Homeowner outraged after HOA suddenly destroys neighborhood feature: 'It has devastated many of us'

A heartbroken homeowner reached out to Reddit's r/treelaw forum for guidance after their HOA cut down a swath of trees.

According to the OP, the HOA board member chopped down a "mini forest" without receiving any of the necessary approvals to do so. Other homeowners in the community were also angered by the removal of the trees since they served as a key barrier.

"It has devastated many of us due to the trees acting as a layer of privacy from the busy street behind the homes," the OP wrote.

The trees were also "historic," as they had been a part of the property for "hundreds of years," the OP added.

On top of losing privacy, the OP noted how the community has experienced the summer heat more intensely due to the lack of shade.

Removing trees from communities can have devastating effects on both homeowners and the environment. The trees not only improve air quality by acting as carbon sinks but also serve as a key source of food and shelter for local wildlife.

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Removing trees from a property can also reduce its total value. In fact, the Arbor Day Foundation estimates that trees increase property value by as much as 15%.

Unfortunately, HOAs across the country have been caught removing trees without approval and preventing homeowners from making eco-friendly updates to their lawns. Homeowners have shared frustrating incidents of HOAs blocking them from growing native plants instead of straight grass.

Despite these challenges, there are still ways to work with your HOA and revise your community's established bylaws.

Redditors empathized with the homeowner's situation and urged the OP to take action against their HOA.

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"Report her to the city or county," one user responded. "If the trees are protected, she's going to learn a very painful and expensive lesson."

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