"It seems incredible, but June 2020 has brought about the three year anniversary of the community-wide trunk injection program of all our curbside Ash Trees with the TreeAge (emamectin benzoate) chemical. This was done in 2017 to protect against the ongoing attack of the EAB (Emerald Ash Borer) Bug that has plagued this species of tree in Indiana for the last 10 years to speak of. The three-year protection has now expired.
1) Health Survey Result - In all, we still have a total of 176 beautiful Ash trees adorning the majority of roadside spacing.,This total number includes five in the front entrance islands that are part of the Common Area domain. With direct input from Dr. Sadof at Purdue University, two weeks ago a detailed survey of Brockton Manor was performed by the Board along with Certified Arborist; Michael Johnson.
1.1) Sporadic Dead Limbs & Water sprouts - Initial observations do show that there are still about 12 or so trees that have the odd dead limb (same as in 2019). In addition, and quite normal, the majority have again developed water sprouts around the mid to upper trunk region.
As such, the Board would like to encourage all lot owners to inspect and have any dead limbs and water sprouts removed to maintain the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the trees around the subdivision.
1.2) New Frontier and Horizon Elm Trees- we are pleased to report all 19 now look to be well established. Thanks to all neighbors for their watering support last year, and for any ongoing maintenance in 2020.
1.3) Mature Ash Trees - overall, of the 176 total trees, the five remaining in the entrance islands all look in very good shape. Of the 171 located around the curbsides, there are five that are clearly stressed and will need to be removed in the near future. These are located at 1798, Berry Road (1), 2039, Berry Road (2), 2111, Berry Road (1) and 1750, Woodcroft Court (1). A plan will be developed for these trees.
1.4) New Injection Program? - as outlined at the last two annual meetings, and again reiterated by Dr. Sadof a few weeks ago, we are still on the cusp of the 10 year EAB wave as it passes through Indiana. While it would be ideal to run another injection program for ultimate safety right now, given the current Covid-19 climate impact on available emergency funds along with the added burden of an additional new assessment, both Dr. Sadof and Arborist; Michael Johnson feel that we could delay this decision until 2021. This is conditioned on the health of our good trees in the Fall.
1.5) Purdue Visit to Brockton Manor in 2021 - based on Michaels report, we have just heard that Dr. Sadof (who is the ultimate Indiana authority on EAB) would like to visit our neighborhood in the spring of 2021 so that he can add our success story to his portfolio".
