Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Decisions regarding community Trees

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

> On May 20, 2016, at 8:18 AM, Igor Cerny/USA/MD/21791/LVC via Cohousing-L 
> <cohousing-l [at] cohousing.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> I’m seeking input from folks on the listserv as tohow/if communities make 
> decisions regarding trees on community property thatare also adjacent to 
> people’s homes. 

We have a very active landscaping pod that would make recommendations. The 
homeowner and the pod have so far reached agreement on what is good for the 
tree, what is good for the look of things, and what the owner wants. Great 
weight is placed on blocking light since most of our units only have light on 
two sides — north and south. One side blocked is a big deal.

On the other hand, we have a tree planted so close to the building that it 
grows as half a tree. Our most influential tree person wants it down but the 
owner likes it. And kids like to climb in it. Eventually it will affect the 
building and will come down.

We don’t have unit owned grounds, however. The only place a homeowner would 
plant a tree would be in the back of some units which have a bit of limited 
common element backyards.

DC has a wonderful foundation devoted entirely to reforesting the city. They 
donate trees mostly to non-profits but a few years ago included condos and 
private owners. We got 18-20 trees, I think, and a couple were placed in back 
yards. They have experienced volunteers who worked with us to plant the trees. 
Donated coffee and donuts from the big donut place I can’t remember the name of 
just now.

While not all trees are available on planting day, it was a long process of 
choosing trees for certain locations and making judgements about care. The plan 
was presented to the community by our chief landscaper so there were no 
surprises. One homeowner said no to a tree in front of her north-facing kitchen 
window. A neighbor does not like trees overhanging his fence and he trimmed 
them flat on one side. (Thankfully, he sold .)

Sharon
----
Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org