Geri Lane Association Case Study

Challenges

The HOA faced a dual challenge: caring for a vulnerable elm population and educating residents about the difference between reactive and proactive tree care. Dutch elm disease had already devastated many trees in the region, and the remaining trees were under threat due to its spread and other factors.

"All the houses line what used to be a lumber baron’s driveway, and the houses all have Dutch elms planted just three to four yards  apart. That spacing created structural challenges as the trees matured,” Rushka explained. “Many are now growing tall and leaning, with other large species like redwoods competing for space and resources."

Adding complexity, years of piecemeal landscaping had buried root flares, stressed trees during drought seasons, and masked underlying health issues. 

The HOA needed:

• A science-driven care plan for large, aging elms

• Specialists with Dutch elm expertise

• Integrated strategies for trimming, disease management, and soil health

• Transparent communication and collaboration

"We didn't know there were answers. We didn't know there was anything that could be done to help manage the trees beyond just trying to stay ahead of the disease, but SavATree changed that," shared Edwards.

Solutions

SavATree brought national resources, local expertise, and a rare knowledge of elm tree biology to the table. Services implemented over the past three years include:

Disease & Insect Management
SavATree implemented a comprehensive plan to combat Dutch elm disease, including bark injections and fungicide treatments as well as an approach to insect management. 

"We treated a few trees as a trial. When we saw no pest damage to the leaves of those few trees, we knew we’d found a company that truly understood our elms. Those leaf spots were something we’d just gotten used to before," said Edwards.

In 2025, when an innovative new injection method debuted to reduce trunk damage, SavATree was able to perform that leading-edge treatment on the elms. The SavATree treatments have shown marked success, halting beetle damage that had unfortunately killed elms in the past. The treatments have also resulted in fewer branch failures than experienced historically.

Specialized Pruning & Risk Management
Every winter, SavATree performs large-scale deadwood removal during the trees' dormant season. Summer visits provide light trims to manage weight and structure.

Root Zone Rehabilitation
Using air spade tools, SavATree exposed and corrected buried root flares, restoring proper soil levels. They also installed soil moisture sensors, allowing residents to make informed irrigation decisions throughout California’s extreme wet and dry seasons.

"Most of the trees were buried deeper than the root flare," said Rushka. "Excavating that area helps prevent decay and allows injections to be done properly. We were seeing fungal pathogens like Armillaria, so this step was critical."

Construction Impact Mitigation
In response to ongoing construction near two elms, SavATree administered proactive root growth treatments and is now partnering with the HOA and town officials to outline a multi-year remediation strategy.

Collaborative Consulting
HOA leaders work closely with arborists Emily Rushka and Klayton Sousy, often testing treatments on smaller tree groups to evaluate outcomes before scaling. Along the way, SavATree became a resource not only for the HOA, but for residents as well. As people observed the work being done and saw the health of the street trees improve, they began asking questions and learning more about how to care for their own trees.

This informal education process helped extend best practices beyond the HOA's responsibilities. Residents became more aware of elm tree needs, learned how to avoid reactive mistakes, and increasingly adopted proactive care approaches themselves.

"It’s a true partnership. We problem-solve together. It’s like having tree scientists on call," shares Edwards.

Results

The elm canopy’s health is stabilizing. No new trees have exhibited signs of Dutch elm disease since proactive care was initiated. Meanwhile, resident confidence and engagement have soared. Nearly 25% of homeowners now independently use SavATree for their own trees.

"It's been fantastic. People started asking, 'Who are you working with?' Now, at least a quarter of the residents are calling SavATree for their own yards. Everyone I've talked to has had nothing but positive things to say," states Edwards.

Looking Ahead

The HOA will continue to partner with SavATree to refine treatment protocols, expand the use of moisture sensors, and trial new injection technologies that preserve bark integrity. The goal is long-term resilience for one of the Bay Area’s last surviving elm corridors.

About Geri Lane HOA

The Geri Lane Property Owners’ Association is a small HOA within the residential community of Hillsborough in the San Francisco Bay Area. The HOA is dedicated to maintaining its heritage elm canopy and ensuring the beauty, safety, and ecological health of its neighborhood. The HOA manages public-facing tree care while encouraging resident stewardship of private landscapes.

About SavATree

SavATree provides comprehensive tree, shrub, and lawn care services to commercial properties nationwide. Our certified arborists and professional crews deliver tailored solutions that enhance property value, safety, and aesthetic appeal. With a commitment to sustainability and customer satisfaction, SavATree is the premier choice for all your landscape care needs. For more information, visit www.savatree.com.