Getting HOA Pre-Approval for Tree Work
What to submit, who decides, and how to avoid a fine after the fact.
PUBLISHED May 13, 2026
Most master-planned communities in Southwest Florida require ARC (architectural review committee) approval for tree work on owner-side property. Skip the approval, do the work, and you can be fined or required to undo it. Get the approval right and the process is straightforward — most ARC committees approve reasonable tree work routinely.
What the ARC typically wants
- Photos of the tree(s) from multiple angles, ideally with surrounding context (your house, nearby trees, structures).
- Written description of the proposed work — exact scope (full removal, structural prune, deadwood, etc.).
- Contractor information — licensed, insured tree-service company with Certificate of Insurance attached.
- Reason for the work — hazard, view, health, planting, etc.
- For removals: species identification and DBH measurement, since many ARCs are stricter on heritage species.
Common approval timelines
Most SW Florida ARCs review applications on a monthly cycle. Routine maintenance trims often get fast-tracked or pre-approved. Removal applications usually take 2–6 weeks for full review. Emergency hazard removals can sometimes be approved within days if the hazard is documented. Plan your timeline around the ARC schedule — submitting a removal request the week before storm season starts almost guarantees you won't get the work done in time.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Don't start work before approval. Even if the work is reasonable, doing it without approval is a violation — and many HOAs charge fines for it.
- Don't submit a vague scope. 'Trim the tree' is much harder to approve than 'remove deadwood and crown-reduce by 15% to clear the roof.'
- Don't use a contractor your HOA doesn't recognize. Many communities maintain approved-contractor lists; using a non-approved contractor can be a separate violation.
Frequently asked.
How do I find my HOA's tree-work rules?
Start with your community's CC&Rs (covenants, conditions, and restrictions) and any architectural guidelines. Most master-planned communities also have a separate landscape/tree-work guideline document. Your property manager or HOA board can provide both. The rules are sometimes stricter than the county tree ordinance.
Can I appeal an ARC denial?
Usually yes — most HOAs have an appeals process. Common successful appeal grounds: documented hazard (with photos and a written contractor assessment), inaccurate species ID on the original denial, or a clear safety issue. Pure aesthetic preference rarely wins on appeal.
Will you handle the ARC paperwork as part of the job?
Yes. We provide ARC-format documentation (photos, scope, COI, species ID) as part of any HOA-community quote, and we wait for approval before starting work. The paperwork is rarely the bottleneck — the ARC review schedule is.
Got a question on your specific tree?
Articles are useful, but a real photo bid gets you a species-specific answer for your property in writing.