Discuss and Measure Twice, Then Cut Once

The growth that prompted the letter

A senior citizen received a written warning from the homeowners' association:

On a recent site walk thru [sic] we noticed that your patio plants have grown excessively and have not been properly maintained, which is a violation of the site Rules & Regulations....

We are, therefore, asking you to please have these plants trimmed back, and, going forward please make sure that they are regularly maintained. We ask that you have these items addressed within (30) days of the date of this letter.

After the trimming

There was an obvious threat implied in the letter; if he didn't trim the plants in 30 days, the association would impose a fine and/or perform the work, then bill him for the trouble.

Offering to help, I considered calling a gardening service but then saw the overgrowth wasn't extensive. It took less than an hour for me to cut back the tree.

Condominium and townhouse associations often are criticized for infringements of privacy and overly restrictive rules. However, that wasn't the case here. The guidelines are reasonable, and I do appreciate that someone is keeping an eye on the condo....and my old acquaintance.