Replanting Trees

I have a question for those more intimate with the HOA mission and general policies. We moved into Southern Walk a year ago with the back of our house facing to Claibborne, close to Croson. When we selected the lot, there were numerous trees obstructing the view to the roads. By the time we had moved in, Van Metre had plowed down many of them to make route for the water main and move vehicles in and out of the construction site. We now have only a handful of trees and clear view of the intersection. All of the land in question is (I believe) HOA property.

My question: Will the HOA invest in the re-planting of trees or landscaping in such a scenario? If so, how would one go about making this happen?

Thanks
Jeremy

 

No - there is no money budgeted to replace trees that Van Metre took out. Van Metre is responsible for planting tress based on the county requirements in the new sections. Beyond that the HOA will maintain the common areas in the manner that they are turned over to the HOA by Van Metre.

I would suggest two things:
1) If you think VM took out more than they should of - contact them and see what they may/may not do for you - Good Luck!
2) Request (written to the HOA (not on the forums) that you be allowed to plant and maintain a tree line at the edge of your property. Note I said maintain too as there again is no budget to handle individual properties.

Unfortunately developers feel the need to eliminate large groups of trees quite often when they are doing the work - and then they plant little 6 foot trees to replace the ones they took out if any at all.

 

I had the same concern about your lot(s) almost 3 years ago when first looking at that section before it was developed. I think Van Metre did a real bad job of describing and marketing that area, and I base my opinion on the experience I had with those same questions/concerns. I basically faced a run-around trying to get a reasonable description of the tree line along Claiborne and what they planned to do... and I think I am glad now that we did not pick one of the early lots up there, as my fear came true with trees and blocked views with other houses and development. Not that this helps you, sorry but I got a bad feeling about that area from the beginning.

and I think your best first step is to try and work with Van Metre. Then I would go the direction of planting (yourself) something to help, perhaps a good screening tree/evergreen that grows fast.