Do I need LOHA approval before removing a tree?
That depends on the tree species, size, location, and condition. Section 7.12 of the community architectural rules states "Removal of dead or hazardous trees is permitted. No live hardwood (i.e. non-coniferous) tree in excess of six inches in diameter, measured two feet above the ground, shall be removed from any Lot without the prior written approval of the ACC. Unless approved by the ACC in writing, any such hardwood tree that is removed must be replaced on the same lot one or more trees of at least five feet in height."
In practice, that typically means:
We try to be judicious when removing hardwood trees. Our community is known for its hardwood trees - preservation of this natural feature is critically important to homeowner privacy, wildlife habitats, and the overall aesthetics and appeal of our neighborhood. We encourage all LOHA members to use a reputable, licensed and insured arborist - we have seen a number of transient tree removal services who, unsolicited, try to convince residents of the hazards of their trees, or fail to remove trees they have cut down.
That depends on the tree species, size, location, and condition. Section 7.12 of the community architectural rules states "Removal of dead or hazardous trees is permitted. No live hardwood (i.e. non-coniferous) tree in excess of six inches in diameter, measured two feet above the ground, shall be removed from any Lot without the prior written approval of the ACC. Unless approved by the ACC in writing, any such hardwood tree that is removed must be replaced on the same lot one or more trees of at least five feet in height."
In practice, that typically means:
- Removal of a softwood tree species (pines, evergreens) of any size or bushes does NOT require approval.
- Removal of a sapling of any species that has a trunk diameter less than six inches when measured two feet off the ground does NOT require approval.
- Removal of a tree of any species that is dead (no growing portions whatsoever), does NOT require approval. However, LOHA requests that the Homeowner take photographs documenting the dead tree with a brief description of its location and the Homeowner's decision to remove, and upload the message and photos to the LOHA messaging system within 3 days of removal.
- Removal of a hardwood tree species (oak, hickory, ash, poplar, beech, etc) that has a trunk diameter greater than six inches when measured two feet off the ground REQUIRES approval through the ACC. Approval is required for healthy hardwood trees as well as hardwoods that are assessed to be diseased, under stress, or causing a long-term hazard.
- In extremis, removal of a hardwood species is assessed to be a near-term threat to life or an inhabited structure does NOT require approval. However, LOHA requests that the Homeowner take photographs documenting the threatening tree with a brief description of its location and the Homeowner's decision to remove, and upload the message and photos to the LOHA messaging system within 3 days of removal.
- Removal of any tree or bush outside of a homeowner's property line in a common area can be recommended by a Homeowner to the ACC, but cannot be done unilaterally by a Homeowner. Removal of any tree or bush outside of a homeowner's property line in a common area REQUIRES approval. If approved by the LOHA, the LOHA Board will contact a tree removal service and pay for the removal.
We try to be judicious when removing hardwood trees. Our community is known for its hardwood trees - preservation of this natural feature is critically important to homeowner privacy, wildlife habitats, and the overall aesthetics and appeal of our neighborhood. We encourage all LOHA members to use a reputable, licensed and insured arborist - we have seen a number of transient tree removal services who, unsolicited, try to convince residents of the hazards of their trees, or fail to remove trees they have cut down.