Common Area Tree Removal
Throughout the year , LLA receives many requests from Members for tree removal from common areas . Most often , the requests are for removal of dead , dying or leaning trees but sometimes not . Last year , the Board of Directors and staff drafted a standing policy to provide guidance for Members when making requests and for staff when requests are received . Input from the Friends of the Lake Committee was sought for those trees in and around the lakes . Ultimately , the below criteria was developed and the policy was unanimously approved on August 15 , and went into effect on August 16 , 2022 . The Lake Linganore Association will remove live or dead trees provided one or more of the following criteria is met :
• An Arborist states the tree can cause significant damage to private property if it were to fall and the tree is in declining health
• Tree is in declining health and has potential to fall and create damage to trail , esplanade , tot lot , or common amenity
• Tree is declining and / or is endanger of falling onto a roadway or driveway
• Tree is dead or declining and risk falling into surrounding trees , which would result in losing a natural visual screening between homes or villages
• A live tree that has fallen into the lake
• Any tree that has fallen and poses a danger to persons or property
• Any tree that has fallen and impedes the intended use of a common area or amenity
• Any tree that has fallen and is within fifty feet ( 50 ’) of a dock
• Any tree that is impeding flow of the dam or storm water infrastructure
• Any tree required to be removed by Maryland Department of Environment or Frederick County Storm Water Management inspectors
To preserve and maintain the aquatic environment , dead trees that have fallen into the lakes will be left to decay unless they meet one or more of the above stated criteria . Dead trees are valuable to aquatic life and provide nutrients for the water . When a dead tree falls into a lake , they form critical habitats and provide food for insects and tiny aquatic organisms . They also provide perches for birds and turtles , and spawning areas for fish . When a live tree falls into a lake , it releases the phosphorus and nitrogen stored inside its trunk . As that tree starts to decay , it consumes oxygen in the surrounding area . The consumption of oxygen and release of nitrogen and phosphorus can create harmful algal blooms , and those blooms can be problematic .
If you come across or observe a tree that meets the criteria for removal , please log into your Member account and submit a Service Request for Tree Maintenance . ______________________________
LakeTalk November 2023 19