Tree Removal Protocol Edit page

Document prepared by: The Colonies Board of Directors, c/o Realty Resource Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 51767, Knoxville, TN  37950

Step 1              Any common area tree that presents an imminent danger to health and safety will be addressed.

Step 2              No common tree that is alive and healthy will be removed unless it presents a danger to health and/or safety.

Step 3              The Colonies will not be responsible for an “Act of God” if a healthy common tree falls and damages private property.  The Colonies will be responsible for all trees and tree stumps and tree debris on common property.  The property owner is responsible for stump removal and tree debris cleanup on their property.

Step 4              If an owner cuts or prunes any vegetation on their property, they can pile it at the curb, and The Colonies contractor will pick it up.  In the event that a homeowner chooses to hire a contractor to cut or prune vegetation, the owner/contractor is responsible for all debris removal and any damage to common property or adjacent property that may occur. Also, any contractor(s) that is (are) hired must carry both liability and Workers’ Compensation insurance.

Any owner wishing to remove a tree/vegetation from their property must contact the Board of Directors prior to any tree removal to verify property lines.  Any trees removed on private property must also have the stump removed or ground out.  If you do not remove the stump, you will be fined monthly until it is removed.

Step 5              The Colonies will not remove trees or tree stumps from private property. It is the owner’s responsibility to have the tree stumps ground out and the grinding chips removed. You must then work the ground smooth, fertilize it, then lay the seed and the straw to allow new grass to grow.

Step 6              In the event that a tree falls on owners “real property” (cars, house, etc.), the owner will need to alert RRS, The Colonies’ management company, and contact their insurance carrier for removal immediately. This policy applies to any tree, whether the standing tree is on the homeowner’s property, or on the common areas of the Association.

The owner can elect to cut up the tree/limbs no longer than 8 ft. pieces, and pile the tree debris by the curb, and The Colonies lawn service will pick it up. If the homeowner chooses to employ a contractor, the owner/contractor is responsible for all debris removal and any damage to common property, or adjacent property, that may occur during the removal process from The Colonies.