Forest Hills Monthly Newsletter by tharakanconsulting

EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

With spring on the way in, the season of home improvements also approaches. As a reminder, any construction done on the exterior of your home needs to be approved by management in advance.

If you want to install a fence, shed, patio, ramp, or similar, please provide a blueprint to management showing dimensions and where on your property you intend on building it in relation to other structures. I am also happy to walk the site with you to discuss possible locations, boundary zones, and requirements.

TREES: WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY?

Along with yard maintenance, all residents are responsible for maintaining trees on their site. This includes trimming them to keep them healthy and presentable.

PLANTING A TREE

Park permission is required to plant a tree. Some species are invasive and destructive. Their roots are known to damage underground lines, which is not just a financial problem but may also interrupt crucial utility services for you and your neighbors down the road.

Trees cannot be planted too close to the home and should not be planted over utility lines. Locates* can be called to determine where utility lines run at no cost to you. Permission from management is required before planting a tree, not after.

SUGGESTED TREE SPECIES

-Crepe Myrtles: These are flowering trees that are very pretty year-round and not destructive. They come in many colors and have types that have been bred for our climate, such as “Natchaz, osage, or wichita.” Highly recommended.

-Flowering dogwood: This is the tree in the center of the triangle in the south part of the community. The Pacific dogwood is native to the Pacific northwest.

-Cold-hardy Palms: palm trees are also known to be noninvasive, and there are quite a few species that are cold tolerant.

For all trees, make sure they have sufficient water while they are still getting their roots under them.

Crepe Myrtle Flowering Dogwood

TREES CONTINUED

SHARED TREES

If a tree crosses site boundaries, please do the respectful thing and communicate with your neighbor about it. If your neighbor’s tree has a branch hanging into your space, you are welcome to cut what is on your space. However, if that will drastically reduce or harm the tree, we encourage you to talk to your neighbor first, not because it’s a rule, but because it’s the respectful and neighborly thing to do.

Due to trespassing restrictions, if your tree hangs onto your neighbor’s space, be sure to obtain their permission before entering their site to tend it. Never assume permission.

HAZARD TREES

If a tree is a potential hazard, please notify me, and I will have our arborist diagnose it and remove the hazard, if necessary. What makes a tree hazardous?

- If a tree or limb leans or droops heavily to the side, especially if it overhangs a structure or power meter.

- If the ground directly around the trunk is soft or has lifted recently.

- If a tree looks sick, which is usually indicated by foliage not growing back. If you notice any of these issues, please let me know.

The trees in the Council Creek ravine are part of a natural habitat. Limbs and trees will fall. That’s part of nature. If one of them overhangs your yard and looks like it may be at risk of falling and damaging something, please let me know, and I will have our arborist diagnose it.

IRRIGATION

We will be testing the irrigation system in March in preparation for turning it on around April 1st. If you see your neighbor’s yard flooding, please reach out to them or management immediately so we can get it turned off. If your irrigation faucet leaks or is broken, please notify management so we can get it fixed with this wave of repairs.

I will send an announcement through the alert system when irrigation is on for the year.

As a reminder for new residents, the irrigation system is drawn off the pond and is not potable. Do not feed it to pets. Plants love all the nutrients in it though.

LOCATES (CALL BEFORE YOU DIG)

Locates is also known as Call Before You Dig. The State of Oregon provides this service at no charge to their residents. Proficient contractors know about Locates and will contact the service for you.

Anytime anyone digs more than 12 inches underground, you are required by the state to call Locates in advance. If utility lines are struck when digging underground, the digger could be injured, or vital utility services could be interrupted to you and your neighbors. This applies to things like removing deep roots, installing fence posts, installing an irrigation system, or planting a tree (because the roots will grow down).

When you contact Locates, you will have to provide information specifying the area you need marked. They ask you to use white spray paint to indicate the area on the ground. Do not use other colors because these will be used to indicate the utility lines.

Once you open a ticket, you need to wait two business days before you can begin digging. This gives time for them to come out and mark the ground at the indicated site showing where utility lines run. Once the site is marked, they advise taking a picture of the marks in case your digging disturbs them. Respect and protect the marks as much as possible.

If you do damage an underground utility when digging, contact the office immediately. If it is after hours, please use Commonwealth’s emergency line (503-244-2300). Only licensed contractors should make the repairs, whether they are hired by you or the community. If one is not present, do not attempt to repair, cover, or bury the damage. Do not resume digging until the repairs are made.

Locates’ website provides more detailed information about the process and steps. If you don’t have internet access, contact the office with questions, and I will help you the best that I can.

Technicians for Locates can be identified by their marked vehicles and the reflective gear they wear. Locates can be requested online or by phone. Here is their contact information: www.CallBeforeYouDig.org

Phone: 811

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

1) Trespassing: Do not cut through your neighbor’s yard without their permission. Do not assume permission. It might be a shorter way to travel, but it is also trespassing. Be respectful of your neighbor’s peace and privacy.

2) Spring Checks: With spring projects, don’t forget to check filters in your heating/cooling ducts and fire alarm batteries.

3) Sewage: Do not flush paper towels, wipes, or anything of similar toughness, even if wipes say they are designed for flushing. Throw them in the trash. Our infrastructure is old, and these easily lead to clogs that ruin someone’s day.

4) Freezing Temperatures: In the event we get another freeze in March, remember to open cabinet doors over sinks and leave a faucet on drip overnight. Don’t get stuck without water for a few days if your pipes freeze.

Manager’s Sticky Note:

We will be having a St Patty’s Day luncheon on Tuesday, March 17th at 1pm. FG Amore will serve a delightful spread including corned beef bites, Bailey’s cupcakes, and more. Join us to meet some of your new neighbors! If you can’t stay, feel free to take a plate to go.

Don’t forget that Daylight Savings turns over on March 8th. Most clocks do it automatically these days, but not all. “Spring forward.”

The community potluck will be on March 27th. The main dish will be corned beef. Please bring a dish and your spring cheer.