Florida HOA attempts to make residents pay for dead tree removal in common area

A cold snap killed numerous trees in the Cadence at Tradition community in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and residents say that their HOA is trying to make them cover the cost of replacing the trees in common areas. 

Residents say the timing is poor and would rather wait until April, when it's the start of the growing season, especially since the new trees could get wiped out again by another freeze or a hurricane. 

Here's what to know

According to CBS12, homeowners received a Sept. 1 notice from Campbell Property Management on behalf of Cadence at Tradition Homeowners Association Inc. directing them to deal with dead trees tied to their property by Sept. 30. 

At the heart of the disagreement are the swales, or grassy areas that run between the street and the sidewalk. Residents told CBS12 that many trees in those strips were killed during a cold snap and say the replacement bill should fall to the HOA, not individual property owners.

"It's just a little bit frustrating and disappointing that we, as homeowners, have to endure this from the HOA," Keyla Peguero, a homeowner at Cadence at Tradition, told CBS12. Peguero said she already spent $300 to remove and replace one dead tree in front of her home and does not believe she should have had to cover that cost.

More background

Residents told CBS12 that the HOA has already taken out many of the dead trees, leaving behind spaces that homeowners are now being told to refill at their own expense.

Some residents told CBS12 that replacing trees ahead of colder weather and during hurricane season could mean paying for new plantings only to lose them again. 

CBS12 also received this written statement from a public relations firm representing The Cadence at Tradition HOA: "Currently, the HOA is replacing thousands of dead trees and shrubs in the common areas that have yet to recover from the last freeze. In the limited common areas, such as the rights of way immediately adjacent to and between individual lots, including areas containing sidewalks and driveway aprons, residents are responsible for replacing trees and maintaining these areas. Because the HOA is currently purchasing and installing trees in bulk, we've invited residents to participate in the program. This allows homeowners to share in the cost savings while ensuring that tree replacements around their homes are selected and installed professionally."

For people trying to change restrictive HOA rules more broadly — whether the issue is trees, solar panels, or climate-friendly landscaping — check out this guide on working with HOAs.

Where can I learn more?

• A homeowner was stunned after an HOA ordered her to replace a "dead" tree.

• Residents erupted after an HOA member moved to clear common land behind homes.

• In Georgia, a homeowner said dead pines have already hit his yard amid ownership disputes.

• At a condo community, plans to remove decades-old trees over foliage sparked outrage.

• Residents said an HOA's tree-cutting plan exposed a law that could remove board members.

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