The Architectural Review Committee on Wednesday approved homeowners’ requests for the removal of trees from their properties while turning down an application for the removal of pine trees that have already apparently been cut down.
Arnold Nelson, who lives at 1953 Abordale Lane in the Village of Pennecamp, said an oak tree on his property has become a nuisance, costing him $500 annually to “keep a neat appearance of both the tree itself and the lawn below from fallen leaves.”
However, an arborist said the tree is healthy.
“This is a nice looking tree, even though it has been trimmed into a shape. The tree has good structure,” certified arborist David Van Vleet Jr. wrote in a report. “I would suggest that an arborist prune the tree and let it grow back to its natural shape.”
Nelson said he would replace the oak tree with a lavender crepe myrtle.
The ARC voted to give him permission to take down the tree. Hall’s Complete Landscape has been hired to do the work.
Another oak tree will be coming down at 1151 Golden Grove Drive in the Village of Sabal Chase. Homeowner John Strachan said the 13-inch caliper tree is too close to his house and the water main.
However, an arborist found the tree was “healthy” although it has been trimmed “into a big mushroom.”
He also said the tree is “a long way” from the house.
“Root barriers would work if the homeowner is worried about the roots,” Van Vleet wrote in an assessment of the tree.
Strachan received permission to take down the tree. The work will be done by Wise Tree Service.
Karen Cantor, of 146 Martinez Drive in the Village of Rio Grande, also complained that an oak tree was too close to the water main on her property. The 31-inch caliper tree will be removed, as Cantor also received the blessing of the ARC.
The ARC rejected a request from Joseph and Carol Nasti, of 410 San Pedro Drive, for the removal of seven pine trees behind their home in the Village of Rio Grande.
The language of the application was written in past tense, so members concluded the trees had already come down. A Google Earth view seemed to indicate the trees might not have been located on the homeowner’s property, but rather they were on Villages District property.
ARC member Chris Faulhaber made a motion to deny the application, fearing the ARC would give “tacit approval” for this kind of behavior.
The ARC denied the application.