Hello Neighbors,
After a rainy start to spring, I’m happy to report that our lawn care team is hitting its stride. The grass at the Carman Valley entrance looks full and healthy—great news, as it helps prevent erosion in that area. We also haven’t received any recent complaints about neglected cul-de-sacs; overall, things look well cared for.
Despite some intense storms, tree damage has been relatively minor. When issues have come up, we’ve addressed them quickly, which has reduced the risk of limbs falling onto homes, decks, or fences.
I’m considering adding hydrangeas to the planter box on the opposite side. They’re deer-resistant, offer beautiful blooms, and wouldn’t interfere with drivers’ sight lines—something I’ll continue to evaluate with safety in mind.
I also consulted with an arborist about the Bradford pear trees along Carman Valley. His advice: leave them be. Because they grow close together, their intertwined canopies provide wind protection, and their roots have adapted well to the constraints of growing near sidewalks and streets. Unfortunately, the county will not allow us to plant new trees in the space between county roads and sidewalks, and they’ve made it clear they would prefer to remove the existing pears entirely. For now, we’re taking a hands-off approach.
We’re investigating responsibility for the neighborhood’s culverts and the debris-filled channels that feed them. These drainage paths have accumulated buildup over the past 35 years. If MSD only maintains the actual pipes, we may need to get bids from private companies to clear the channels ourselves. This issue is especially visible near Croften Circle and the Cool Dell Court area, though other problem spots likely exist.
Regarding the deer overpopulation challenges, our local hunter, Jim LeGrand, had quite a season—13 does and 2 bucks. As a result, deer sightings this spring seem fewer than usual. We’ve invited him back for the next season to help keep the population in check.
Finally, please mark your calendars for July 14 at 7 p.m. for our next virtual HOA meeting. A formal invitation will be sent in the coming weeks.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. As always, if you have questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.
James,
President, Ridgemont HOA