JOB DONE at bottom Do you think we should trim or remove these trees?

J Brown
by J Brown

I am president of a small HOA, nothing fancy about us. Past decision makers had these "stately" Italian cypress trees planted several years ago, they were only 3 feet tall and did look nice. Now as you can see they have grown tall and are crowding the entrance lighting. Truthfully I don't think they do anything for the entrance, tall spirals to nowhere.I propose cutting the two closest to the entrance lights to about even with the lettering allowing them to soften the entrance.I know owners need to pressure wash!~~~~~Opinions please.

When they were planted
  12 answers
  • I agree with you. They will look much better trimmed down.

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 20, 2020

    I agree also. Perhaps after trimming you could make something that was a removable panel that would hide the gray box.


  • Barbara Paugh Patton Barbara Paugh Patton on Feb 20, 2020

    They would look better if they where trimmed down. Also you could make the

    entrance look nice.





  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Feb 20, 2020

    Hello. I would agree with trimming them down to a shorter height. Some additional evergreen planting or groundcover might help anchor the current landscaping.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Feb 20, 2020

    Hi J. Brown,

    To me they look out of place. Yes, they are too tall, but they also look crowded next to the walls. I like Betsy's box hedge idea, as long as you can keep them maintained so that they don't grow too tall. However, even those might not have enough room. Personally, I'd talk to 2 or 3 local landscapers to see what thrives in your area. It might even be worth it to get quotes to have one of them do the actual work. Local landscapers should know what kind of plants will look best and will be easiest to maintain. Wishing you the best.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Feb 21, 2020

    I agree that they do not add any curb appeal. IMO they are also an ongoing pain to try to keep trimmed to shape. Cut them down and remove roots completely.


    I also notice that the curb area in front of the Merritt sign is being eroded, possibly by tires driving over the dead grass(?)

    I would abandon trying to grow grass there, as it is high maintenance and a loosing battle.


    Action:

    1. Kill the grass and any weeds presently existing
    2. Lay down layers of landscaping fabric.( save money here by DIY)
    3. Cover the area over with rocks. (river rocks or larger) Put larger rocks that are too big for wheels to go over along the edge line.


    Resulting in:

    1. Halting the land erosion in the curb area
    2. Eliminates the eye sore of dead grass and dirt
    3. Rocks encourage proper drainage
    4. No/ minimal further maintenance required

  • J Brown J Brown on Feb 21, 2020

    Agree with all.

    Flipburn you will be shocked when I tell you a landscaper was consulted when these were planted. Needless to say won't be calling them again. Even I know you don't plant that close to a structure. Cypress trees should be planted at least 3 feet from the structure that is is going to enhance.

    there is a narrow "gravel planter" between the trees. Nothing will grow out there because there is no available water.



    • 17335038 17335038 on Feb 22, 2020

      Oh my gosh! Having the HOA pay for a landscapers consulting fee in this instance is way overboard.

      Yes, considering where the nearest water source is located is thinking from a practical standpoint.

  • Annie Annie on Feb 21, 2020

    I agree they should be taken down. And they are getting tall enough to interfere with the street signs, so that's not good.

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Feb 23, 2020

    Keep them, but they could use a good trimming.

  • Dee Dee on Feb 23, 2020

    I think a good trimming is in order. You cannot read the street sign they way it is now. I would plant some dwarf bushes in front of the sign, add a pebble border the grass looks bad.

  • TNsteph TNsteph on Feb 23, 2020

    I say dig them up. You could plant monkey grass along the bottom of the signs if you desire some greenery.

  • J Brown J Brown on Mar 08, 2020

    JOB DONE, Simple snip and cut, they are down to size. Only complainer is the person who had them planted in the first place. You can NOW see the lights and there is room for some additional needed signage.

    Next project pressure washing.....


    Thank you all for your responses and opinions.