Clean up from Hurricane Helene

[janetlea]

Hopefully everyone survived the hurricane. I have a villa with a fence in my backyard that has 5 Village palms tress behind my fence which never get trimmed. This morning I had 48 palm fonds in my yard, on my patio roof and the walkway on the side of my house. I called Property Management this am to complain about the palm fonds that are not mine! I was told that due to the fact they are in my yard I am responsible for the clean up even though the Villages owns the palm trees, kind of understand that but I still filled an complaint and was very surprised when someone from the Villages showed up 1/2 hour later. Every storm I have to clean up these palm fonds but never this many. He was very nice but reinforced that I was responsible for the cost of the clean up but he would make a note to have an Arborist look at the palms to see if they are dying. So long story short called my landscaper who is the best, Vidal Landscaping who came today to clean up my mess. They cleaned up 48-50 fonds and then had to clean out all of my gutters due to the debris from the palms that was clogging them to the tune of $350.00. My question is does anyone have an idea how to follow up on this to maybe recroup what I paid for the clean up and to let the Villages know that the landscaper told me I probably have another 5-10 fonds that are going to come down in the next wind storm. Another clean up bill.
Thanks, Janet

[shut the front door]

Hopefully everyone survived the hurricane. I have a villa with a fence in my backyard that has 5 Village palms tress behind my fence which never get trimmed. This morning I had 48 palm fonds in my yard, on my patio roof and the walkway on the side of my house. I called Property Management this am to complain about the palm fonds that are not mine! I was told that due to the fact they are in my yard I am responsible for the clean up even though the Villages owns the palm trees, kind of understand that but I still filled an complaint and was very surprised when someone from the Villages showed up 1/2 hour later. Every storm I have to clean up these palm fonds but never this many. He was very nice but reinforced that I was responsible for the cost of the clean up but he would make a note to have an Arborist look at the palms to see if they are dying. So long story short called my landscaper who is the best, Vidal Landscaping who came today to clean up my mess. They cleaned up 48-50 fonds and then had to clean out all of my gutters due to the debris from the palms that was clogging them to the tune of $350.00. My question is does anyone have an idea how to follow up on this to maybe recroup what I paid for the clean up and to let the Villages know that the landscaper told me I probably have another 5-10 fonds that are going to come down in the next wind storm. Another clean up bill.
Thanks, Janet

$350 to pick up palm fronds and clean gutters? WOW. That's ridiculous.

[Bogie Shooter]

Hopefully everyone survived the hurricane. I have a villa with a fence in my backyard that has 5 Village palms tress behind my fence which never get trimmed. This morning I had 48 palm fonds in my yard, on my patio roof and the walkway on the side of my house. I called Property Management this am to complain about the palm fonds that are not mine! I was told that due to the fact they are in my yard I am responsible for the clean up even though the Villages owns the palm trees, kind of understand that but I still filled an complaint and was very surprised when someone from the Villages showed up 1/2 hour later. Every storm I have to clean up these palm fonds but never this many. He was very nice but reinforced that I was responsible for the cost of the clean up but he would make a note to have an Arborist look at the palms to see if they are dying. So long story short called my landscaper who is the best, Vidal Landscaping who came today to clean up my mess. They cleaned up 48-50 fonds and then had to clean out all of my gutters due to the debris from the palms that was clogging them to the tune of $350.00. My question is does anyone have an idea how to follow up on this to maybe recroup what I paid for the clean up and to let the Villages know that the landscaper told me I probably have another 5-10 fonds that are going to come down in the next wind storm. Another clean up bill.
Thanks, Janet

Key statement. Did you ever complain before??

[Aces4]

Key statement. Did you ever complain before??

Another key statement... what difference would complaining earlier make? Her statement seems clear enough to me, The Villages won't pay and it's not their problem.

Watch where you buy people, you make end of paying for The Villages mess.:pepper2:

[daniel200]

FE962/FE962: Handbook of Florida Fence and Property Law: Trees and Landowner Responsibility (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE962#)

[graciegirl]

$350 to pick up palm fronds and clean gutters? WOW. That's ridiculous.

I agree.

[Caymus]

Seems high, but did it take them 4 minutes or 4 hours? What was the size of the work crew?

[Shipping up to Boston]

Hopefully everyone survived the hurricane. I have a villa with a fence in my backyard that has 5 Village palms tress behind my fence which never get trimmed. This morning I had 48 palm fonds in my yard, on my patio roof and the walkway on the side of my house. I called Property Management this am to complain about the palm fonds that are not mine! I was told that due to the fact they are in my yard I am responsible for the clean up even though the Villages owns the palm trees, kind of understand that but I still filled an complaint and was very surprised when someone from the Villages showed up 1/2 hour later. Every storm I have to clean up these palm fonds but never this many. He was very nice but reinforced that I was responsible for the cost of the clean up but he would make a note to have an Arborist look at the palms to see if they are dying. So long story short called my landscaper who is the best, Vidal Landscaping who came today to clean up my mess. They cleaned up 48-50 fonds and then had to clean out all of my gutters due to the debris from the palms that was clogging them to the tune of $350.00. My question is does anyone have an idea how to follow up on this to maybe recroup what I paid for the clean up and to let the Villages know that the landscaper told me I probably have another 5-10 fonds that are going to come down in the next wind storm. Another clean up bill.
Thanks, Janet

$350? I’m sure your landscaper is ‘the best’ but who wouldn’t be for that price point! There used to be laws that protect people from price gouging during events like this...not saying this is the case but sure seems excessive for the work you described.

[AMB444]

Note to those buying in TV. Make sure NO trees or landscape materials from neighbors will land on you property. Obviously a problem that potential buyers need to be aware of.

[westernrider75]

Hopefully everyone survived the hurricane. I have a villa with a fence in my backyard that has 5 Village palms tress behind my fence which never get trimmed. This morning I had 48 palm fonds in my yard, on my patio roof and the walkway on the side of my house. I called Property Management this am to complain about the palm fonds that are not mine! I was told that due to the fact they are in my yard I am responsible for the clean up even though the Villages owns the palm trees, kind of understand that but I still filled an complaint and was very surprised when someone from the Villages showed up 1/2 hour later. Every storm I have to clean up these palm fonds but never this many. He was very nice but reinforced that I was responsible for the cost of the clean up but he would make a note to have an Arborist look at the palms to see if they are dying. So long story short called my landscaper who is the best, Vidal Landscaping who came today to clean up my mess. They cleaned up 48-50 fonds and then had to clean out all of my gutters due to the debris from the palms that was clogging them to the tune of $350.00. My question is does anyone have an idea how to follow up on this to maybe recroup what I paid for the clean up and to let the Villages know that the landscaper told me I probably have another 5-10 fonds that are going to come down in the next wind storm. Another clean up bill.

Thanks, Janet

My guess is you have the benefit of those trees without the expense of planting them but you do have the obligation to clean up after them.

[La lamy]

I don't know OP's health status, but picking up a frond and dragging it to the curb for waste management is not hard. I would do it myself and call it a little exercise event. As far as the gutters are concerned, I'd wait to see how they work during a strong rain (yes you can go outside and look!), before trusting someone that says I need to get them cleaned.

[Mrmean58]

Seems high, but did it take them 4 minutes or 4 hours? What was the size of the work crew?

It doesn't matter. The homeowner is responsible for the clean up. That is true in the villages and anywhere else.

[midiwiz]

Hopefully everyone survived the hurricane. I have a villa with a fence in my backyard that has 5 Village palms tress behind my fence which never get trimmed. This morning I had 48 palm fonds in my yard, on my patio roof and the walkway on the side of my house. I called Property Management this am to complain about the palm fonds that are not mine! I was told that due to the fact they are in my yard I am responsible for the clean up even though the Villages owns the palm trees, kind of understand that but I still filled an complaint and was very surprised when someone from the Villages showed up 1/2 hour later. Every storm I have to clean up these palm fonds but never this many. He was very nice but reinforced that I was responsible for the cost of the clean up but he would make a note to have an Arborist look at the palms to see if they are dying. So long story short called my landscaper who is the best, Vidal Landscaping who came today to clean up my mess. They cleaned up 48-50 fonds and then had to clean out all of my gutters due to the debris from the palms that was clogging them to the tune of $350.00. My question is does anyone have an idea how to follow up on this to maybe recroup what I paid for the clean up and to let the Villages know that the landscaper told me I probably have another 5-10 fonds that are going to come down in the next wind storm. Another clean up bill.
Thanks, Janet

Congrats! Wecome to TV, where mgmt could care less as they already have you trapped and are collecting your $$$. NOTHING is their problem only yours it's by design. While they could clean up those palms, they won't. They lean on "Sharon Morse love them that way" and other BS. in order to have any chance with them you have to take this out of local court and find a federal law, etc to sue them for. They have local everything wired to their favor, what isn't is the next level up. That's how you hit them.

Your case will be almost impossible because (thinkng back to my HOA days) I don't know of any federal law that would enbale this type of suit, and it doesn't qualify for selective enforcement. Your only other angle would be a class action law suit and I don't think these residents have enough balls to do that.

Good luck, I'm on your side I hate the sight of thse unkept palms.

[mkjelenbaas]

Hopefully everyone survived the hurricane. I have a villa with a fence in my backyard that has 5 Village palms tress behind my fence which never get trimmed. This morning I had 48 palm fonds in my yard, on my patio roof and the walkway on the side of my house. I called Property Management this am to complain about the palm fonds that are not mine! I was told that due to the fact they are in my yard I am responsible for the clean up even though the Villages owns the palm trees, kind of understand that but I still filled an complaint and was very surprised when someone from the Villages showed up 1/2 hour later. Every storm I have to clean up these palm fonds but never this many. He was very nice but reinforced that I was responsible for the cost of the clean up but he would make a note to have an Arborist look at the palms to see if they are dying. So long story short called my landscaper who is the best, Vidal Landscaping who came today to clean up my mess. They cleaned up 48-50 fonds and then had to clean out all of my gutters due to the debris from the palms that was clogging them to the tune of $350.00. My question is does anyone have an idea how to follow up on this to maybe recroup what I paid for the clean up and to let the Villages know that the landscaper told me I probably have another 5-10 fonds that are going to come down in the next wind storm. Another clean up bill.
Thanks, Janet
Don’t waste your time and energy - pay the $350 and put it behind you.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Congrats! Wecome to TV, where mgmt could care less as they already have you trapped and are collecting your $$$. NOTHING is their problem only yours it's by design. While they could clean up those palms, they won't. They lean on "Sharon Morse love them that way" and other BS. in order to have any chance with them you have to take this out of local court and find a federal law, etc to sue them for. They have local everything wired to their favor, what isn't is the next level up. That's how you hit them.

Your case will be almost impossible because (thinkng back to my HOA days) I don't know of any federal law that would enbale this type of suit, and it doesn't qualify for selective enforcement. Your only other angle would be a class action law suit and I don't think these residents have enough balls to do that.

Good luck, I'm on your side I hate the sight of thse unkept palms.

I will say I admire anyone willing to cross the ‘company line’ and express their opinions, even if they differ from the fellowship here....

That said, everybody here signs on the dotted line, there really are no secrets at closing. Just like logging on to any platform, who really reads all the ‘terms and agreements’ in their entirety. Most learn this behavior from politicians that put out 8,000 page bills and can’t tell you what’s in the body of the rest of it. Read the first page and the last page...like CliffsNotes.

The developer is successful because he dots the I’s and crosses the T’s. Maybe more here should do the same....exercise some due diligence before signing on the dotted line. It’s all in there for those that care enough to look at it.

As far as your ‘residents having the balls to do it’ comment. This reminds me of Harold Ramis’ character in the movie ‘Stripes’...when he says ‘i want you guys to know, if we ever see any real heavy combat, i’ll be behind you every step of the way’!

[nn0wheremann]

FE962/FE962: Handbook of Florida Fence and Property Law: Trees and Landowner Responsibility (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE962#)
“ If the branches are dead, however, then the landowner with the tree located on his or her property may be responsible, and could be liable for damages caused by the branches. 1 Fla. Jur. 2d Adjoining Landowners § 8 (2022).”

If the trees shed dead fronds, then The Villages or the CDD which owns the trees should pay. If these were green healthy fronds, tough luck

[Angelhug52]

If you do pick them up wear thick gloves and long sleeves and long pants. The spikes harbor a bacteria that can destroy your lungs. Saw a case just like that in my early nursing days here. Thank goodness the Infectious Disease doctor realized that an infected finger was on the way to killing a pt and what it was from. Pay the money and leave the work to experts.

[janetlea]

Hopefully everyone survived the hurricane. I have a villa with a fence in my backyard that has 5 Village palms tress behind my fence which never get trimmed. This morning I had 48 palm fonds in my yard, on my patio roof and the walkway on the side of my house. I called Property Management this am to complain about the palm fonds that are not mine! I was told that due to the fact they are in my yard I am responsible for the clean up even though the Villages owns the palm trees, kind of understand that but I still filled an complaint and was very surprised when someone from the Villages showed up 1/2 hour later. Every storm I have to clean up these palm fonds but never this many. He was very nice but reinforced that I was responsible for the cost of the clean up but he would make a note to have an Arborist look at the palms to see if they are dying. So long story short called my landscaper who is the best, Vidal Landscaping who came today to clean up my mess. They cleaned up 48-50 fonds and then had to clean out all of my gutters due to the debris from the palms that was clogging them to the tune of $350.00. My question is does anyone have an idea how to follow up on this to maybe recroup what I paid for the clean up and to let the Villages know that the landscaper told me I probably have another 5-10 fonds that are going to come down in the next wind storm. Another clean up bill.
Thanks, Janet

Vidal had to do almost a total yard clean up, I didn't feel that in this forum I had to give a detailed accounting of all the things they did. They have never overcharged, I have used them for years because they are reliable and go above and beyond what you ask them to do without adding to the bill.

[Shipping up to Boston]

Vidal had to do almost a total yard clean up, I didn't feel that in this forum I had to give a detailed accounting of all the things they did. They have never overcharged, I have used them for years because they are reliable and go above and beyond what you ask them to do without adding to the bill.

So in other words....what we call ‘up north’, a Fall clean up. Big difference than what you described initially. You know on this forum, the ‘forensic’ membership relies heavily on details! That said, still a little high for that size lot/landscape but look at it as an early Christmas present to Vidal and crew!

[Nell57]

Yes, when you buy in The Villages you are also “buying’’ the neighborhood. If a mature live oak is in your neighbors yard, get ready for acorns and moss.
You do have the benefit of the shade and ambience of the palms. You didn’t have to pay for them to be planted , or any associated costs.
I don’t think you’ll win this one. I’d be thankful that you did not have any damage from Helene and move on with your life.

[PhilR]

Hopefully everyone survived the hurricane. I have a villa with a fence in my backyard that has 5 Village palms tress behind my fence which never get trimmed. This morning I had 48 palm fonds in my yard, on my patio roof and the walkway on the side of my house. I called Property Management this am to complain about the palm fonds that are not mine! I was told that due to the fact they are in my yard I am responsible for the clean up even though the Villages owns the palm trees, kind of understand that but I still filled an complaint and was very surprised when someone from the Villages showed up 1/2 hour later. Every storm I have to clean up these palm fonds but never this many. He was very nice but reinforced that I was responsible for the cost of the clean up but he would make a note to have an Arborist look at the palms to see if they are dying. So long story short called my landscaper who is the best, Vidal Landscaping who came today to clean up my mess. They cleaned up 48-50 fonds and then had to clean out all of my gutters due to the debris from the palms that was clogging them to the tune of $350.00. My question is does anyone have an idea how to follow up on this to maybe recroup what I paid for the clean up and to let the Villages know that the landscaper told me I probably have another 5-10 fonds that are going to come down in the next wind storm. Another clean up bill.
Thanks, Janet

Good friend lives in Hudson Beach just west of us. 6’ high water mark on his walls. Now calls Residence Inn home. The Palm fronds are for sure an eyesore

[MightyDog]

Don’t waste your time and energy - pay the $350 and put it behind you.
Rather, the OP should realize that landscapers aren't needed to carry palm fronds to the curb or clean gutters.

Find a handyman that charges a reasonable hourly rate and have him come do both chores. Probably wouldn't have cost more than $125.

Also, in the cellphone era, it's always appropriate to ask the contractor to take a picture, or three, of things they say need addressing but, that you can't see from ground level.

[Topspinmo]

Hopefully everyone survived the hurricane. I have a villa with a fence in my backyard that has 5 Village palms tress behind my fence which never get trimmed. This morning I had 48 palm fonds in my yard, on my patio roof and the walkway on the side of my house. I called Property Management this am to complain about the palm fonds that are not mine! I was told that due to the fact they are in my yard I am responsible for the clean up even though the Villages owns the palm trees, kind of understand that but I still filled an complaint and was very surprised when someone from the Villages showed up 1/2 hour later. Every storm I have to clean up these palm fonds but never this many. He was very nice but reinforced that I was responsible for the cost of the clean up but he would make a note to have an Arborist look at the palms to see if they are dying. So long story short called my landscaper who is the best, Vidal Landscaping who came today to clean up my mess. They cleaned up 48-50 fonds and then had to clean out all of my gutters due to the debris from the palms that was clogging them to the tune of $350.00. My question is does anyone have an idea how to follow up on this to maybe recroup what I paid for the clean up and to let the Villages know that the landscaper told me I probably have another 5-10 fonds that are going to come down in the next wind storm. Another clean up bill.
Thanks, Janet

So far I’ve gotten 5 yard waste bags full. Lot from my neighbors palms and oaks shall I expect them to clean them up? Funny thing owning property anything blow in it yours:Screen_of_Death:

[twoplanekid]

These pictures were taken today by me when driving along Sea Ranch Drive to get to our condo in Hudson, Florida. All of the hundreds of homes in this area were flooded by 6 or more feet of sea water last Thursday. They have a lot of cleanup and hard work ahead of them. Power is to be restored to this area in one week. We, in the Villages are so lucky to have what we have here.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

If you do pick them up wear thick gloves and long sleeves and long pants. The spikes harbor a bacteria that can destroy your lungs. Saw a case just like that in my early nursing days here. Thank goodness the Infectious Disease doctor realized that an infected finger was on the way to killing a pt and what it was from. Pay the money and leave the work to experts.

Interesting post, I did not know that particular fact!

Maybe there are reasons why costs appear higher than one's intuition would think.

Maybe there are reasons why costs in one region of the country are significantly different that other parts of the country?

Maybe paradise can cost a bit more than where we came from for certain events?

Maybe out of the ordinary from daily events cost a bit more?

Maybe everyone wants to complain so that they get some sympathy for being in a special situation?

Maybe retired people have forgotten about how the working world works, since we don't belong any more. . . its weird getting the same age as old people. . .

I have no idea if the cost is reasonable or not, but if the fronds are as poisonous / dangerous to handle, maybe the cost is reasonable and I aint doing it. . .

but I agree that its an inconvienence for living in near paradise. . and 💩 happens. .

[Shipping up to Boston]

Interesting post, I did not know that particular fact!

Maybe there are reasons why costs appear higher than one's intuition would think.

Maybe there are reasons why costs in one region of the country are significantly different that other parts of the country?

Maybe paradise can cost a bit more than where we came from for certain events?

Maybe out of the ordinary from daily events cost a bit more?

Maybe everyone wants to complain so that they get some sympathy for being in a special situation?

Maybe retired people have forgotten about how the working world works, since we don't belong any more. . . its weird getting the same age as old people. . .

I have no idea if the cost is reasonable or not, but if the fronds are as poisonous / dangerous to handle, maybe the cost is reasonable and I aint doing it. . .

but I agree that its an inconvienence for living in near paradise. . and 💩 happens. .

Can’t be any different than where we’re from SG. Landscapers deal with poison ivy (most of them immune to it apparently) in our neck of the woods. Don’t remember ever getting an up charge for their exposure to what is a natural occupational hazard. As a finance guy (you..not me), you do know that there are some contractors that take advantage of customers during these types of events....and as I stated in an earlier post, price gouging laws are on the books but I’m sure rarely enforced in most vulnerable states. Otherwise, I agree with most of your post

[graciegirl]

These pictures were taken today by me when driving along Sea Ranch Drive to get to our condo in Hudson, Florida. All of the hundreds of homes in this area were flooded by 6 or more feet of sea water last Thursday. They have a lot of cleanup and hard work ahead of them. Power is to be restored to this area in one week. We, in the Villages are so lucky to have what we have here.

That was the point I was trying to make. The aftermath of the storm becomes more grave as each day passes.