By Treena Parish, Department Manager AECD
Q: Who can do vista pruning?
A: Any tree service you choose. For your convenience, we have a list of tree services that have done work in Big Canoe.
Q: Who can take down dead trees?
A: Anyone can take down trees that have been approved for removal by the POA. The POA will provide documentation of approval. Please do not take trees down without consulting the AECD first at 706-268-3394.
Q: Can I take down trees that are against the house?
A: Trees and shrubs within 10 feet of the house or garage, or 3 feet of the driveway may be removed without permission.
Q: Can I take dead trees down that are on the green space?
A: No. Trees that are not on your property can not be touched. This fine is $3,000 per tree or shrub. Property owners on a lake need to be especially aware of the property line because there is a green space that encircles the lake. This area is protected to maintain the natural beauty.
Q: Can vista pruning be done in the green space?
A: Yes. The POA supervisor can authorize vista pruning in the POA green space.
Q: What is the process for getting permission to remove a tree?
A: Call the AECD and a representative will come by and review the request. If the tree is allowed to be removed, the tree will be mark with a ribbon and an approval form will be filled out. The form will either be given to the owner on the spot or mailed to the billing address. A copy of this approval form will be retained on file at the AECD office for one year.
Q: What trees are protected in Big Canoe?
A: All evergreen trees and dogwoods are protected. This means that unless they are dead or present a danger to the property, authorization for removal will not be granted.
Q: What are the tree clean-up provisions?
A: Per the Rules and Regulations approved by the POA Board last year re: all lots, a corridor that’s 75-feet wide on both sides of any road, as measured by line of sight from the edge of pavement, shall be addressed as follows:
1) All visible root balls must be remediated by one or more of the following methods:
a. forced back as much as possible into its original location which is the preferred method
b. disguised by an AECD approved landscape plan
c. moved outside the 75-foot corridor
d. moved to an off-site location
2) All visible fallen trees must be remediated by one or more of the following methods:
a. have trunks touching the ground, including cutting them into sections if necessary to achieve complete ground contact, and cutting the remaining trunk as close to the ground as possible.
b. moved outside the seventy-five (75) feet corridor;
c. moved to an off- site location;
d. branches from fallen trees must be cut and laid on the ground or moved outside the seventy-five (75) feet corridor.
3) All visible leaning trees must be cut down and remediated to meet the standards of fallen trees.
4) Dead and Broken trees (snags) may remain in place as long as they pose no real threat , as determined by the POA, to property, POA right of way, driveways, other healthy trees, people, or pets. Downed canopy material must be cut and laid on the ground or moved outside the seventy-five (75) feet
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