The
recent storms resulted in a large number of downed tree branches and limbs.
Regular weekly yard waste pick-ups have resumed every Monday, so put branches and smaller
limbs (bundled into 4’ lengths) out for pick up. If you have larger
limbs, put them near the curb and the Town maintenance staff will pick them up
for chipping. That activity has begun and will continue intermittently as
maintenance personnel have time.
If
you own a historic home in Montgomery County, you are eligible for local tax
credits for snowstorm-related repairs. To qualify, the cost of the repair
work must exceed $1,000. The tax credit, applied toward county property
taxes, will equal 10 percent of expenses.
Firewood: The Town winter tree removal
program got sidelined by the snows, but will resume. For those removals
that are good firewood (oak, maple), logs will be cut in fireplace length and
stacked at the side of the road. We do not know in advance which
trees will be cut or specific days (giving this flexibility to the removal
contractor contributes to lower cost for the Town), but we will endeavor to put
up notices at Penn Place with locations of recent removals as they
occur. Firewood is reserved for Town residents.
The
Town is evaluating theGarrett Park websitefor
potential changes, particularly to enhance appearance and utility. Let us
know your comments about content, format, appearance, etc.
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Of
interest, regarding storm damage to trees and shrubs, from a commercial website:
What to Expect
•
Unfortunately, plants cannot stand up to heavy snow drifts or
mountains of snow piled on top of them. Any type of plant, evergreen or
deciduous (loses its leaves), has the potential to be crushed.
•
Plants planted near streets, driveways and walks may have been
sprayed with salt or ice melting chemicals, which may kill branches or root
systems.
•
Many large shrubs and trees have broken branches, have the tops
broken or have cracks and splits. Some of the damage might not become apparent
until later this spring as new growth develops.
•
Evergreen plants may have the leaves or needles stripped from
the top of the branches. This was probably caused by animals (not just deer)
eating the leaves to survive while their normal food sources were unavailable.
•
Large trees and shrubs are falling over due to the saturated
soil.
•
Some damage will not show up until spring. The soil is becoming
more and more saturated as the snow melts. The excessive wetness may rot root
systems, resulting in plant decline or death. This may be the situation for
perennial plants as well, especially grasses.
What You Can Do
•
Allow the snow to melt gradually. Do not attempt to shovel out
plants.
•
Survey your property looking carefully for potentially hazardous
situations, such as leaning trees and cracked limbs.
•
Prune broken branches. Do not use pruning sealants. As branches
break and fall they can tear into the trunk. Unfortunately that tear can be an
avenue for insects and decay and it may require professional care.
•
Deciduous shrubs, such as barberry, nandina, hydrangeas and
spirea, can be cut back to the ground if they have been crushed by the snow.
This is an extreme measure that should only be used in circumstances like the
ones we have right now. Since the root system should be fine, the plant will
probably come back. Depending on its age and size, however, it may take several
years to recover to its original size.
•
Evergreens that have been crushed may not recover as easily. You
can attempt to tie up branches of boxwood, junipers, yews and other shrubs.
Chain lock rope (a plastic interlocking rope, sold at the nursery) can be used
to support the branches. Here again, it may take years for the branches to
correct themselves. Because the branches are tied together, there may be an
increased chance of fungal diseases.
