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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

A peek-a-boo view is never guaranteed.

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.

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:

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)

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....

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

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.