Tree Save Area - Dead Trees and Poison Ivy

I have a tree save area behind my house and noticed that a number of trees are dying and are starting to lean. Upon further investigation, most of them have large vines going from base to top which are apparently choking them out - it looks like kudzu and virginia creeper. Since this technically isn't on my property (although I'd like to see the trees stay!!), will someone from the county take care of it and, if so, who should I contact? Or, is this something that I should do myself if I want it done in the near term?

There's also a large area of poison ivy growing down the tree save area which is working it's way up to my yard - same questions as above. Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

The tree save area is supposed to be natural, there is no maintenance done to these areas. The county will not do anything to these areas, as they are on private property (either developer owned, or HOA owned if they have been turned over).

After getting the OK from Wes, we've gone in back of our house to the wetlands, and have cut back vines from the trees. Please note, we do not do ANY clearing, nor do we spray any chemicals. We go in with pruing shears, and cut out two foot sections of vine, which then die. We do this yearly.

As far as poison ivy, you can only treat the area that is on your property with 2,4-D to kill off the poison ivy. However, I have gone into the wetlands, and have manually cut back poison ivy that is close to my property line.

Before you do any of the above, please verify with Wes on your location, and what you are allowed to do.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

Yes, Please verify with the HOA. SOme area are considered "wetlands" and must be treated differently (more carefully). Generally speaking pruning back invasive plants such as poison ivy, multiflora rose and honeysuckle is a good thing. Use caution so you don't create another problem by clearing to the ground and changing the water runoff, etc.