Avoiding Common Tree Mistakes

3 Tree Removal Tips If Your Neighborhood Has An HOA

4 January 2023 by Chiara Brun

Homeowner's Associations (HOAs) are common in many parts of the United States. While people often associate these organizations with condominiums, HOAs are also a feature of many typical suburban neighborhoods. Since these are community-run organizations, their bylaws and powers for enforcement can vary considerably.

While HOAs often provide valuable services to their community, they can make certain tasks a little more complicated. If you need to remove a tree from your property, here are three important tips to avoid problems with your local HOA.

1. Always Use a Professional

Tree removal is undoubtedly among the most dangerous yard maintenance tasks. Even small trees can pose serious hazards, and you should never consider removing a tree by yourself. The safety issues alone should be enough to discourage you from taking tree removal on as a do-it-yourself project, but HOA bylaws may be another good reason to rely on experts.

Many Homeowner's Associations use their bylaws to maintain certain standards of appearance, either the keep up a uniform look for a neighborhood or to discourage unkempt properties. As a result, removing a tree yourself may cause damage or leave behind an ugly stump that will violate your HOA's regulations. Working with a professional can help you avoid these outcomes.

2. Contact Your HOA First

In addition to being dangerous, tree removal is often a loud and disruptive process. Professionals know how to remove unwanted trees quickly and efficiently, but that doesn't mean that the job won't disturb some of your neighbors. Unfortunately, these disruptions are unavoidable in keeping dead or dying trees from becoming a safety hazard.

Still, you may want to contact HOA first to discuss bylaws relating to yardwork, noise, or other issues that may arise from your tree removal. You may need to schedule your removal at a certain time or provide notice to your neighbors. Remember that when it comes to dealing with HOAs, it's often better to ask for permission instead of asking for forgiveness.

3. Check for Stump Bylaws

Tree removal doesn't always include stump removal, and not all tree removal services offer stump grinding. While you may not mind the presence of a stump in your yard, your HOA may have a different opinion on the matter. Depending on your local bylaws, you may need to remove the stump immediately or within a certain timeframe.

If you need to remove the stump, inform the tree service company before they arrive since stump grinding requires separate equipment. If your tree removal company doesn't perform stump grinding, they may be able to recommend a reputable company that can handle this job for you. For more information, contact a company like Diven Tree Services.

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