Updates on Tree Trimming by the County in Live Oak Estates

I spoke with Bill, the supervisor of the crew from Central Florida ArborCare that Orange County hired to trim trees in our neighborhood. He provided the following information:

1. We don’t have the option of telling Central Florida ArborCare not to cut our trees, except as explained below. The County plans to repave our roads in the next year or so, and they want to make sure low-hanging trees don’t interfere with the tall equipment used to do this. I called the County roads supervisor for our area last week, and he said that once they’ve signed a contract to have work done, they have no way to turn it off.
2. The County’s directions to the contractor are to trim all branches overhanging roads to a height of 20 feet, and branches overhanging the right of way to a height of 14 feet.
3. If a tree’s trunk is in the right-of-way (the 10-foot-wide area of your property adjacent to the road), you have no right to prevent the contractor from trimming to the County’s specifications.
4. If a tree’s trunk is completely on your property and not in the right of way, they must still trim branches overhanging the road, but I’ve arranged for them to knock on your door and ask your permission before trimming over the right-of-way. If nobody is home, Bill will send me a list of addresses where they need to contact the owner and I’ll contact these owners if they’re registered either with the HOA’s website or SMC’s portal. Bill promises they will not trim these trees without your permission (they did last week, but shouldn’t after today).
5. You can call Bill on his cell phone at 847-997-6658 if you have any questions.

Trimming began late last week and is scheduled to be completed by Friday, November 3, 2023.

Bill noted that his crews are not allowed to trim trees not covered by the County’s contract during business hours, but they can do private work at the owner’s expense after the end of their work day. Call or text Bill to get a quote if you’re interested. He says the savings over their usual rates is substantial since the County’s already paid them to bring their equipment to our community.

Ron Sutton