Trees and Bushes in Common Area

I live in SW in a SFH and my house backs to a common area that has a tree whose branches are almost touching my home. Also, there is alot of brush in the common area and that seems to be taking up part of my lawn.

Who do I call to cut the tree and brush back?

 

If its common area, it is not part of your lawn. You cannot do anything in common area to cut back, or reduce the 'brush'. These are set aside as natural areas in the community, and as such, provide food and shelter to the wildlife. The only thing that has been allowed in the past would be to cut any vines off at the ground level, so that they don't take over any trees. Other than that, nothing else is authorized.

As far as the tree touching the house, call the HOA office. If the area has been turned over by the developer, they could have that branch trimmed back.

FWIW ... someone did some 'clearing' along the common area along Broadlands Blvd ... they will be notified to cease and desist this week.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999

 

My understanding is that if a tree is in a common area, but the branches overhang your property, you can remove the branches that are overhanging your property. This is also true if a true if a tree on one homeowners lot overhangs their neighbor's property.
At least that's how it was in another state I lived in. I'm not positive about Virginia.

 

From what I understand Cliff is correct and the same rules apply here in Va. I have also been under the impression that if there is bushes and shrubs in the common area that actually cross over your property line then you may trim them back but only to your property line. So basically if it is on your property you can take care of it otherwise don't touch it. If you are not sure exactly where your property ends you might want to call Wes at the nature center and he can try and help you so you too do not get a cease and desist

Staci

 

T-Bone,
I believe that you are able to trim it back to your property line, but it is not really your responsibility to do so. You may require that the owner of the tree/bush trim it back from your property.
Good Luck!
Sunny

 

The final answer is if they don't want to do the trimming, you can do it yourself to the property line.



Neil Z.
Resident since 1999