Serving as a consulting ISA Certified Arborist to assist the homeowners association (HOA) with street tree issues in this residential community, WGI provided an assessment of street trees, identified conflicts with HOA facilities (e.g., utilities, sidewalks, and road right-of-way), and provided recommendations for corrective actions. The species, size, condition, and proposed disposition of each street tree was identified and WGI supported meetings with the HOA and property owners for project coordination and approval.

The project required an understanding of site plan code requirements, utility line distribution, and tree biology to develop a plan of assessment that accurately identified problem trees and provided solutions that were feasible and resulted in a successful resolution.

The greatest challenge with the project was finding a solution that the entire HOA would accept. The HOA was evenly and deeply divided on the preservation or removal of the street trees. Many homeowners provided their opinions during the field work and at the support meetings. These opinions were integrated into the final report to make sure all homeowners’ concerns and suggestions were considered.