HOA Tree Removal Letter
· Updated
Fill in the highlighted fields to create an HOA tree removal request. Click any field to type your details, then copy the letter and attach photographs and any arborist report. Do not cut the tree before you have written approval.
[Date]
Architectural Review Committee or Board of Directors
[Association Name]
[Association Address]
Re: Request to remove [Tree Description], [Property Address]
Dear Architectural Review Committee,
I request approval to [Tree Action, for example "remove" or "trim"] the [Tree Species And Size] located at [Tree Location, for example "the front yard, 8 feet from the house"].
Reason: [Reason For Request, for example "the tree is dead, leaning toward the house and has been assessed as hazardous by a certified arborist"].
I enclose: photographs, [Arborist Report Statement, for example "a report from a certified arborist dated X"] and the contractor's details. I will replace the tree with [Replacement Plan, if required] and will pay for the work, including stump removal and cleanup.
Please tell me your decision by [Decision Date]. If the tree is an emergency hazard, I will contact [Emergency Contact] immediately. I can be reached at [Owner Phone] or [Owner Email].
Sincerely,
[Owner Name]
[Owner Address]
What this letter does
A tree removal request asks the association for permission to remove or trim a tree. Many communities protect trees and require approval, and some trees belong to the association or the city.
What to include
- The tree's location, species and size.
- The reason, such as disease, damage or danger.
- Photographs, plus a professional assessment if you have one.
- Who will do the work, and a replacement plan if required.
- A timeline, and what happens in an emergency.
Check before you apply
Find out who owns the tree and whether local ordinances protect it. In an emergency, such as a tree that is about to fall, contact the manager or board immediately and photograph the hazard. Do not remove a protected or association tree without approval.
After the decision
Approval is documented with an approval letter. If it is refused, you can ask for a variance or appeal. Other exterior projects use the architectural request letter. Associations dealing with lawn issues can use the lawn violation letter. Removing a tree without approval can draw an HOA violation letter, and a refusal arrives as an HOA denial letter.
Common questions
Who pays for tree removal?
Usually the owner for a tree on their lot, unless the documents say otherwise.
Can the HOA require replacement?
Often, if the rules say so.
This page gives general information and sample wording. It is not legal advice, and requirements differ by state and by association.