Seven Oaks may soon become “zero oaks” if the community decides to cut down the 2,000 oak trees that currently line the sidewalks and streets in the Wesley Chapel community.
In a November 5 press release from the Seven Oaks Community Development District (CDD), the CDD Board of Supervisors notified residents of the problem trees are causing.
“The issue at hand is the damage the live oak tree roots are causing to abutting sidewalks, driveways, utilities and roadway curbing,” the release says. “(Arborists, the Pasco County Extension Office and other experts) have reached out to Pasco County government to discuss the possible tree removal and replacement program to determine whether the live oaks should be removed and a different species should be planted in these confined locations, or whether replacement trees should be planted in other common areas throughout the community.”
Scott Brizendine, district manager of the Seven Oaks CDD, says that the cheapest quote the community has gotten has been $90 for the removal of each tree, stump grinding and installation of soil and sod where each tree once stood. He adds that the replacement cost per tree has not yet been determined, and will depend on what type of tree is chosen to replace the current live oaks.
The Board says it is continuing to discuss the issue and held two public workshops for resident feedback on Nov. 10. However, no further information was available at our press time.
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