Builder planting tree after settlement

[SPR]

What is the name of your state? Pa

My wife and I recently moved into a home that we had built "custom". They did some basic landscape work, which just consisted of a flower bed in the front of the house and that was it. Today, my wife gets home and found that the builder went on everyone's properties who have already moved in and planted trees in the front yards.

Normally I would like this, but our house is a Northern exposure, so shading the front of the house is not necessary and I don't care to have a tree there. Also, I can't find it anywhere in the contract that says they were going to plant one.

Do they have a right to come on to my property after I already own it and plant the tree? We have been moved in for two months and no mention of it was made.

 

[Buk1000]

Could be a city ordinance or Home Owners Association rule that every house has to have a tree. Usually you hear complaints about builders tearing DOWN trees, or NOT planting trees home buyers were supposed to get. This is the first one I've heard where someone complained because a builder DID plant a tree. If you want to move it, I believe you would have to make sure you comply with city and HOA rules and either do the replanting yourself or pay someone to do it. The builder probably has no obligation to move it unless it's in violation of a rule/law.

I rarely take a builder's side due to issues of construction defects, etc. But on this one, if it were me, I'd be so happy they came and planted a tree for me, (assuming the house is built right of course)! Besides, if it's the size of most new home development's trees, it'll be a LOOOOONG time before it casts any unwanted shade on your house.

 

[SPR]

Could be a city ordinance or Home Owners Association rule that every house has to have a tree. Usually you hear complaints about builders tearing DOWN trees, or NOT planting trees home buyers were supposed to get. This is the first one I've heard where someone complained because a builder DID plant a tree. If you want to move it, I believe you would have to make sure you comply with city and HOA rules and either do the replanting yourself or pay someone to do it. The builder probably has no obligation to move it unless it's in violation of a rule/law.

I rarely take a builder's side due to issues of construction defects, etc. But on this one, if it were me, I'd be so happy they came and planted a tree for me, (assuming the house is built right of course)! Besides, if it's the size of most new home development's trees, it'll be a LOOOOONG time before it casts any unwanted shade on your house.

Yeah, I see your point. I have lots of shade from two massive trees in my back yard and have landscaping plans of my own for the front yard. The HOA's bylaws do not state anything about the trees. I called the builder and they said they are required to by the township, so I called the township and they said they only require builders to do it because of builders having a tendency to leave new home owners will no landscaping. I was told I can take the tree out if I like.

I think the biggest issue is, like the township guy said, I must have paid for the tree somewhere along the line, so shouldn't I atleast get to choose between some neighborhood options? After all, it's not like a flower, where you can pull it out after a couple years if you're not sure. I have to 100% like the particular tree that went in or I am stuck paying hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars pulling it out years from now.

I suppose this is just a battle I'll have to fight in getting them to give me what I want. After all, it's my house, not their's. Am I demanding too much if I ask them for another tree i prefer? I am a Master Gardener and Arbor "hobbiest", so this is important to me.