Tree Trim - looking for opinions

[Urshurak776]

If you mow this area yourself, what is the problem? I could see if this was the common area that you do not mow. I could also see if this branch was sticking out into the street! Have you read your HOA thing you probably signed when you moved in?

Why don't they just cut it down themselves, meaning the HOA, its small limbs?

Homeowners are responsible for the grass, trees, bushes, etc. in their yard.

 

[doitmyself]

I'm not sure which one you want to keep on the lower right. You might try to train the remaining branch to grow more vertical and even have it move sideways a bit to make the tree symmetrical.

Show some pictures from farther away.

 

[Brian123]

Homeowners are responsible for the grass, trees, bushes, etc. in their yard.

So, if you do not cut it then you will get fined, and the HOA will come out and cut it and send you a bill? If you do not pay the bill, then they can take you to court?

 

[Urshurak776]

I'm not sure which one you want to keep on the lower right. You might try to train the remaining branch to grow more vertical and even have it move sideways a bit to make the tree symmetrical.

Show some pictures from farther away.

Thanks. I'll get some pictures further away (at work right now.)

 

[Urshurak776]

So, if you do not cut it then you will get fined, and the HOA will come out and cut it and send you a bill? If you do not pay the bill, then they can take you to court?

Yes, probably take our house too. I have heard of some horror stories for sure.

 

[97prizm]

Hi all,

So, our HOA did a twice a year drive by and said our tree needs to be cut back as it is too low to the ground. They specifically circled the area below. If I cut all three of these branches, it will look silly in my opinion.

Any suggestions on what you would do? Besides move....I know...believe me.

I'm thinking maybe the two that are sticking out closer to 45 degrees, but the more vertical one should stay?

View attachment 284250

If you cut the branches seal them up with latex paint so insects don't bore into the exposed wood

 

[SC Maintenance]

Yes, probably take our house too. I have heard of some horror stories for sure.

Looks like your on a corner, so likely take the brunt of the HOA's ire. We back up to a buffer and everyone has a fence, so we only have so many things to worry about

 

[Hirev]

All 4 limbs should have been removed several years ago. Bonus is that the grass underneath will grow healthier, as it will be getting more light.

That is exactly how I see it.

 

[zzyzzx]

Please post a picture after you have trimmed the tree.

 

[Fattylocks]

Tell them it's not a tree. It is a shrub.

 

[Urshurak776]

So, I'm wrong. It DOES extend over the road. Not sure what I can do about that unless I call in a professional.

 

[ecotourist]

I think it would look better without those 3 lower branches. Don't leave a stub. The tree will cover the cut over if you take the branches off "at the collar".

As for the 4th one, suggest you see how it looks after you take off the lower 3.

 

[Lubener]

I agree, cut those branches which are circled. They are overgrown sucker branches which should have been cut off long ago.

 

[JohnnyJohnson]

I'd just take it out and replace it with a Redwwod!

 

[doitmyself]

That last picture looks like you should take out all three. You can then prune some other branches if needed to even out the symmetry if needed. As mentioned, cut close to the main stem, but leave about a 1/4 inch collar/swelling area near the main trunk - this favors better healing. Start an undercut at the bottom to alleviate tearing, then finish from the top. Also, arborists don't recommend wound paint/dressing - it can hinder healing (Google it).

This is a great opportunity to buy more tools - can never have enough. Tell your wife how much money you are saving DIYing it.

 

[RhondaHonda]

I think it’ll look better with them trimmed. And since you didn’t ask, I’d lose the red mulch too.

 

[ecotourist]

That last picture looks like you should take out all three. You can then prune some other branches if needed to even out the symmetry if needed. As mentioned, cut close to the main stem, but leave about a 1/4 inch collar/swelling area near the main trunk - this favors better healing. Start an undercut at the bottom to alleviate tearing, then finish from the top. Also, arborists don't recommend wound paint/dressing - it can hinder healing (Google it).

View attachment 284293

Perfect recommendations. Couldn't have said it better.

 

[Urshurak776]

I think it’ll look better with them trimmed. And since you didn’t ask, I’d lose the red mulch too.

I wanted a black, but wife wanted red. Yes dear....

 

[tmorris1]

We get into this argument here all the time. There are no cars on blocks or foot high grass in my neighborhood - which is something common in non HOA's around here.

+/- to everything. Unless you can afford 100 acres and park in the middle.

I'd rather have a car on blocks down the road than some guy telling me what to do on the property I own and pay taxes on.

 

[Urshurak776]

Okay. Trimmed up the three bottom branches. Those things were much heavier than I thought they would be!

I cut them leaving the collar like the picture someone posted earlier in thread. Looks “closer” in pictures than it actually is.