Hey HOA - Help a jogger out!

While I havent taken the time to read through ALL the HOA guidelines, there must be one regarding the pruning of low tree branches, especially the ones blocking the sidewalks. I'm not the tallest guy in the world but I have been getting my face whipped by all the low branches. Chickacoan has to definetly be the worst. I've been dealing with it till now but today I twisted my ankle while trying to avoid ones 4 1/2 feet of the ground. (corner of Chickacoan and Gatehouse Way)

I was tempted to trim them all myself as I jogged, but around here I bet that would just get my in trouble.

SO, HOA....what can we do about this?

Thanks !

Brewer.

 

Re: Hey HOA - Help a jogger out!!!

I'm with you!!! My husband and I walk daily and also are getting tired of getting whacked and having to dodge these branches. In fact, my husband said he'd like to take along a chain saw along on our walks..he's just kidding, but it sure is a problem. I'm only 5'4" and my husband is average height.

 

I agree, someone needs to monitor and enforce these rules. I am a shorty at 5'3 and constantly have to duck while walking. Even some bushes jet out into the mid sidewalk and almost take out my 2 year old in his stroller. Seriously people, if you don't have time or aren't interested in pruning your stuff then dont' move into an HOA community where we have rules to keep properties looking proper!

 

It is the responsibility of the homeowner to keep trees overhanging the sidewalks trimmed. As we do not have the staff to walk all the sidewalks in Broadlands, we appreciate residents letting us know when violations exist. If you would make note of the offending addresses on your next walk and forward them to us, we can send the resident a letter reminding them to trim their trees. I will also put a reminder in an upcoming newsletter.

 

Let me shift the question a bit...

Can anyone tell me why so many walkers/runners do so on the side of the street where there is no sidewalk? I can't tell you how many times I pull out of my driveway (we have no sidewalk on our side of the street) and darn near nail someone running on MY side of the STREET, as opposed to on the sidewalk across the way. I just don't get it.

 

The actual "responsibility" for this issue falls, I believe, on VDOT. The sidewalks are in the VDOT right-of-way. Good luck getting them to do anything about it.

 

I've had our Maple pruned every two years since moving to Broadlands in 2000. I think it's on steroids since all the other maples on our street are 2/3rds the size of mine. I don't fertilize either. Beautiful shade tree though especially in the summer. The branches even grow towards my neighbors front door, so I have to be diligent about the pruning. I actually wonder if the pruning causes it to grow

 

It absolutely does!

 

Sidewalks are the worse surface on which to run so most runners will run on the street instead. Runners World (http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,sss6-238-267--9462-1-1-2,00.html) ranks surfaces and here is their comment about concrete:

As for the side of the street, runners should always be running towards on coming traffic.

 

Thanks, Blue Devil. Not being a runner, I had no idea. But that explains a lot!

 

So then...growth inhibitor??? Really, this tree has gotten out of hand. I had to have roots dug up because they were killing the grass. Not sure what possessed the builder to plant huge maple trees on teeny weeny TH lawns.

 

another similar issue that needs to be addressed is cars double parked in driveways to block sidewalks. Seems every other single car garage townhome is doing this these days. Please use the extra spaces and stop blocking the sidewalks!!!

 

yeah man i totally agree with this...it hate when they hit me in the face...they need to get someone out there to chop some of that stuff down

 

Well, once again I think its time to revisit this topic. Can someone put an ad in the news letter asking everyone to PLEASE prune your trees near the sidewalk. Some of these trees would challenge the best limbo performer!

Brewer

 

Not just joggers...my husband and I are daily walkers.....and yes - it's quite hard dodging these low hanging limbs along the sidewalk.....Hidden Pond is particularly bad.....my husband and I joke about carrying a pruner on our walks....just kidding of course....but it's hard.

 

Covenant Inspectors are out canvassing the neighborhoods for lawn and yard maintenance violations. This is a specific requirement of the new Lawn and Yard Maintenance Policy, so those in violation will be receiving letters.

 

Thanks for sharing, that might explain why I never liked jogging on the sidewalk.

 

I agree on the concrete/sidewalk comment. Many moons ago (and a couple of stone lighter) I broke my ankle jogging on the sidewalk when I turned it ducking under a low-hanging branch.