On Dec. 16, the LDC homeowners approved the 2020 Annual Budget, which includes a financial plan to fund the removal of a majority of the remaining ash trees in common areas of LDC. The project is being funded through a combination of existing operating residual, a $150 increase in the annual homeowners assessment and a line of credit.

To date, over 100 ash trees have been removed but an extensive number of trees remain near power lines and homes, along the roads and in other common areas of LDC. In the coming weeks we’ll be contracting with vendors to start work as soon as possible.  We ask that homeowners note the following important items regarding this project:

• The board will be prioritizing removal areas according to proximity to homes, power lines and heavily traveled common areas. We’ll be using multiple vendors so work may be taking place in several areas at the same time.
   
• While researching options for this project, members of the board met and spoke with WE Energies on several occasions. We’ve been notified that WE Energies has decided to bury power lines in the subdivision; however, this may not happen for a few years. It’s important to note that vendors are not allowed to fell any trees within 10 feet of the power lines. Hence, some trees will remain at the completion of our project.
   
• The project will begin when the ground freezes so that damage to property is minimized as much as possible, and work may stop if temperatures increase. Vendors may need access to trees via homeowners’ properties, but large sheets of wood will be laid on the grass to minimize damage. Damage to grass will not be repaired.
   
• Homeowners will receive notice of work to be performed as far in advance as possible. Property lines will be marked to indicate common areas to the best of our knowledge.
   
• Debris from the trees will be mulched and spread in place where possible. Logs will be made available to homeowners.
   
• Work is being pre-approved with the vendors. If there are any questions regarding this work, please contact Meg Noyes at 414.405.9257 or Chris Korjenek at 414.507.2326 and not the vendor.  

Homeowners should understand this is a very large project with a lot of variables. Volunteers are doing their very best to remedy a significant problem while anticipating potential issues that may arise.  Patience and understanding is encouraged!