As you may know Common Property is responsible for the maintenance and enhancement of all areas that are the property of your HOA. Here is an update on recent activities:
Ponds
Deercreek has 41 ponds and their maintenance is a continuous challenge especially during the summer months when lack of rain and elevated temperatures become a perfect environment for algae growth. Our lake management company is on site twice a week but they are restricted by E.P.A. and other governmental regulations on the type and frequency of chemical applications.Therefore, two years ago, the Common Property Committee, with the cooperation of the HOA decided to become more proactive in the maintenance of our ponds. Two plans were initiated, one called the Carp Project, and the second referred to as the Aeration Project. We are pleased to announce that both projects have been recently implemented.
Several weeks ago almost 500 grass carp were stocked in about 70% of our pond acreage. Grass carp are frequently used to control algae growth by consuming the algae as well as aquatic vegetation. The use of grass carp has been proven effective in many communities.
Two of our ponds, one near the Club pool and 18th green, and the other that runs along the 10th fairway now have aeration systems installed. As you drive by you will notice bubbles coming from the diffusers located at the bottom of the ponds. Pond aeration can effectively reduce algae growth by increasing dissolved oxygen and disrupting algae spores. The aeration also prevents the formation of stagnant areas where algae thrive. Both are pilot projects and their effectiveness will be monitored. Currently our committee is investigating additional options as well.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is scheduled on a semi-annual basis and our next cleaning will be scheduled for some time in May. Cleaning includes sidewalks, benches, mailboxes, playground pavilion, deer statues, monuments, signs, etc.
Flowers
Our landscaper, Danny Connors, with the help of Lorraine Clancy, added a new bed of flowers to the second tier of our monument directly behind the fountains on Southside. Take a look the next time you drive by. Our three flower beds near Southside are changed three times a year with the next planting scheduled for May.
Mini Park
For years, there has been an unsightly, desolate parcel of land on Deercreek Club Rd next to the JEA station and near the Club pool. That all has changed thanks to the joint efforts of Heritage, your HOA, and the Home & Garden Club. This dismal and bleak area is now being transformed into the scenic area that we refer to as the “Mini Park.”
Landscaping
The Common Property Committee is continually surveying our community to elicit ideas as to how to improve landscaping within our community. We continue to work closely with Danny Connors Landscaping to replace bushes and plants, create new flower beds, and replenish bare areas along our drive. We always welcome ideas from our residents so feel free to contact us.
Trees
Common Property schedules tree service on a semi-annual basis as well as for emergencies such as trees fallen across the road. Our spring clean up was just completed with the removal of several dead trees, raising the canopy on trees along our drive, and general cleanup of dead brances, and limbs. The area near the white tee box on hole #15 was cleared to provide room for maintenance of the storm drain that empties into the pond. By the way, clearing a storm drain is an expensive undertaking and we encourage all residents to clear debris away from nearby storm drains. In addition, when necessary, please inform your landscapers not to blow debris into the drains or cut your lawn in such a way that the clippings fall into a pond.
Recently, thanks to the efforts of Patricia Barker, Home & Garden Club sponsored a presentation on the correct pruning of palm trees. For those who were unable to attend, I asked our certified arborist, Justin Duce, whose company maintains the trees in our community to provide me with information that I can share. Justin pointed out the following:
- Palms require regular pruning
- Avoid cutting live, healthy fronds
- Avoid removing fronds that are growing horizontally
- Fronds that are yellowed may be a sign that the plant requires potassium or magnesium
For further information you are welcome to contact Justin at 904-707-3921
Finally, if you see anything that requires the attention of our committee please feel free to notify us.
Thank you,
Gregg Flynn, Chair
904-304-9088