Potential Spanish Springs Home Buyer
 

We have found a lovely home in Spanish Springs that we would like to purchase. There is only one BIG UNSIGHTLY PROBLEM, there is a huge oak tree in the front yard that we would like to remove. We would like to replace it with a more appropriate tree(s). Perhaps a Palm or two. We don’t think we will be able to live with the current tree situation. We know there are Village RULES / Deed Restrictions with regard to cutting down trees. Will getting permission be a major headache and time and should we just forego this property and look elsewhere? We easily could....
Your thoughts and experience would be greatly appreciated.

You’ll have to check directly with the powers that be. My understanding is that this type tree needs to be diseased, dying, and/or destroying the home’s foundation before approval is given to cut down the tree.

It can run from about 1000 dollars to over 4000 to have a large Live Oak tree removed.

Tree Removal Cost > 2021 Guide | Prices to Cut Down Trees by Size

New law from 2019 in Florida says; If a licensed Arborist says that the tree could be unsafe, the law now says it can be removed.

New Florida Tree Law – Chapter 2019-155 – Florida Chapter ISA

In the "for what its worth" category. Many of us love the large old oaks and consider them an enhancement to the area. Palms are a dime a dozen in TV.

You must obtain a permit to remove the oak.

If the oak tree is in good shape and not about to fall over and kill someone you bought it and it is yours.

Call Community Standards office and get the correct information not the opinions of TOTV posters.
VCDD Community Standards

RIGHT, as usual.

The only way you can be sure the tree will be removed is to make the removal part of the purchase and sales agreement to remove the tree before the closing. If the tree is still there at closing then you can walk away.

After closing, it will be your problem and you may find out the rules for tree removal aren't what you thought they were.

...

Thanks for the great advice as the tree is just simply HUGE and unsightly for my liking. Hubby believes it could damage the house should it get hit by lightning or even due to wind damage.

Thanks! This is very sound advice.

Remember that tree has been there WAY before the house, and obviously the house is still standing...

Call Community Standards.

Oak trees are really dirty and I would not buy a home with one near by. Good luck getting permission to remove it.

Good luck trying to get approval to remove it.

In Spanish Springs??? Spanish Springs are all townhomes and condos and there may be 1 townhome and 3 condos for sale...

You must check with the PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION who is responsible for all landscaping and grounds keeping in the 3 Spanish Springs sections of town homes and condos...

my two cents
 

FYI MOST palms are NOT native to Florida ! There are over 2600 species of palms in the world, but as it turns out, only twelve of them are actually native to Florida. That's a pretty small percentage for such an iconic Florida symbol. In fact, the stately, easily recognized coconut palm is one of the species that is NOT a Florida native.

Your Oak will keep your AC bill way down and in fact more palms are hit by lightning than other trees. I have seen some on FIRE

Sorry, but find another house here. There are plenty that have no trees. Many of us treasure our beautiful live oaks and their wonderful shade. They can be a pain, but in the summer, they make such a difference in the temperature.

It would be a crime to remove a beautiful live oak tree. Some of them have been here for hundreds of years. I think it’s better to find a different home.

Agree. Not to mention that the roots will still be all over.

You are never allowed to cut down the Oak. ( I guess if it is dead you could get the ok)

We had 2 oak trees removed by Tree Frog. The owner got the permits and did an excellent job. The restrictions in Florida relaxed a couple of years ago. We had sprinkler line damage from one tree, and the other was defective (as are 80% of oaks here)

Beautiful trees, but they should be placed in a large open area, not on a small lot with a home. They are always dropping something.

Agreed. In addition, Town of Lady Lake may have further restrictions.

Getting the oak tree properly trimmed and shaped is also an option and they do provide nice shade.

Water oaks live from 50 years to 75, live oaks can live up to 300.

If the home is a patio villa or courtyard villa (super small yards), you would probably be given permission to remove the tree. Many have been removed from those yards south of 466.

Not necessarily true. Oak trees grow very fast here. The ones on our street installed by the Developer were 4" in diameter 13 years ago and are now 13+ inches.

They may be beautiful but they are the worst trees when it comes to dirt and shedding and the moss is filled with bacteria. I would get rid of every one of them. Trying to keep the gutters clean and the crap out of the pool is a full time job.

So? Its unsightly and why take the chance

Look elsewhere, leave the tree alone. There are identical houses with no tree.

I love big old trees.

In other peoples gardens!

New law of 2019 says that the home owner must obtain an independent arborist report . This will over ride the villages arborist and allow you to remove the tree. You do not need to get a permit or permission from the ARC. Use a good company and have the arborist report before starting to remove the tree.

Get everything in writing! Your agent should be able to ask the review committee

You know there are Rules/Deed Restrictions just go to Community Standards and ask what the process entails before you make a decision. Each area of the Villages has their own set of restrictions. If having the tree is a deal breaker then I would walk away.

pattycake67, I just sent you a private message that will be very helpful to you.

Incorrect. I had a large Live Oak removed for cracking my sprinkler lines/heads and for lifting some of my pavers. I simply used the existing Florida law concerning tree removal.

New Florida Tree Law – Chapter 2019-155 – Florida Chapter ISA

Removing a tree.
 

I understand it is a County ordinance. Not a Villages rule. You have to get permission from the County.

If you get rid of an oak tree, it's like killing a sacred cow. We got a 5,000 dollar fine in Pinellas where we used to live. Answer is DON'T touch it unless it it dead. Just not worth it.