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Montreat Tree Board reports ongoing hemlock treatments, fundraising and monitoring plans
Summary
Board members reported recent hemlock treatments on town trees, discussed identification and monitoring plans, cost‑share funding and volunteer support, and agreed to coordinate geolocated assessments with HRI staff for spring follow‑up.
At its Oct. 14 meeting, the Montreat Tree Board reviewed recent hemlock treatment work, fundraising and plans to monitor treated trees in spring.
Ashley (board member/volunteer) summarized recent field activity: "On October 7, Elizabeth, myself, and Ryan from Appalachian Tree Care spent about 6 to 8 hours treating the 15 trees," she said, describing a soil‑drench treatment that the board used to inoculate and protect selected hemlocks.
Board members discussed treatment technique (soil drench vs. injection), timing and monitoring. Ashley said soil drench was used for many private properties and public trees and explained that trees less than about 4 inches in diameter typically are not candidates for treatment; larger trees can receive treatment or injection depending on site conditions. The board agreed standard monitoring occurs in April to check for new terminal growth and overall tree health.
Funding and logistics: members described a cost‑share approach and in‑kind donations that reduced town expense. A member said the town contributed about $1,500 last year as part of a cost‑share, and board members credited donated staff time and product (Arborjet and contractors) for lowering out‑of‑pocket costs. Ashley said she has moved her applicator license to North Carolina and has private proposals, and she offered to help coordinate referrals and outreach for residents who want assessments.
Next steps: the board asked HRI staff (Joe) to use geolocated notes from last year to revisit treated trees in April and advise on health improvements. Members discussed expanding identification efforts (a Hemlock hike and public mapping) and agreed to pursue additional fundraising and referrals to treat more town and private trees.
Board members did not take formal votes on funding at this meeting; they set tasks for identification, monitoring and outreach.
