Tree height in HOA (home, landscaping, maintenance)

[silverflash]

Hi. I live in Braxton Village and am wanting to plant a few trees near one of my property lines to gain some privacy. I am thinking evergreen types like Nellie Stevens Holly. That might be too big though for the area? They grow from 15-25 feet. I would plant them along a length of back yard of about 40 feet. That's the whole level back yard from side of home to hillside. If I did this, I would basically be totally enclosed on all sides from view while sitting on my patio!

What are the normal HOA rules regarding trees and their height? Do you think this would fly? I see nothing about planting trees being something youneed to ask for permission BUT they do mention lot improvements... That might cover that??

any advice?

thanks.

[MikeJaquish]

Originally Posted by silverflash

Hi. I live in Braxton Village and am wanting to plant a few trees near one of my property lines to gain some privacy. I am thinking evergreen types like Nellie Stevens Holly. That might be too big though for the area? They grow from 15-25 feet. I would plant them along a length of back yard of about 40 feet. That's the whole level back yard from side of home to hillside. If I did this, I would basically be totally enclosed on all sides from view while sitting on my patio!

What are the normal HOA rules regarding trees and their height? Do you think this would fly? I see nothing about planting trees being something youneed to ask for permission BUT they do mention lot improvements... That might cover that??

any advice?

thanks.

If these are your covenants, read the first full paragraph on Page 2:
Books! Online Records - Document Images

ETA: Well, after re-reading, it would seem that trees would be addressed only as part of the plan for adding structure...
Hmm..
Probably best to call the property management company.

[adlnc07]

I'd check your Architectural Standards document - here's what mine says (as an example):

# Hedge or screen plantings which form a barrier between properties should have:

1. Concurrence of the adjoining property owner.
2. Agreement for maintenance access.
3. Setbacks to allow for plant growth.

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by adlnc07

I'd check your Architectural Standards document - here's what mine says (as an example):
# Hedge or screen plantings which form a barrier between properties should have:
1. Concurrence of the adjoining property owner.
2. Agreement for maintenance access.
3. Setbacks to allow for plant growth.

"Should" is a long ways from "must." I have a distaste for rules that are wishy-washy. Either you and your neighbors have to do it, or you don't.

[adlnc07]

Originally Posted by CHTransplant

"Should" is a long ways from "must." I have a distaste for rules that are wishy-washy. Either you and your neighbors have to do it, or you don't.

There's usually a fair amount of wiggle room in HOA documents, which is how some situations get out of control.

To the OP - I'd avoid planting a wall of identical trees anyhow. It always looks really unnatural to me.

[CHTransplant]

Originally Posted by adlnc07

There's usually a fair amount of wiggle room in HOA documents, which is how some situations get out of control.

Exactly - be clear and precise in the rules. Leaving it open to intepretation, or what one "should" do leaves to much room for disputes to erupt.

[cry884]

You need to contact your HOA management company. They are the only ones who will be able to answer in the detail you need.

[silverflash]

Originally Posted by adlnc07

There's usually a fair amount of wiggle room in HOA documents, which is how some situations get out of control.

To the OP - I'd avoid planting a wall of identical trees anyhow. It always looks really unnatural to me.

And i suppose a modern home looks "natural" ???

;-)

[silverflash]

http://rsfincher.com/communities/bra...ifications.pdf

here are the restrictions.. I need to submit a request... working on that now..

[adlnc07]

Originally Posted by silverflash

And i suppose a modern home looks "natural" ???

;-)

No - but a mix of different plants looks nicer (imho) than a line of identical plants forming a barrier. To each his own, though!

edit: I guess you could be going for a "manicured formal garden" look, in which case it'd work. I just prefer a more natural look to my landscaping.