Trees
Trees
Trees in our neighborhood can be resident-owned, TR HOA-owned, or jointly-owned.
Trees and bushes in the trails are the responsibility of the HOA and are regularly cleared. Some of the HOA property is protected greenbelt. Trimming is not allowed for trees in Native Protected Growth areas. See the legal plat map here to locate protected greenbelt areas.
Tree requests can be submitted via the form below.
Homeowner Trees
Removal of trees within 50 feet of the north and east boundaries of the plat require ACC approval to ensure that the homeowner has the authority to remove the tree and for compliance with tree preservation easements on the official plat.
The homeowner is responsible for ensuring they meet all the tree removal requirements imposed by the City of Sammamish.
The City of Sammamish requires a permit or affidavit to remove or snag "significant' trees on homeowners’ property. A significant tree is defined as a coniferous tree with a diameter of 8 inches or more measured at chest height or a deciduous tree with a diameter of 12 inches or more measured at chest height.
If homeowners are considering removing trees on their property, they should reference the city's Tree Permitting site.
HOA Trees and Jointly-Owned Trees
Trees and bushes in the trails are the responsibility of the HOA and are regularly cleared.
Some of the HOA property is protected greenbelt. Trimming is not allowed for trees in Native Protected Growth areas. See the legal plat map here to locate protected greenbelt areas.
Many HOA trees grow near homeowners' properties. Living in the Pacific Northwest means that lots of leaves from trees all over will land in your yard and gutters, especially after a major windstorm. Cleaning up the leaves and other debris from HOA trees that land in a homeowner's yard is the responsibility of the homeowner.
However, homeowners wishing to trim or HOA trees that extend over their lots shall contact the HOA to request trimming.
Healthy HOA Trees which extend into homeowners’ property, and jointly-owned trees
The HOA gets frequent requests from homeowners for tree trimming of healthy trees located on HOA property that reach into or shade an owner's lot or jointly owned trees. The HOA does not budget for maintenance of healthy trees. However, TR HOA allows owners to submit a trimming plan by an ISA certified arborist compliant with all city regulations. The HOA will review the trimming plan and, if approved, the homeowner can proceed with trimming the tree that extends into the homeowner’s lot at their own expense.
Only a limited trimming (less than 30% of branches) is allowed; removal of healthy TR HOA or jointly owned trees by homeowners is not allowed. If a trimming plan is approved, the owner must remove all trimmed branches and other debris at their own expense. Debris cannot remain on HOA property.
Unhealthy HOA Trees
If an HOA tree is deemed unhealthy (including dead, hazardous or an imminent threat) by an independent, ISA Certified Arborist with ISA Risk Assessment Qualifications, the HOA will manage the tree permitting with the city, the tree’s snagging/removal, and any required replanting. By default, TR HOA does not remove an unhealthy tree (i.e., cut it down to the ground). Instead, the HOA will “snag” the tree to an acceptable height allowing the tree to remain a habitat for wildlife.
If homeowners have a concern about an HOA tree near your property or wish to submit a tree trimming plan, they must complete & submit the online tree review request form for a tree evaluation.