Removal of oak tree

[annaconner]

Has anyone removed their oak tree and if so did you require permission and from whom?

[llaran]

If it less than 4" diameter you can take it out. the architectural commitee is where to start.

[Steve & Deanna]

To be safe, we contacted VCDD first of all to OK it. Next, we had the tree cut down ($250) and we forgot his name. He was recommended by our lawn care. The tree cutter said that he did not grind stumps. I don't think his crew had the equipment to perform that work. Prior to that, we called (we call it) dig safe (up north) to mark gas lines, water lines, sprinklers, cable, and electric. They perform that at no charge by the way. It's to protect you and others around you. Next, we used ACE Tree Service - Jerry Stanage- @ 352 787 9390 to grind the stump ($100). Then, we had a robellini palm planted ($300). Now we have our $650 palm tree. Seriously speaking, the last thing you want are any lines dug up and ACE Tree were very professional and advised us NOT to plant a tree in the same place where one was dug out as did Villages Palms. We took out the eight or nine year old oak as we did not want it growing into or disturbing any lines due to the close proximity of villas. Hope this helps and good luck to you.

[Villages Kahuna]

I sure hope the nursery who sold you that expensive but very pretty Robellini took the time to tell you how 'tender' that species is to cold weather. They will be badly damaged and may not survive as little as 12 hours of sub-freezing temperatures. If you check the planting charts for that species, you'll see that Robellini's are not recommended for our temperature zone. About as far north as they can survive the average winter temperatures without special care is about Tampa.

The nursery who sold you that species should have explained that when cold weather is forecast, you'll have to cover the entire tree and then remove the cover when it warms the next day. If it really gets cold at night--say down to the low 20's--you'll have to arrange for something to warm the air under your 'Robellini tent'.

I sure hope that was all explained. You bought a very, very pretty palm. But it takes lots of tender loving care during the cold weather months around here.

By the way, you'll see lots of Queen Palms planted around here. But really cold weather, like the winter we had about 3-4 years ago--will cause serious damage to them as well, killing off fronds to the point that it might take 3-4 years for the tree to recover to the way it looked before the frostbite.

[Vicki.baker@aol.com]

I agree Robelleni palms are the prettiest, BUT, they just don't do well in The Villages climate. Plenty of TLC, and it might survive IF the January temps don't harm them first. I wanted one also , but nursery explained how fragile they are. So, I opted for something else. Good Luck, hope yours is the exception.

[billethkid]

Queen Palms do provide the tropical look and are the cheapest to aquire.

However as they mature they are dirty, requiring at least twice a year frond and seed pod removal.

If I had it to do over again there would be only plants, cold hardy and native to the area.....and there would be no queen palms.

The annual $$$ to maintain them is not offset by their looks.....in my opinion.

[Bryan]

To remove any tree that is over 4 inches in diameter (in The Villages) requires the approval of the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). There is a request form and instructions on Pages 8, 9 and 10 of your The Villages Phone Book.

[justjim]

No problem taking out the oak (its under 4") TV plants in most new homes landscape. As far as palm trees to replace the oak--the Sylvester is very hardy and a beautiful palm tree. My favorite for TV by far!

[Bogie Shooter]

Forms online here:
Village Community Development Districts (http://www.districtgov.org/departments/community-standards/forms.aspx)

[Bonanza]

Nurseries and landscapers should not even carry the Phoenix Roebellini palm or the Queen palm. They are not appropriate for this area. As a matter of fact, the Queen palm is on Florida's do not plant list, anyway. Practically all of them here in the Villages have frizzle top. Nurseries and landscapers push them because they are cheap.

The OP did not say why they wanted to remove their oak tree, but I cannot imagine what the problem might be. Most newcomers that move here want palms because they never had them and want the tropical look. The "look" can be achieved with other plants and shrubs. Most palms attract vermin and and cockroaches and oher insects love to make them their home. They are expensive to maintain properly, as well.

After you live in Florida for any length of time you will find that shade trees are the way to go for shading your house and yard.

Villagers should think twice about installing palms in lieu of or at the expense of omitting a shade or flowering tree.