Tree Maintenance

Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the trees on their property. Trees planted in the street strip area are also the responsibility of the homeowner. Routine maintenance includes trimming, arborist consultations, and the removal of dead, dying, or diseased limbs. Limbs should be pruned to be at least seven feet (7’) above sidewalks and fourteen feet (14’) above roads (measured at the lowest point of the limb after a rain shower).

 

Major maintenance on all trees visible from the street requires the advanced approval of the ACC and the Landscape Committee. Major maintenance is defined as; trimming where more than 10% of the tree canopy is affected (within a 12 month period), tree topping, or where a bucket truck or climbing apparatus is utilized. Improper pruning, including the topping of a tree or removing more than 10% of the tree canopy without approval will result in a $1,000 fine or a requirement of the homeowner, at HOA discretion, to remove and replace the tree at the homeowner’s expense.

 

The topping of street trees is strictly prohibited.

 

Homeowners that prune branches that overhang a property line may do so as long as they do not permanently harm the tree and comply with any and all laws. HOA strongly suggests discussing the pruning with affected neighbors before any pruning is performed. The homeowner doing the pruning is responsible for the proper disposal of the tree debris.

 

In all circumstances homeowners are responsible for complying with all city regulations and any and all applicable laws (City, County, State).

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Tree Removal

Removal of any tree located in a homeowner’s yard that is visible from the street, must obtain advanced approval from the ACC and Landscape Committee. After removal, the homeowner must remove the stump and roots or cut far enough below ground level to cover it with new grass/landscaping.

 

All street trees that are removed must be replaced unless approved otherwise by both the HOA and the City. Trees shall be replaced with the HOA approved tree species (Bowhall Maple) and must have a minimum trunk diameter of at least two (2) inches to three (3) inches measured at four feet (4’) above ground. Prior to replanting, stump/root removal must be performed within the street strip and shall leave a gradually sloped transition of topography with all adjacent areas.

 

Residents are responsible for obtaining the appropriate permits from the city prior to tree removal.

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Common Areas

• River Crossing trees are located within association-owned land, parks, and city right-of-way adjacent to RC common areas, which shall be maintained by the Association, as determined by the Board.

• The Association shall make all removal and cost assessment decisions for Association trees.

• Hazardous trees, defined as dead or declining or trees oriented in such a way as to create a potential danger to property or people, as determined by the Board, may be eligible for removal or alteration.

• View enhancement or view maintenance is not a valid reason for tree removal or alteration.

• The Association may sometimes request a consultation with an arborist, or city or county staff regarding tree maintenance, health assessments, removals, and replanting. Removal costs may be paid by either the Association or a specific homeowner.

• The Association follows state and local guidelines and best practices for tree management in our stormwater areas.

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No resident may add, alter, or remove any trees in the common areas, parks, sensitive areas, or on private land without advance written approval of the HOA Board of Directors. The HOA is responsible for all planting and tree removal decisions within common areas. Contact the HOA with questions.