From Your Architectural Liaison

By Diane Botica SRCA Architectural Liaison

ARE THEY HEDGES OR ARE THEY TREES? What to know when planting in your front or rear yard

Everyone loves trees. We know they are important to the environment, and we appreciate the beautiful shade they give us which is so very vital in this climate. As there are over 60,000 species of trees, there are only 9 native tree species in the Phoenix area. That means all the rest are brought in and introduced to this climate. We make a lot of changes to our environment. The immediate landscape and even allergies are affected when new varieties are brought in. You may think that the local nursery has your best interest at heart when they recommend a specific tree to assist you with your query. Many aspects should be taken into consideration when choosing a tree to plant within an HOA.

One very important factor when living in an HOA and planting a tree is your neighbors. How will this tree affect your neighbor when walking down the street? Will the branches grow large and strong and grow over the sidewalk? Will they grow over your shared wall? Will the tree trunk diameter increase and push on the shared wall? What about the tree’s thicket? Will it push against the shared wall and crack it when one day you stop trying to get on the other side of that monstrous tree to keep it trimmed?

What if you have citrus trees and do not glean the fruits and roof rats come into the neighborhood? What if you plant trees and take care of them and then sell your home, the new owner does not take care of them? These are all issues that have come into play and have affected neighbors and neighbor relationships over the years. This is why the 15-foot setback rule was adopted in August 2018, requiring all trees that will be planted to have a 15-foot setback measurement from the new tree’s planting location to the shared walls/shared property lines/inside edges of the sidewalk or street. If you are out walking and see large trees down the street and wonder why you cannot plant one in the same size space, it is because these big, beautiful trees do damage when planted in locations without the proper growing space. So many issues are now surfacing with damaged sidewalks, walls, and encroachment problems.

When you go to the nursery and the salesperson wants to talk you into a tree that will grow 30 feet wide, for the 8-foot area that you have available, please remember that this is one reason that you need to submit for approval first. Many homeowners have had to remove the beautiful line of trees that they planted close to their wall without approval. They bought that type of tree because the nursery tells them that they have planted many of those trees in your HOA and it is the Hollywood hedge everyone wants. What they did not tell you is that many of the homeowners that planted those trees had to remove those trees because they do not meet the 15’ setback requirement. Many times, you are told it is not a tree. But in the case of ALL Ficus varieties, they are considered trees which have very evasive roots. If you are looking for a privacy hedge consider hopseed bushes.

Please remember When in doubt, reach out! Please submit!

From the Scottsdale Police Department

Pavement Burns

By Brian Hartman, #866, Scottsdale Police Department Crime Prevention Officer, Via Linda District

The asphalt on Arizona’s Valley streets can reach up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. With temperatures still reaching well over 100 degrees in August and September, it’s no wonder pavement burns are still a real danger this time of year. Once outside temperatures surpass 95°, the risk of pavement burns increases for bare skin contact, including our pets’ paws! However, by doing the “touch-test”, being mindful of hot asphalt, sidewalks, desert sand (often found on hiking trails), and remaining indoors during the hottest hours of the day, you can help your pet avoid potential third-degree burns that require medical treatment and possible surgery. The seven-second rule: Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it’s too hot to walk your dog.