Our Ashborough Neighborhood

Ashborough is more restrictive than the county and state law says HOA rules take precedence.  Trees represent an important asset to Ashborough, many of us bought homes here because we valued the mature trees. Drive into Ashborough on a summer afternoon and there is an immediate feeling of calm created in-part by our wooded, shaded setting. Shade also reduces air conditioning costs. Trees are important to the preservation of our property values and their removal is regulated and requires approval by the Architectural Review Board.

Because many Ashborough trees are reaching maturity the ARB is especially sensitive to saving ‘teenage’ trees that represent the next generation. Depending on specific site situations, tree removal permission may be contingent upon starting a new generation by planting a replacement with a minimum 2” diameter trunk of a species with expected height of 50 feet or more (not a crepe myrtle). Pine trees are not considered ‘trash trees’ and are prized for their evergreen foliage and vertical habit.  Mature pines are Ashborough signature trees. Owner opinion that a tree is 'messy' is not a reason for removal. Residents have declared everything from live oaks to southern magnolia as messy and requested removal.

Review and Approval Requirements
Trees must be site-inspected and approved by an ARB representative prior to removal. Forms for removal request and site review can be obtained from the Ashborough web site. Trees may not necessarily be approved for removal based solely on cosmetic reasons or because of the opinions of arborists or tree removal services. More latitude of interpretation is applied in rear yards that are out of public view.

Typical conditions where ARB approval is most likely:
  1) the tree is dead or dying;
  2) the tree is tipping dangerously, especially toward a house; or
  3) the tree is located in an area where the ARB has approved construction of a property addition.
note: Ashborough homes are constructed on deep, continuous concrete foundations and damage from trees is very, very rare. Tree roots under the house are common with no adverse effects. If you are concerned about foundation damage have the ARB check your brick ledge for cracking.

Trimming
Lower limbs of trees (up to 25% of existing crown) may removed from trees without approval. NOTE: because improper trimming can kill a tree, practices like: 'topping', 'pollarding', 'dehorning', etc. are prohibited. ARB approval is required if removal of more than 25% of the existing crown is desired.