We have had some confusion with the ACC Guideline on tree removal over the years. Some living trees have been removed without ACC approval. Most neighbors do not know about our tree situation on our property until they see the trees being removed by a professional tree removal services.
Our current guidance on tree removal reads as follows:
The removal of any living tree must be approved by the Architectural Control Committee (Original Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements)
TREE REMOVAL: Removal of any living tree must be approved by the ACC. Dead trees may be removed without ACC notification and/or approval (ACC Guidelines)
Given the confusion, the Board is proposing that we modify the ACC Guideline concerning tree removal. This guidance only applies to trees with a caliper (thickness, depth, diameter, width) of 6″ inches or more. Any tree less than that can be removed without notification and/or approval.
IMMINENT DANGER: Any tree that is about to fall upon a house or garage may be removed without ACC Approval. However, homeowners shall notify the ACC of its removal within 48 hours.
DEAD TREES, NO IMMINENT DANGER: Single dead trees (lacking all foliage, brittle branches, covered in fungal growth, peeling bark) can be removed without notification and/or approval. If more than one dead tree is to be removed in a single event, the trees must be marked and the ACC must approve their removal.
LIVING TREES: Living trees (including diseased trees or those perceived as dying) require ACC approval for removal.
PINE TREES: Pine Trees may be removed without ACC approval. However the homeowner will notify the ACC a minimum of 48 hours prior to tree removal either by electronic or written notification.
We are proposing to remove the restriction from the Original Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements and amending the guidance on tree removal in the ACC Guidelines.
16. TREE REMOVAL (DRAFT): The following guidance applies to trees with a caliper (thickness, depth, diameter, width) or 6″ inches or more. IMMINENT DANGER: Any tree that is about to fall upon a house or garage may be removed without ACC Approval. However, homeowners shall notify the ACC of its removal within 48 hours. DEAD TREES, NO IMMINENT DANGER: Single dead trees (lacking all foliage, brittle branches, covered in fungal growth, peeling bark) can be removed without notification and/or approval. If more than one dead tree is to be removed in a single event, the trees must be marked and the ACC must approve their removal. LIVING TREES: Living trees (including diseased trees or those perceived as dying) require ACC approval for removal. PINE TREES: Pine Trees may be removed without ACC approval. However the homeowner will notify the ACC a minimum of 48 hours prior to tree removal either by electronic or written notification.
We are inviting all homeowners to comment on the proposed changes. Kindly ensure that your comments below remain respectful.
8 responses to “Proposed Tree Revisions: Part 2”
Great revisions! We would vote for the changes. Thank you!
I need more explanation as to why we are wanting to allow the removal of any pine tree without approval. What is the reasoning behind that?
Good question. Here is a summarized response from the Board..
Pine trees are plentiful and often considered a nuisance, with removal rarely being denied. One Board member is concerned about several tall pines near their house that could pose a risk if they fell. They question whether a homeowners’ association should have the authority to prevent proactive removal. Additionally, insurance companies are becoming more concerned about liability with trees too close to the house. Be sure to check with your insurance provider for more information about your homeowner liability coverage.
Thanks for the response. The fear I have with no restrictions on the pines is someone just clearing all their property. The trees in our neighborhood is what is appealing and not clear cut lots. Most of our wooded areas are made up of pines. If we cut them all down we wouldn’t be left with much. Obviously pines near houses should never been restricted and never have. That is not an issue.
I agree with Ana. Regardless of the species of the tree, the restriction for approval on removing a Living tree should remain the same.
Quite a few of the homeowners have Pine trees that are too close to our homes. This to me is not a reason to try and change the restriction because 1 Board member wants to change it. No homeowner should have Carte Blanche to cut down trees just because they are Pine trees.
If a home is in imminent danger of a tree falling on it then that should be explained in the ARI request to remove said tree(s).
Great feedback! The majority of the Board proposed the language for this revision in the article. However, all suggested changes remain open for discussion and potential further revision at the next Meeting of the Members.
I would not vote for this
Would you like to see the restriction remain the same, or what changes would you suggest. Thanks!