Help Me, What Would You Do?

[gomsiepop]

Yesterday morning my neighbor rang my bell. I invited her into my home and she immediately said, "I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship". She proceeded to tell me the tree I planted in the back of my home was blocking her "view" of the water. I live two doors away from her and the tree in question is a Magnolia. Our homes are newly built and the tree in question was planted three months ago. I am in the process of having my entire home landscaped right now. I was extremely upset and because I didn't want to upset her I said I would try to relocate the tree. I spoke to my landscaper and he said because I have an interior lot the location I suggested could damage the screen to my pool area in the future as the tree grows. Although I want my neighbor to be happy I am not happy myself. I am upset she waited three months to tell me her concerns. The "view" she mentioned can only be seen from one chair in her lanai to the left side of her lanai. The tree is planted on my property and I did submit the paperwork to ARC and I was approved. Can someone give me guidance as to what they would do in my situation. Thank you for your help.

[JSR22]

Honestly, I would leave the tree where it was planted. You got the approval and the landscaper was against moving the tree. If she can see water from one chair she did not pay for a view lot.

[NotGolfer]

I would say that it's your property and you went through the correct channels to have the landscaping done. I don't know where you live here but water views mostly are of sloughs (my opinion). IF this makes her so angry that a friendship can't be forged, her character should be questioned. LIFE is too short to worry about what others are thinking.

[Kerry Azz]

Yesterday morning my neighbor rang my bell. I invited her into my home and she immediately said, "I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship". She proceeded to tell me the tree I planted in the back of my home was blocking her "view" of the water. I live two doors away from her and the tree in question is a Magnolia. Our homes are newly built and the tree in question was planted three months ago. I am in the process of having my entire home landscaped right now. I was extremely upset and because I didn't want to upset her I said I would try to relocate the tree. I spoke to my landscaper and he said because I have an interior lot the location I suggested could damage the screen to my pool area in the future as the tree grows. Although I want my neighbor to be happy I am not happy myself. I am upset she waited three months to tell me her concerns. The "view" she mentioned can only be seen from one chair in her lanai to the left side of her lanai. The tree is planted on my property and I did submit the paperwork to ARC and I was approved. Can someone give me guidance as to what they would do in my situation. Thank you for your help.
Don’t cave in the problem will only get worse! Neighbors are just that” Neighbors. In the villages there are to many that complain about things that have no merit.

[bilcon]

Tough call for you, but I have seen a lot of worse things done that block a person's view. There are some beautiful homes on Evans Prairie Golf course with great views. One homeowner extended his lanai and home so much that he blocked the entire view of two of his neighbors who paid a lot extra for that view. Still, it's his property and he or she can do what they want, if approved. Enjoy your magnolia.

[billethkid]

Based on what has been presented you have done no wrong!

You are the victim of one's opinion.

You cannot please all the people all of the time.

You have made an effort to investigate relocation.

I would do no more.

[OCsun]

My first thought is how attached are you the tree. Will it bother you as the tree grows large and wide that you are blocking someones view? I ask this only because you took the time to ask for our thoughts. Maybe a palm tree would fill your need and not block the view. If you do make any changes I would ask your neighbor to pay for it.

There is a magnolia on the golf course behind my house and it does block my view and I wish I could have it replaced with a Palm Tree. It gets very few flowers also drops quite a few leaves which are messy. Just my opinion but if you love your tree then keep it. It is your property!

[Nucky]

Hit the neighbor with the estimate for the removal of the existing tree and the cost of the existing tree and the replacement cost of a tree that would fit your plan and help your neighbor regain her view. All you are doing is putting the ball back in her court. Let's see how important the view and friendship really are. This way you don't have to say no. She will come to her own conclusion quickly. The neighbor can say no to your compromise and you come away looking like the hero that you really are.

I give you a whole lot of credit for the way you handled the initial contact with the neighbor. Very restrained and thoughtful. I guessing that the tree hugger should be thanking her lucky stars for a neighbor who is trying to improve the look of her lovely new home. Enjoy the holidays and hopefully, your compromise will work out just beautifully. I would offer the presentation with a witness from the chair without a view and if you strike a deal have it put in writing with the money paid upfront of course. Good Luck.

[Marathon Man]

It seems that the neighbor was just asking. To suggest that she is angry and complaining is a bit harsh.

Anyway. I agree that you should leave the tree where it is. You are a very nice person to consider moving it. When she next knocks on your door, simply explain all the details to her. She should have a thank-you-for-trying response to you. Then you can invite her in for a cup of copy. If she takes a selfish attitude, then you can stop caring.

[Polar Bear]

...If you do make any changes I would ask your neighbor to pay for it...
That’s what I was thinking, if there is an option that pleases both her AND YOU.

[tophcfa]

I think you handled the situation very well and have no responsibility to remove the tree. However, let me give you a little advise based on my experience with magnolia trees. Do yourself a favor and use this episode as an excuse to get rid of the magnolia tree. In a few years you will wish you never planted the dam tree. We regretted having a magnolia on our property. These trees grow very big (not just tall but very wide) and create a mess. They constantly drop these rather large and spinny cones everywhere and their leaves make a mess, including clogging your gutters. You will be constantly cleaning up the trees debris. It also becomes very difficult to grow decent grass anywhere near the tree canopy and your lawnmower will learn to hate the trees cones. And if you wait until the tree grows big to take it down you will have to jump through loops with the ARC and pay someone big $$ to remove and replace it. Plus, the now extensive and shallow tree root system will then rot underground and create a fungus that will kill all your grass. Three years after removing our magnolia we are finally getting something that resembles a lawn, but we constantly need to add fill as the lawn depresses where the roots have rotted out.

So my advise would be to get rid of the magnolia for you, not your neighbor. But you will get a double win since your neighbor will think you did it for her : ).

[Aces4]

I think you handled the situation very well and have no responsibility to remove the tree. However, let me give you a little advise based on my experience with magnolia trees. Do yourself a favor and use this episode as an excuse to get rid of the magnolia tree. In a few years you will wish you never planted the dam tree. We regretted having a magnolia on our property. These trees grow very big (not just tall but very wide) and create a mess. They constantly drop these rather large and spinny cones everywhere and their leaves make a mess, including clogging your gutters. You will be constantly cleaning up the trees debris. It also becomes very difficult to grow decent grass anywhere near the tree canopy and your lawnmower will learn to hate the trees cones. And if you wait until the tree grows big to take it down you will have to jump through loops with the ARC and pay someone big $$ to remove and replace it. Plus, the now extensive and shallow tree root system will then rot underground and create a fungus that will gill all your grass. Three years after removing our magnolia we are finally getting something that resembles a lawn, but we constantly need to add fill as the lawn depresses where the roots have rotted out.

So my advise would be to get rid of the magnolia for you, not your neighbor. But you will get a double win since your neighbor will think you did it for her : ).

This!!! The best move we ever made landscaping-wise was removing the dirty magnolia on our lawn. Magnolias are beautiful on the back forty of a sixty acre spread only. But I applaud your attempt at diplomacy with your neighbor.

[karostay]

I would say yes we have a strong relationship .Don't take offence I' did my due diligence and research I have broken no rules or any deed restrictions.. The second tree is coming next week

[Two Bills]

Got to agree regarding the Magnolia. Not a tree for a less than large area.
One burst of color for the year, then clear up falling leaves for rest of year.
Purchased a property once that had one. It went PDQ.

[n8xwb]

I haven't looked at the other replies, so if this has already been said, I apologize. If you can live without the tree and it isn't that important to you, you might consider offering to have it removed at her expense. That expense should also cover what you paid to have it planted too

[Marathon Man]

I lived in Georgia for a few years. The magnolia trees were beautiful - in my neighbors' yards. I was glad I didn't have one in mine.

[rjm1cc]

Tell her you spoke to the landscaper and this is the best location as moving it could lead to damage to your home as the tree grows. My guess is as the tree grows where ever it is located she could lose her view. So be polite and don't worry about leaving the tree.

[gatorbill1]

Is the tree not blocking your view? I would limit as many trees as possible to keep your own view and limit damage to sprinkler system from roots growing

[rustyp]

Let's start with the magnolia tree. Have you ever had one ? They branch out quite a bit (and will block a substantial part of a view) plus have far reaching root system which depending on location can cause sidewalk, driveway, and foundation problems. Their leaves are very broad and fall off leaving you with clean up of lawn and worse yet gutters. They blossom only a few days out of the whole year. Are you sure this is the tree for you. A palm tree will be trimmed such that the truck is the only part of obstruction to view except near the top. If this type of tree fits in with your landscape scheme I think it may be a better choice for both you and the neighbor. I wholeheartedly support the idea of if change is made the neighbor be given the proposal of paying for removal and replacement. Seeme like a good compromise that should not yield any hard feelings. On the other hand I do support the notion you have followed all the rules and have no obligation to the neighbor for your own property and pleasure.

[2newyorkers]

I lived next door to someone with a magnolia tree that the builder planted. Did I resent my neighbors? No, but I did curse everyday that I had to go outside and clean up the yard from the magnolia shedding its leaves and flowers. After a few years the neighbor could not take it anymore either and removed the tree.

[starflyte1]

This may be a blessing in disguise! I had my magnolia tree removed soon after I bought my house, and my neighbor split the cost with her neighbor to have their magnolia tree removed. Both trees were probably 20 years old. I would think more magnolia trees are removed than planted by those who have had one.

I hope it all works out for you so that you have many many happy years in your home, magnolia or not!

[Bogie Shooter]

A peek-a-boo view is never guaranteed.

[retiredguy123]

After reading all the posts so far, what would I do? I would ask my neighbor to pay to have the tree removed, and let her think that I was doing her a favor. A win-win solution.

[Michigan Farmer]

If the ARC approved I'd drop her complaint like a bad habit and move on.

[Marathon Man]

If the ARC approved I'd drop her complaint like a bad habit and move on.

The OP never said the neighbor complained. You sound like a good neighbor. :ohdear:

[justjim]

Although I agree you have no responsibility to remove the tree in question, I understand why the majority of posts might say keep the tree because you are totally within your right to do so. OP, you specifically ask what I would do if I encountered your situation. Of course, that is a hypothetical question, but here is how I believe I would react in a similar situation. I put a lot of value on relationship with my neighbor and from your written words I believe you do also. I would have the landscaper remove the Magnolia tree at my expense (they are messy anyway) and then get on with enjoying the lifestyle of The Villages. Your neighbor believes that tree is going to ruin what little future view she has and maybe I should get to know her better. In that context, Lincoln perhaps said it best. “I don’t like that man, I must get to know him better”. (Quote attributed to Abraham Lincoln in 1858 after losing to Stephen Douglas)

[coffeebean]

Tough call for you, but I have seen a lot of worse things done that block a person's view. There are some beautiful homes on Evans Prairie Golf course with great views. One homeowner extended his lanai and home so much that he blocked the entire view of two of his neighbors who paid a lot extra for that view. Still, it's his property and he or she can do what they want, if approved. Enjoy your magnolia.

ARC gives approval for extensions of home that will block the view of other home owners? What is the point of having an ARC? Those home owners who have lost their view paid a lot premium. That was money wasted.

[Bogie Shooter]

ARC gives approval for extensions of home that will block the view of other home owners? What is the point of having an ARC? Those home owners who have lost their view paid a lot premium. That was money wasted.

Doesn’t read like a premium lot....

[Nucky]

///

OP did you get a chance to converse with the Tree Lady?

[skip0358]

You got it approved as you should have. If the neighbor has a problem that’s their problem which they can take it up with ARC that gave you the approval period.

[malbe]

Leave the tree where it is. She would hate me because I would be putting in a pool with a birdcage! She should be happy it's just a tree! Her view is ruined only from one chair in her lanai? Tell her to move the chair. Complainers will always find something to complain about.

[memason]

In the end, the view she paid for is dirertly out the back of her lanai. that does include a view up either side of the lanai.

You are definately in the right...

[bmit16]

My 1st thought is why would anybody in a Villa want a Magnolia tree? The landscaper put one in our yard when the house was built. The 1st thing we did was dig it up. They are nice shade trees but they grow way to big for a Villa lot and they shed leaves and cone terribly. Who wants all that maintenance?

[bd20166]

Some people need a little more time than others to learn to live in close quarters like we do here in TV.
Get at least two estimates for removal. Hopefully she sees the tree service trucks and thinks she has won.
Add up the cost of installation, cost of removal, cost to install new landscaping and the price of your aggravation since she came over. Present your cost fact sheet to your neighbor with a smile on your face. Agree to have tree removed if she pays the costs upfront, cash preferred Have a witness present when/if she signs off on the costs.
This is definitely meeting her half way. This may cure the neighbor of attempting to influence (bully) her neighbors. Lets see how important her view is.

[ts12755]

How old is she? Leave it there maybe you can outlive her.

[coffeebean]

We don't have a Magnolia tree on our property but from what I have read on this thread, I would not want one. If I were the OP, I would have that tree removed.

[Bridget Staunton]

That is a brilliant thought, hopefully keeps everyone happy

[Mosells]

We have a magnolia tree that was trimmed removing the lower branches. The view from my lanai was greatly improved. Perhaps that’s a compromise that would satisfy your neighbor and you keep the tree.

[diva1]

I agree with tophcfa. I had a magnolia and got rid of it. The roots are FIERCE so I hope yours is no where near any concrete, the house, etc., because that will be cracked when the roots grow over there. But if you want that thing it is your decision, not your neighbor's.

[manionman]

As someone owning a home in a neighborhood that has a MAGNOLIA tree in front of every house - I would say you are making a huge mistake planting this tree anywhere on your property. They are one of the most high maintenance trees with constantly shedding their leaves that look a lot like piles of dog duty. Take it out as soon as possible. If you don't want her to be happy - give her the tree.

[FaithinGod]

I think it is very caring of you to consider your neighbors request. You'll have to decide whether a personal relationship with your neighbor is more important than the cost of removal of the tree. It's not always about what is your right but what is the loving thing to do. I will pray for you.

[speedo8357]

well . . . what's easier . . . you transplanting the tree, or you're neighbor shifting her chair or foot or two? No brainer.

[Topspinmo]

Yesterday morning my neighbor rang my bell. I invited her into my home and she immediately said, "I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship". She proceeded to tell me the tree I planted in the back of my home was blocking her "view" of the water. I live two doors away from her and the tree in question is a Magnolia. Our homes are newly built and the tree in question was planted three months ago. I am in the process of having my entire home landscaped right now. I was extremely upset and because I didn't want to upset her I said I would try to relocate the tree. I spoke to my landscaper and he said because I have an interior lot the location I suggested could damage the screen to my pool area in the future as the tree grows. Although I want my neighbor to be happy I am not happy myself. I am upset she waited three months to tell me her concerns. The "view" she mentioned can only be seen from one chair in her lanai to the left side of her lanai. The tree is planted on my property and I did submit the paperwork to ARC and I was approved. Can someone give me guidance as to what they would do in my situation. Thank you for your help.

IMO i would get rid of the magnolia, you will be picking up tree trash and it going to be headache as it get bigger. But, if you want keep it you’re neighbors can’t control what was approved in you’re yard. If she thought the pond view was so important when she brought she should of brought behind the pond.

[Topspinmo]

I think it is very caring of you to consider your neighbors request. You'll have to decide whether a personal relationship with your neighbor is more important than the cost of removal of the tree. It's not always about what is your right but what is the loving thing to do. I will pray for you.

Loving? So, I go two doors down and complain, cause I brought cheap lot at angle within small site of corner of pond and I expect all the neighbors to adhere to my wants? IMO it rude to even bring it up.

[wperry701]

Tell her that you talked to your landscaper and were told moving the tree was not in your best interest.

[xcaligirl]

Yesterday morning my neighbor rang my bell. I invited her into my home and she immediately said, "I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship". She proceeded to tell me the tree I planted in the back of my home was blocking her "view" of the water. I live two doors away from her and the tree in question is a Magnolia. Our homes are newly built and the tree in question was planted three months ago. I am in the process of having my entire home landscaped right now. I was extremely upset and because I didn't want to upset her I said I would try to relocate the tree. I spoke to my landscaper and he said because I have an interior lot the location I suggested could damage the screen to my pool area in the future as the tree grows. Although I want my neighbor to be happy I am not happy myself. I am upset she waited three months to tell me her concerns. The "view" she mentioned can only be seen from one chair in her lanai to the left side of her lanai. The tree is planted on my property and I did submit the paperwork to ARC and I was approved. Can someone give me guidance as to what they would do in my situation. Thank you for your help.
We have huge trees that are blocking our view and they belong to the Villages!! They are not going to even trim them but they did tell us that we can trim them on the bottom if we wanted to. Just like the massive Crepe Myrtles at our last house, behind the fenceline and belonged to the Villages. They were growing over our house...they told us to get a tree trimmer! (for THEIR trees)

[rrb48310]

My first thought is how attached are you the tree. Will it bother you as the tree grows large and wide that you are blocking someones view? I ask this only because you took the time to ask for our thoughts. Maybe a palm tree would fill your need and not block the view. If you do make any changes I would ask your neighbor to pay for it.

There is a magnolia on the golf course behind my house and it does block my view and I wish I could have it replaced with a Palm Tree. It gets very few flowers also drops quite a few leaves which are messy. Just my opinion but if you love your tree then keep it. It is your property!

I agree with the part that palm trees are less a mess and asking neighbor to share the cost of replacing. In the end it’s what you want and that you did everything to comply with the ARC.

[Sunflower33]

If this would ruin your friendship then there was never a friendship. Friendships should be deeper than material things. Life is too short for this kind of behavior.

[Marty411]

I personally like Magnolia trees. They are green all year with beautiful shiny leaves. We have the lower branches cut off. This should give your neighbor more view.

[PugMom]

This!!! The best move we ever made landscaping-wise was removing the dirty magnolia on our lawn. Magnolias are beautiful on the back forty of a sixty acre spread only. But I applaud your attempt at diplomacy with your neighbor.

wow, i had no idea! thx for sharing valuable info:coolsmiley:

[Villagesgal]

I had the person across the street ask me to remove some shrubs that block the view of the golf course they have from their den when looking between my and my neighbors house. They bought several years ago and the view was blocked then. I told them that if they had wanted a golf course view they should have bought on the golf course like I did. Simple as that. You can never please everyone, so please yourself.

[justjim]

My 1st thought is why would anybody in a Villa want a Magnolia tree? The landscaper put one in our yard when the house was built. The 1st thing we did was dig it up. They are nice shade trees but they grow way to big for a Villa lot and they shed leaves and cone terribly. Who wants all that maintenance?
A Magnolia tree can reach 70-80 ft tall and a width of 30-40 ft. I would think several times before planting one in our small Village yards. No Landscaper worth his salt should recommend one for our yards. Even on the golf course it’s questionable. :MOJE_whot:

[LoriAnn]

Remove the tree and you’ll gain a life long friend. Keep the tree and you’ll gain a life long enemy that lives way too close. In my opinion, she’s doing you a favor. You’ll regret that tree in a few years.

[Nucky]

There really are some great posts about keeping a friend or loosing one. About making or not making an enemy. At our age can we agree that many people are very principled?

If the VIEW is so important have the neighbor let you VIEW the $$Benjamins$$ to cover the compromise that you decide upon. It's not a regular compromise because it should be the neighbor who is feeling ALL the pain financially, not you, you did everything the correct way. Why should you be a people pleaser or uncomfortable? Many people would have told her to hit the bricks.

I have great neighbors, top drawer, fantastic people but there is only one that I would do this for and not accept a penny. If this person matters to you the way this one neighbor matter to me then maybe you have to adjust the plan and foot the bill and upset YOUR yard!

[CFrance]

I think you handled the situation very well and have no responsibility to remove the tree. However, let me give you a little advise based on my experience with magnolia trees. Do yourself a favor and use this episode as an excuse to get rid of the magnolia tree. In a few years you will wish you never planted the dam tree. We regretted having a magnolia on our property. These trees grow very big (not just tall but very wide) and create a mess. They constantly drop these rather large and spinny cones everywhere and their leaves make a mess, including clogging your gutters. You will be constantly cleaning up the trees debris. It also becomes very difficult to grow decent grass anywhere near the tree canopy and your lawnmower will learn to hate the trees cones. And if you wait until the tree grows big to take it down you will have to jump through loops with the ARC and pay someone big $$ to remove and replace it. Plus, the now extensive and shallow tree root system will then rot underground and create a fungus that will kill all your grass. Three years after removing our magnolia we are finally getting something that resembles a lawn, but we constantly need to add fill as the lawn depresses where the roots have rotted out.

So my advise would be to get rid of the magnolia for you, not your neighbor. But you will get a double win since your neighbor will think you did it for her : ).
I agree with you. Our neighbor at our last house had one, and we were constantly picking up the leaves. It doesn't seem to flower all at once and be done with it, so a mess was there a lot of the time. The overall shape of them, to me, is not very graceful. I would never plant one, but to each his own.


If the neighbor would pay for removing it, I'd go for it. To me a friendly neighbor is worth it. It could be a win-win situation.

[OhioBuckeye]

Yesterday morning my neighbor rang my bell. I invited her into my home and she immediately said, "I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship". She proceeded to tell me the tree I planted in the back of my home was blocking her "view" of the water. I live two doors away from her and the tree in question is a Magnolia. Our homes are newly built and the tree in question was planted three months ago. I am in the process of having my entire home landscaped right now. I was extremely upset and because I didn't want to upset her I said I would try to relocate the tree. I spoke to my landscaper and he said because I have an interior lot the location I suggested could damage the screen to my pool area in the future as the tree grows. Although I want my neighbor to be happy I am not happy myself. I am upset she waited three months to tell me her concerns. The "view" she mentioned can only be seen from one chair in her lanai to the left side of her lanai. The tree is planted on my property and I did submit the paperwork to ARC and I was approved. Can someone give me guidance as to what they would do in my situation. Thank you for your help.

I agree with another comment. She bought a home that her view was out in her back yard. She didn't buy anybody else's property for them. Just tell her nicely that you paid for your property & you'll move the tree a little if she'll pay to have it move so you won't infringe on her view that you paid for. If the view is that important to her let her pay to have it moved. She sounds like she's quite old, so yes be nice. You sound like you would bend over backwards to honor her wishes!

[600th Photo Sq]

I think you handled the situation very well and have no responsibility to remove the tree. However, let me give you a little advise based on my experience with magnolia trees. Do yourself a favor and use this episode as an excuse to get rid of the magnolia tree. In a few years you will wish you never planted the dam tree. We regretted having a magnolia on our property. These trees grow very big (not just tall but very wide) and create a mess. They constantly drop these rather large and spinny cones everywhere and their leaves make a mess, including clogging your gutters. You will be constantly cleaning up the trees debris. It also becomes very difficult to grow decent grass anywhere near the tree canopy and your lawnmower will learn to hate the trees cones. And if you wait until the tree grows big to take it down you will have to jump through loops with the ARC and pay someone big $$ to remove and replace it. Plus, the now extensive and shallow tree root system will then rot underground and create a fungus that will kill all your grass. Three years after removing our magnolia we are finally getting something that resembles a lawn, but we constantly need to add fill as the lawn depresses where the roots have rotted out.

So my advice would be to get rid of the magnolia for you, not your neighbor. But you will get a double win since your neighbor will think you did it for her : ).

Actually I totally agree with this post. Magnolia Trees are basically junk trees usually in parks and wide-open spaces.

They really are terrible and you will wish in not too distant future that you did not plant the tree.

Bottom line poor choice of tree.

Get rid of it...before it cost you a bundle.

Excellent advice from the person who posted it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Don't you need special approval to remove a tree? Under Florida law, you have to get an arborist to state that the tree is dangerous or diseased or something like that? I thought I read that somewhere, with some recent changes.

If that's the case, then the neighbor is already on pretty shaky ground with her complaint. If it's not the case - decide if you want the tree more than you want a peaceful cordial relationship with your neighbor. If you're willing to give up the tree, have her pay for the removal.

[CFrance]

Don't you need special approval to remove a tree? Under Florida law, you have to get an arborist to state that the tree is dangerous or diseased or something like that? I thought I read that somewhere, with some recent changes.

If that's the case, then the neighbor is already on pretty shaky ground with her complaint. If it's not the case - decide if you want the tree more than you want a peaceful cordial relationship with your neighbor. If you're willing to give up the tree, have her pay for the removal.
I think if it's under a certain diameter trunk you need no permission to remove it.

[Velvet]

If you remove the tree to please your neighbor, what will her next request be? I agreed to an opaque fence up north where I had flowers and the rule is 6’ high at the back maximum. The neighbor put in an 8’ fence. When I didn’t complain, she made it 10’ high. She has a raised deck on her side, it is 6’ from her deck floor. Now I can only grow grass, I don’t mind as I am not up north all the time. But guess what my answer will be the next time she asks for anything.... And yes I know I can get it down to 6’ with just one call.

[CFrance]

If you remove the tree to please your neighbor, what will her next request be? I agreed to an opaque fence up north where I had flowers and the rule is 6’ high at the back maximum. The neighbor put in an 8’ fence. When I didn’t complain, she made it 10’ high. She has a raised deck on her side, it is 6’ from her deck floor. Now I can only grow grass, I don’t mind as I am not up north all the time. But guess what my answer will be the next time she asks for anything.... And yes I know I can get it down to 6’ with just one call.
You can say no to any of her requests. I would think that what-if shouldn't enter into the equation. If I decided to accommodate a neighbor somehow and the neighbor then pushed for something else, that's when I would start saying no.

[NavyVet]

Though the flowers are beautiful, it is true the magnolia tree is messy and drops a lot of leaves. It should not be planted anywhere close to the house. I think honesty is the best policy. You checked with professionals, they told you there is no other safe spot in your yard, and therefore the tree should not be moved. Tell her that. You are not even next door. If one tree blocks her 'view' then it must have been a peekaboo view at best. What is the view of? Views are not guaranteed on any lot. Mother Nature has a way of changing things.
If you like your tree, keep your tree. No reason to feel guilty about anything. The neighbor will get over it... or she won't. Her problem.
Not your circus, not your monkeys. Enjoy your home and yard.

[drrichard]

Agree with removing/replacing the magnolia. We have one that we thought we loved, but it is now 14 years old, HUGE, and a CONSTANT MESS on our lawn. Put in a sabal palmetto or similar palm tree. Indestructible and not much trouble to maintain and not very messy!

[pauld315]

As long as you went through the ARC process to have your additional landscaping approved you have no worries

[600th Photo Sq]

You asked for advice about The Magnolia Tree and should you choose to ignore it so be it.

Honestly, it's a poor choice.

[Rosebud2020]

I agree with many posters who have recommended you tell your neighbor you would be happy to oblige her request if she will pay you for the cost of the Magnolia, the cost of planting it, the removal of the tree and then the cost of a newly planted tree (yet to be decided) which has a high canopy and a trunk that will not obliterate her view.

Kill her with kindness when you speak with her and be saccharine sweet! If she agrees with all this (yeah, right!) I would even up the cost of a new tree when you tell her how much it is with planting!

I'm sorry you have this kind of neighbor. BTW -- there are a number of dwarf, small, mini or whatever adjective you want to use, within the vast Magnolia family. They all are not necessarily huge trees but they all do tend to have a low canopy.

[coffeebean]

So many people have recommended to remove the Magnolia tree. Will the ARC allow a Magnolia tree to be removed if the trunk is larger than 6" in diameter? I thought trees that size will not be approved for removal unless they were dead.

[Bogie Shooter]

So many people have recommended to remove the Magnolia tree. Will the ARC allow a Magnolia tree to be removed if the trunk is larger than 6" in diameter? I thought trees that size will not be approved for removal unless they were dead.

It’s. 4” .

[tophcfa]

So many people have recommended to remove the Magnolia tree. Will the ARC allow a Magnolia tree to be removed if the trunk is larger than 6" in diameter? I thought trees that size will not be approved for removal unless they were dead.

We got ARC approval to remove ours, but it was not easy because the tree was not dead. We were denied the first attempt where we mailed in the application and could not attend the hearing. I resubmitted the application and attended the next hearing and after pleading my case we were granted approval. We were lucky that one of the ARC members also had an out of control Magnolia and convinced enough other members to allow removal on the condition that we have the stump ground and planted another approved "shade tree". Note that palm trees are not considered shade trees. We planted an "Eastern Palaka Holly" tree, which I prune back three times per year and I will never let it grow out of control.

[600th Photo Sq]

OK ...Lot's of advice, me being one to agree with a post.

Simple solution 5 yes ( 5 ) Brass Nails into the bottom of the said tree..approx 5-6 months later problem solved.

Best time After Midnight. Who Me?

[tophcfa]

OK ...Lot's of advice, me being one to agree with a post.

Simple solution 5 yes ( 5 ) Brass Nails into the bottom of the said tree..approx 5-6 months later problem solved.

Best time After Midnight. Who Me?

That will work. Or you can clear a little dirt from the base of the tree and drill a few holes in the sub-turain trunk and roots, pour a bunch of salt in the area including the holes you drilled, and cover it all back up with dirt. The tree will eventually die and you will get ARC approval to remove it. Just don't apply with ARC before doing this or it will raise concerns. Sometimes it is best to not ask.

[maybe]

I haven't looked at the other replies, so if this has already been said, I apologize. If you can live without the tree and it isn't that important to you, you might consider offering to have it removed at her expense. That expense should also cover what you paid to have it planted too

That is what I was going to say.

[TidalWalkers]

If the ARC approved the planting, you have complied with the rule. This problem happens more often with interior lots which is why interior lots cost less. Explain to your neighbor your efforts to find a compromise without cost to you. However, the present situation is the best that can be done unless you want to be unhappy to make your neighbor happy. A recurring problem when living in close quarters.

[Packer Fan]

There really are some great posts about keeping a friend or loosing one. About making or not making an enemy. At our age can we agree that many people are very principled?

If the VIEW is so important have the neighbor let you VIEW the $$Benjamins$$ to cover the compromise that you decide upon. It's not a regular compromise because it should be the neighbor who is feeling ALL the pain financially, not you, you did everything the correct way. Why should you be a people pleaser or uncomfortable? Many people would have told her to hit the bricks.

I have great neighbors, top drawer, fantastic people but there is only one that I would do this for and not accept a penny. If this person matters to you the way this one neighbor matter to me then maybe you have to adjust the plan and foot the bill and upset YOUR yard!

I have a similar situation actually. I have a "peek a boo" view of Evan's Prairie Marsh from my front Bedroom. 5 years ago when we moved in I asked my neighbor across the street (great people BTW) to just consider this view as they developed their property. I mentioned I of course understood it was well within their rights to do what they wanted, but it was just a neighborly request, and if they did something that blocked it, it would not affect our friendship. Sort of a preemtive strike of sorts. 5 years and they have done a LOT of upgrades and I still have a view. This is how to handle things the best way. Now, If I had not done this and the same situation as the OP posted had happened, I would be more than willing to pay for a change to his yard. I think that the best option here is the work with your neighbors, but make her pay to remove the tree. Personally, I would not replace it with anything, I think that would get you huge brownie points with not only her, but the whole neighborhood! Live the Golden rule here and treat others how you would like to be treated. That is how I feel. Some great advice has been given here. Good people in TV!
Ed

[coffeebean]

It’s. 4” .

Oh my.....that's even worse!!!

[coffeebean]

We got ARC approval to remove ours, but it was not easy because the tree was not dead. We were denied the first attempt where we mailed in the application and could not attend the hearing. I resubmitted the application and attended the next hearing and after pleading my case we were granted approval. We were lucky that one of the ARC members also had an out of control Magnolia and convinced enough other members to allow removal on the condition that we have the stump ground and planted another approved "shade tree". Note that palm trees are not considered shade trees. We planted an "Eastern Palaka Holly" tree, which I prune back three times per year and I will never let it grow out of control.

I'll never understand why the ARC can refuse removal of a tree that was planted by a homeowner. There are many instances where the homeowner makes a dreadful mistake with their choice of landscape and wants to remove it years later. The homeowner planted it so why can't they remove it without all these repercussions?

I know, I know.....we live here with rules and rules must be adhered to. Just vented and now I feel better.

[coffeebean]

OK ...Lot's of advice, me being one to agree with a post.

Simple solution 5 yes ( 5 ) Brass Nails into the bottom of the said tree..approx 5-6 months later problem solved.

Best time After Midnight. Who Me?

My brother-in-law said the same exact thing about the brass nails. Would the ARC demand a new tree be planted in place of a removed dead tree? Just wondering.

[Rosebud2020]

My 1st thought is why would anybody in a Villa want a Magnolia tree? The landscaper put one in our yard when the house was built. The 1st thing we did was dig it up. They are nice shade trees but they grow way to big for a Villa lot and they shed leaves and cone terribly. Who wants all that maintenance?

A Magnolia tree can reach 70-80 ft tall and a width of 30-40 ft. I would think several times before planting one in our small Village yards. No Landscaper worth his salt should recommend one for our yards. Even on the golf course it’s questionable. :MOJE_whot:

Remove the tree and you’ll gain a life long friend. Keep the tree and you’ll gain a life long enemy that lives way too close. In my opinion, she’s doing you a favor. You’ll regret that tree in a few years.

Actually I totally agree with this post. Magnolia Trees are basically junk trees usually in parks and wide-open spaces.

.


It's very sad that so much bad information has been posted by unknowing or ignorant residents and the above comments are only a few of them.

Magnolia trees are not junk trees. They are prolific through the south and are beautiful trees. In addition, they are not inexpensive. Dirty? The dropped leaves are seriously easy to pick up! The main misconception is that they are all huge trees. Not so! Magnolias come in all sizes. Dwarf trees are available and would be suitable for smaller lots.

[coffeebean]

It's very sad that so much bad information has been posted by unknowing or ignorant residents and the above comments are only a few of them.

Magnolia trees are not junk trees. They are prolific through the south and are beautiful trees. In addition, they are not inexpensive. Dirty? The dropped leaves are seriously easy to pick up! The main misconception is that they are all huge trees. Not so! Magnolias come in all sizes. Dwarf trees are available and would be suitable for smaller lots.

How large can a dwarf Magnolia tree become at maturity? How can you tell if a Magnolia tree is of the dwarf variety?

[Bogie Shooter]

How large can a dwarf Magnolia tree become at maturity? How can you tell if a Magnolia tree is of the dwarf variety?

dwarf magnolia varieties - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=dwarf+magnolia+varieties&form=EDGEAR&qs=AS&cvid=7a714c56b5fa40ec9e0fe1f47e2ef00c&cc=US&setlang=en-US&elv=AQj93OAhDTi*HzTv1paQdniTQTGcst2IhLON4VYf2YIygW ffi5OCNyVmelIj2oJlSKbrmmuwaZ8h6sqlx2*6OiMGm1YTU%21 D3LaIjNwX8iYOd&plvar=0)

[Rosebud2020]

How large can a dwarf Magnolia tree become at maturity? How can you tell if a Magnolia tree is of the dwarf variety?


See Bogie Shooter's comment for more information.

When you buy a dwarf Magnolia from a nursery or through a "genuine" landscaper, they should be able to give you the details on the specific tree they are speaking about. The tree should be tagged as to what variety it is.

[ColdNoMore]

Yesterday morning my neighbor rang my bell. I invited her into my home and she immediately said, "I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship". She proceeded to tell me the tree I planted in the back of my home was blocking her "view" of the water. I live two doors away from her and the tree in question is a Magnolia. Our homes are newly built and the tree in question was planted three months ago. I am in the process of having my entire home landscaped right now. I was extremely upset and because I didn't want to upset her I said I would try to relocate the tree. I spoke to my landscaper and he said because I have an interior lot the location I suggested could damage the screen to my pool area in the future as the tree grows. Although I want my neighbor to be happy I am not happy myself. I am upset she waited three months to tell me her concerns. The "view" she mentioned can only be seen from one chair in her lanai to the left side of her lanai. The tree is planted on my property and I did submit the paperwork to ARC and I was approved. Can someone give me guidance as to what they would do in my situation. Thank you for your help.


Have you decided yet, on what course of action...you're going to take?

[Marathon Man]

I'll never understand why the ARC can refuse removal of a tree that was planted by a homeowner. There are many instances where the homeowner makes a dreadful mistake with their choice of landscape and wants to remove it years later. The homeowner planted it so why can't they remove it without all these repercussions?

I know, I know.....we live here with rules and rules must be adhered to. Just vented and now I feel better.

Come on now. You certainly do understand. It's because you signed a contract agreeing to certain terms. And seeking approval for a tree removal is one of the terms.

[coffeebean]

Come on now. You certainly do understand. It's because you signed a contract agreeing to certain terms. And seeking approval for a tree removal is one of the terms.
The point I'm trying to make is about a tree that was planted by the home owner, not The Villages. Why should The Villages be consulted to remove a tree or shrub that was planted by the home owner? It wasn't there to begin with when the dotted line was signed.

[Marathon Man]

The point I'm trying to make is about a tree that was planted by the home owner, not The Villages. Why should The Villages be consulted to remove a tree or shrub that was planted by the home owner? It wasn't there to begin with when the dotted line was signed.

Because you signed a contract. And one of the terms of the contract is that approval must be obtained before removing a tree with a 4" plus trunk. You agreed to do it when you bought your house. That is why.

[Marathon Man]

My brother-in-law said the same exact thing about the brass nails. Would the ARC demand a new tree be planted in place of a removed dead tree? Just wondering.

Yes. It has happened. Unapproved tree removal requires replacement. Intentionally killing it is improper removal.

Each individual can decide on his own how much risk he is willing to take. Personally, I would not suggest to anyone that they "can get away" with something that may end up costing them a lot of money.

[coffeebean]

Because you signed a contract. And one of the terms of the contract is that approval must be obtained before removing a tree with a 4" plus trunk. You agreed to do it when you bought your house. That is why.

I get it. Just venting. I'm good at that. LOL!

[TNGary]

Without getting too detailed, as I have a magnolia tree up north, a lot of concerns were noted above regarding the disadvantages of such tree and I fully endorse each of those, as an fyi only. You may need to confirm with your landscaper of your particular tree is a dwarf, as it may not mitigate your neighbors concern but will not be as large and messy as the regular. Good luck!!

[TNGary]

I was doing yard work today, up north, and though of this post as I was raking leaves from under the Magnolia tree and took a small break to send a note. She may be doing you a favor, regarding replacing of removing the tree. I raked at least 5 wheel barrels of leaves from under the magnolia tree and that included large cones. Big brown leaves. Cones the size of a can of soda. Additionally I stood back and eye balled the tree at about 80 feet. Yikes!!
None of my business of course, but unless you have a very large yard, I am surprised a landscaper would recommend this type of tree in TV's. I actually took a few pictures to send you but not sure if I uploaded correctly.
Please note that I am sending this to you not to be rude, but in spirit of these forums, a chance for us to proactively share comments with each other.
Interesting post,
Best wishes.
Keep us posted please of the final outcome