Oak Brook Colony Condominium Association. Landscape Commission Update. August 2014 Executive Summary

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1 Oak Brook Colony Condominium Association Landscape Commission Update August 2014 Executive Summary On August 3 rd two Board Members walked 31 st St and along west side of OBCCA looking at trees and landscaping to better familiarize themselves with the state of the landscaping. An initial step forward, mulching the trees/bushes visible from the roads, took place immediately after Fairview paving was completed King s has started some of the turf repair work they will be coring and over seeding as the weather allows NOTE we want to ask residents to help water any of the newly seeded areas. The association cannot afford to pay King s to come water the reseeded grass where we do not have sprinklers. If we can all take some responsibility to help water the new grass we can help the turf heal so it will be stronger in the years to come Thank You. On August 25 th CMS and 2 landscape committee members accompanied Kramer Tree and Associated Landscaping (the company that did the mulching) walking 31 st street hearing their professional opinions on what additional tree/shrub work should be addressed. Kramer and Associated provided interesting commentary about how to think long term and the resulting impact on better controlling OBCCA landscape costs. They will come back to us with a proposal soon. A brief summary is: Many of our trees are overgrown and are reaching the end of their expected life We need to thin trees We need to allow many of the shrubs to grow out (stop pruning them) Should focus on varieties that work well in IL and hold up to the salt. This is a multi-year effort There are no plants that are perfect for screening, salt resistance, sound deadening, visual, appeal, etc. thus we all will need to be open minded as we transition to a landscape environment and realize the planned for benefits take some time On August 25 th Associated and CMS also focused on the landscaping in the vicinity of the curved concrete roadway at the north end of Fairview and discussed needs to improve the appearance. Some work was done immediately Some additional work is in process

2 More Detail OBCCA is essentially divided into 3 sections for the Kramer tree trimming contract. Kramer has completed year three this past winter and will be trimming trees on the North end of the property this winter. They will also address some of the dying trees on 31 st street and any other critical tree issues. We will need to repair the back entrance Gingerbrook allowed us to use during the paving, since this temporary entrance is on their property. Gingerbrook has informed us we need to deal with the trees and overgrowth on the north end of the retention pond this is part of an agreement we have with Ginger Brook The 2015 budget will include some dollars to continue our landscape asset improvement process. However, until we fully understand the cost to replace roofs in a couple of years we will be budget dollar constrained. NOTE Improving our landscape asset will take years to accomplish. We will need your help, patience and support We have just started We are working to match some of the landscape repair with the erosion control and patio replacement projects The association will not be able to fund the repair/replacement of everything as fast as any of us would like. However, we are working on a practical plan taking input from various landscape professionals and you, the unit owners If unit owners want to share in any costs as we move into their areas they can positively impact the timing and extent of landscape repair work that can be accomplished. For example, as trees are removed and new shrubs are scheduled to replace trees, as patios are replaced or erosion control drainage is addressed in your areas there is the opportunity to more cost effectively work with one of the association s vendors to enhance the landscape/drainage assets around your units We would like your feedback Please send Rick Julien rickju@comcast.net and comments Looking for volunteers to provide input regarding end unit side patio Limited Common Area landscape guidelines. Who would like to help on this project?

3 July, 2014 Executive Summary Board established a special unit owner commission to look into the Landscape issues Commission Members o Rick Julien (board member) o Scott Tobey o Tom Dardis o Brian DalCorobbo Are collecting ideas from 3 Landscape Firms who know OBCCA Budget permitting we plan to tackle a few items before agreeing on a larger strategy in items are: o Mulch fronts of all buildings and the trees (in fronts) August o Have additional work done to improve grass - September o Tree trimming, thinning and replacement along 31 st - December

4 More Detail Report The board created a unit owner group in June, 2014 to look at our landscaping situation to protect the property value for all unit owners. Rick Julien is the Chair of this special commission to help provide the Board and the Unit Owners insight into our landscape situation and a practical plan to move forward. NOTE this is only one of the many projects being worked on by the OBCCA Board but one we have received a lot of feedback that requires attention WHY NOW - Landscaping is generally old and tired. Trees End of typical life for many of the trees we have Winter damage Old, larger trees overgrown creating too much shade, hanging on other trees, etc. Shrubs are old/outdated Ash borer infecting some trees and we have many ash trees Erosion Significant erosion has occurred throughout the property and will continue, unless action is taken Turf Management Too much shade Inadequate grub control Lack of aeration Inadequate fertilizer Winter and salt damage Grass in many places needs a lot of attention Board is Ready 1. Focus has been on infrastructure catch up on many previously neglected repair and maintenance items i.e., tuck-pointing, garage doors, gutters, driveways, roads, painting, etc. 2. Fairfield replacement is about to be placed the last of significant road replacement costs 3. Roof replacement is reserved for and planned starting in 2018.

5 VALUE our trees and property are a huge asset that is being under-utilized in showing off OBCCA Increase the quality of our community Bring landscaping up to the standard of nearby communities Visually more appealing Support increased home resale value Stop deterioration of the property Establish sustainable long term plan Our ongoing weekly lawn care will be more effective if we deal adequately with the mulch, trees, turf issues APPROACH Board established a special unit owner commission to look into this issue Rick Julien (board member), Scott Tobey, Tom Dardis, Brian DalCorobbo Have spoken to or met three landscape firms who know the OBCCA property to get their view on our landscape situation What We learned: o Our trees and landscaping can be a real asset o OBCCA landscape is old, tired and getting worse o Due to lack of investment, it s going to require substantial effort to repair o Our continued reactive approach without an overall plan without financial commitment to follow through is destine to be a disaster o Trees are and will continue to be a problem (dying, overgrown, wrong trees,etc) o 31 st street and Fairfield need attention as well as other areas o Mulch is a basic necessity o Need more comprehensive turf management plan

6 Our Trees and Landscape are a real asset that attracted us and will attract future buyers to OBCCA. We will look to improve the assets we have before adding new assets or costs to the property. This is often done through dormant pruning of shrubs and trees. Additionally, extra focus is needed on improving the grass throughout the community (i.e., coring, over-seeding, better fertilizer program and grub control). Eliminating too much shade and tree overgrowth while taking better care of the grass will allow the grass to strengthen and fill in dirt on its own while at the same time reducing weeds. Our trees will look better too and provide them space to grow. This will take a commitment to execute a program every year. Initial Thoughts Developing a few short term items to benefit all unit owners quickly utilizing the existing and planned budgets. Here are a few initial thoughts to improve the look for everyone while we tackle the larger more expensive problems: o Aug walk 31 st with Krammer to get their view on what needs to be done and start a plan to address o Aug/Sept Mulch around trees and the fronts of all property o Sept/Oct aeration, re-seed, fertilize, repair some of the damaged turf budget permitting o Nov-Feb the 3 rd year of Krammer s 3 yr contract has them trimming along 31 st St and we will do more work to respond to last year s winter damage Reviewing landscape plan that was created in 2013 created by Green Grass Working with the board on available budget dollars for landscaping to establish most crucial priorities 2015 Develop a long term plan(this is a must) then scope out and get time frames agreed to and taken to unit owners for support 2015 Develop guidelines for unit owners with limited common area requirements