This week, September 18, 2023, marks the beginning of the Cathedral Pines Seedling thinning event. If you are interested in participating in the Seedling Thinning Event here is the How To:
Because of the Black Forest, forest fire, ten years ago, the winds and heat spread many pine tree seeds throughout the community. Over the years many of those seeds have taken root and created dense areas of seedlings along some of our community hillsides. Our objective is to thin those areas and include them as part of the Community Chipping Event.
- Why do we need to thin those seedling beds?
- There are three primary reasons. First, most of the trees will not survive as they will not enjoy adequate resources and space to grow to a healthy shape and height. Second, the trees that remain will be allowed to grow and become more aesthetically pleasing to the neighborhood as they mature. Third and final, areas of dense seedling growth represent a fire hazard, as they act as “ladder fuel” allowing flames to climb up the taller trees.
- How does this event work?
- It is very simple. Residents are asked to either pull or cut seedlings in areas of heavy growth on their property and place the removed seedlings along the roadside for pickup next week as part of our chipping event. If you can get the seedlings to the roadside, we will take it from there!
- Is there a deadline for doing so?
- Yes. All debris, slash, trees and branches must be placed along the roadside by Monday, 9/25. This is when the fall chipping event begins, with Tall Timbers driving the neighborhood and collecting all slash left on the roadsides.
- The same ground rules apply for the seedling removal: that is, piles along the road should be no more than 5 ft. high x 5 ft. wide x 5 ft. deep. Large tree stumps will not be removed as they do not fit through the chipper Tall Timbers uses.
- Is there any cost to the homeowner to participate?
- No! We simply ask that you follow the guidelines above and register this week to be included in the Chipping Event. You may register online here: https://form.jotform.com/232256477313153 . If you have already registered for the chipping event, you do NOT need to register again for your seedlings to be included.
Please note that tips for thinning your seedlings and other information are also available in the August Metro District newsletter available on the community website.
Here are some examples of properly thinned areas:
Don't do this...
...do this!
Trees can't grow like this...
...but they can like this!