Increased safety by removing hazardous trees and
pruning healthy trees before problems arise.
•
Ensuring natural shade remains in areas that are
popular.
•
Producing a plan to ensure shade around beach area is
important.
Southwest view of lake from sitting dock
Deer Lake Club 202410