Policy Regarding Trees

WHEREAS, the great number of mature trees located in the Lake Barcroft community

constitute a significant part of the ambience and uniqueness of the community;

WHEREAS, the trees, together with the lake itself, are assets which contribute greatly to the

economic value of the properties contained within the community; and

WHEREAS, the trees play an important environmental role in that they clean the air by filtering

pollutants and producing oxygen, establish a crucial niche in the lake ecosystem by providing

homes and food for insects, birds and other wildlife, reduce erosion and runoff by stabilizing soil

with their extensive root structures, reduce the amount of pesticides and other chemicals washed

into the lake, and lower energy costs by providing shade and cooling the air;

THEREFORE, The LBA Board hereby adopts a policy to promote the preservation and

enhancement of Lake Barcroft’s trees. In particular,

1. LBA discourages the removal of mature trees, with the exception of those trees which are dead or dying, and those trees which present an imminent danger to existing structures.
2. LBA encourages home owners to plant indigenous trees on their properties, both as replacements for removed trees and as components of their landscaping plans.
3. In addition to any required approval from LBA’s Architectural Review Committee, LBA urges home owners to consult with LBA’s Environmental Quality Committee before removing any mature trees and to receive help and advice on their landscaping plans.