Dear Homeowner,

At the TRHOA meeting, I was asked to provide some additional information about the maple fungus our trees experienced last summer and to inquire about individual spraying.

I met with Jim Barth of Jebco Horticultural Co. (Jebco is giving us a bid on next year’s landscaping.) Jim has a B.S. in botany. When I asked if Jebco could spray for maple fungus, he said yes. I reported the details of this past summer fungus outbreak and asked if he could give us a separate bid for spraying on a per household basis. He replied that he could do so, but would not want to do so until he saw the extent of next year’s fungus infestation.

He made several points:

• Our sunset maples are quite hardy and can withstand a 25% loss of leaves with no permanent damage.
• The fungicide spray is non-selective and we risk doing away with some desirable natural tree protection.
• Once we begin such a program, it’s likely we will need to continue it in the future.

He suggested we revisit the problem next May.  I intend to do so and follow up on the issue in the Spring.

Dave Buchthal
Landscaping Committee Chair
TRHOA

APPROVED REPLACEMENT TREES FOR SUNSET MAPLES

November 2008

Several of the Board members have been asked what type of trees should be bought if the maple tree dies and must be replaced. We have voted to approve two of the more resistant types, October Glory and Autumn Flame. Autumn Flame has a round shape while October Glory has a more pear-like shape. Choose the one that best matches your other trees. See the links below for pictures

http://treegrowersdiary.com/octobergloryredmaple.html
http://www.naturehills.com/product/autumn_flame_red_maple.aspx