Currently our HOA has decided without the homeowners input to restrict homeowners from removing and replacing street trees (live oaks) even though Hillsborough County states that we can remove and replace them within the county's guidelines.  These trees pose undo hardship now and especially in the future for the homeowners of our community and this just isn't right!!  We need to change this declaration within our HOA bylaws.

There are several logistical issues as well as long term problems with these trees and their location in the swale (street side) of our individual homes. This has been proven by several different arborists worldwide.  We as homeowners would like the opportunity to improve the look of our streets by replacing these trees with those that will not cost us money to fix sidewalks, irrigation, driveways and ultimately the foundation to our homes because of the damage caused by these trees root systems.

These lateral roots can grow quite large and heave up heavy cement sidewalks.  From the other perspective, concrete over these roots can prevent the roots from receiving rainwater, oxygen, and other nutrients that trees need for survival. Therefore, it’s not a good idea from either perspective to plant shallow rooting trees too close to sidewalks. Trees that grow 30-50 feet (10-15 m.) tall should be planted 5-6 feet (1.5-2 m.) from sidewalks, and trees that grow more than 50 feet (15 m.) high should be planted at least 8 feet (2.5 m.) from sidewalks.  These trees are TOO close!!!

You do have to be careful with oak trees and wildlife when you first plant them, according to Gardening Know How. They explain: “The main cause of the decline is the value of acorns and young saplings as a food source for wildlife.”  This is another issue we will incur.

According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin, live oak trees should each receive at least 180 square feet when initially planted. (which they do not have currently) They should be 40 to 50 feet away from all other trees. Allow an additional 15 to 20 feet between the live oak and your home, driveway or any other structure. This allows for roots that may extend beyond the adult tree's canopy. When you first plant your live oaks, they may seem too small for this kind of spacing, but it will be necessary later. Fill in the gaps with short-lived landscape plants until the trees become established, but do not plant any species with spreading roots or a long lifespan.

If you agree with the information contained in this petition, please sign it so that we can pass it on to the HOA as well as the CDD.  They keep canceling the meetings and it seems that we have to take it upon ourselves to make them listen and hear us!!