For several years, the Sunland Recreational Vehicle Lot has been under discussion by the SLOA Board as to how to manage the arbor vitae and evergreen trees surrounding it. Originally planted by SLOA as a visual barrier to protect surrounding neighborhoods (Division 11, Hilltop, Division 7, and ultimately Division 17) from having to look at the stored RVs, the trees have begun growing through the fence, and the evergreens are dropping cones and other debris into the lot. The RV lot is is owned by SLOA but the trees they planted fall within the Division 17 plat, and protecting the views of homes in the immediate area is of particular concern to Sunland Division 17 owners.
On March 11, a group of Sunland North volunteers met Mike Gawley, SLOA RV Lot chair, at 9:30 a.m., with two rented hedge trimmers and an arsenal of brought-from-home hand clippers, rakes, and other pruning implements, as well as ear plugs, gloves, and other accessories.
The following people participated in this endeavor: John Meyer, Rita Scholze, Elaine Brown, Rindy Hainstock, George Bannon, Doug Hale, Gerry Hatler, Frank Cranney, Randy Woodson, Mary Foster, SusanHamman, Tom Hamman, Pete Farley, Barbara Brooner, Alan Morris, Chet Reynolds, Mike Johnson, and Mike Gawley.
Two people started out with the hedge trimmers on the inside of the fence, trimming up to the barb wire. Another group came after them and trimmed the arbor vitae back from the barb wire. Another group worked on picking up evergreen tree debris from the south end of the lot and then worked the west side after the trimmers. Almost four hours, and two flatbed utility truckloads of debris later, they were finished, and the debris sent off for composting. As far as we know, the trees have never been trimmed before, and they’ve been there for at least fifteen years. The trees were trimmed back from protruding through the fence, and yet still serve to preserve the privacy barrier for the homes on the other side.
Thanks to everyone for their hard work. Thanks to Mike Gawley for providing the flat bed trailer to haul away the debris. And a very special thanks to him, because he and Doug Hale (Exterior Maintenance) coordinated to move Division 17’s utility trailer from the north area of the Mt. Baker neighborhood back to a spot in the RV park (it had been in there up until a couple of years ago). Division 17’s utility trailer is now safe in a secured area and the homes on Mt. Baker that faced that trailer in the back will be happy to have a nature view once again. Thank you, Mike!
Click on any image for a larger view.
Chet reynolds, John Meyer, and Susan Hamman work on test trees at entrance.
Susan Hamman brought earplugs and pumpkin bread for everyone/
Randy Woodson and Alan Morris working the line.
Phase II team waiting on that last load: Chet Reynols, Tom Hamman, John Meyer, Rita Scholze, George Bannon,, and Gerry Hatler.
Mike Gawley with the last_ load.
Mike Gawley bringing in trimmings from the corner.
John Meyer with another wheelbarrow full.
George Bannon and Gerry Hatler working the other corner.
First load.
Elaine Brown bringing trimmings out from far corner.
Doug Hale, John Meyer, Susan Hamman and Rita Scholze in quick consultation.
Chet Reynolds wields gas trimmer.
Arbor vitae after lots of attention and work.
Arbor vitae after lots of attention and work.
Alan Morris and Pete Farley, musclemen.
Alan Morris, Gerry Hatler, and George Bannon picking up the pieces.
Randy Woodson masking progress along the 180 feet of fence.
Pete Farley and Mike Gawley consult.
Mike Johnson gets in close with his trimmer.
Frank Cranney adds to the collection.
Elaine Brown to the rescue bringing her wheelbarrow.
