A tree question...my neighbor cut down a shade tree!

[deckeda]

I would be surprised if what someone does behind their house is as strictly enforced as the front. It's a practical consideration based on how many other people it "affects." Not saying its right or just, just that it is.

katkramer, have you considered covering and/or enclosing your patio? Yeah, I know, that's a big expense, but if you're talking about the value of the property it could be a real improvement that you truly control and don't have to maintain like shrubs etc.

[MacArtist]

What is an HOA for? Parking control? Tell you which color you can paint your house?

I have heard too many stories like this from my sis in Colorado.

If everyone follows the rules, everything's great. If no one is going to enforce the rules; get rid of the HOA.

[Buzz]

start w/ the water canon, then use something more potent if needed...

[AlphaDog]

I know my response to this won't sound sympathetic or charitable, but when my husband and I were buying homes (three over 40 years), we made sure the trees that provided shade or privacy belonged to us. We never bought a place where somebody else had a clear view of our private areas, either. I've heard too many people complain that they chose a house based on what was around it but off their property, then, when that changed, the entire "feel" of the place lost its original charm or appeal - or value. We chose houses in established neighborhoods, and if they didn't already have trees or shrubs where we wanted them on the property, we planted our own. I've never lived anywhere with a HOA, but that's never been an issue. As a matter of fact, the area in which this house is located once had "covenants", although any limitations they imposed had already expired by the time we bought. I strongly suggest you look at your place and start now with plantings or other modifications that will provide the privacy you want but in a way that puts it under your control. I understand a lot of people take a certain level of comfort from HOAs, but, clearly they don't always deliver what they promise and I would never want to rely on them.

[3d]

How about planting some poison ivy along with the clumping bamboo on the shared property line

[Wailer]

You are pretty much out of luck. Even if they did violate the HOA terms, what is the HOA going to do now? Make them glue the tree back together and reassemble it? Best case (for you) is a fine for them but that doesn't do anything for you. More than likely the CC&Rs are vague about what the owners can do with the exclusive-use common areas (balconies & yards) as long as they don't create a nuisance or affect the quiet enjoyment of others.

And the trampoline? That is probably their right unless it or it's use is prohibited by the rules. If they are affecting the quiet enjoyment of your property, you should let them know first and then inform your HOA.

Plant your own trees. Yeah, condos and townhouses kinda suck.

[anonymouse1]

It wasn't your tree.

[sunfalcon]

Go use their trampoline - they provide an excellent workout!

Not much you can do about neighbors who cut down trees on their property. Frankly, trees are very nice to have but many times are A LOT of work to maintain. We've got a ton of shagbark hickory trees and while the shade is nice, they are nasty dirty trees dropping branches and nuts all of the time. Some of mine are coming down.

I agree with the others - plant what you want so you are in control.

[ztirffritz]

I don't understand why your concerned about what they did on their property with their tree. You have no say in that. If the tree was hanging over your property then you could ask to trim it. The tree is gone. If you want a tree plant one. Arborvitae grow quickly and form a virtual wall. I don't like them but they are good for separating property.

[GeneL]

Funny you should mention that…

Our HOA has a "president" who has taken it upon himself to redo all of our landscaping, much to the detriment of the appearance of our condo complex. He has hired a landscaping "expert" who seems to have no relevant eye for beauty and has replaced some beautiful "overgrown" trees and bushes with some sparsely planted saplings and nondescript bushes.

His last major activity has been to cut down all the gorgeous Coral trees in our complex, because his landscaper has told him that after 20 years their branches break off and could hurt someone. Of course, the same trees are all over Dana Point, in city parks, in other developments and there's even a 40 foot high beauty standing in a small traffic circle in Dana Point harbor, right in front of the El Torito where I'll buy you a margarita if you stop by.

I'm as upset as you, katkramer, because the tree they just cut down was right in front of my bedroom window and it provided not only shade and beauty, but it acted as a barrier to the pollutants that come from PCH which runs adjacent to our property.

I hate what they did here and I hate when anyone cuts down a beautiful living tree which has taken years to reach full growth.

But, as I always say, "that's just my opinion, I could be wrong."

GeneL