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HOA's Decision to Remove Pine Trees Makes TV News

Because of severe drought conditions in Nevada, a homeowners association cut down pine trees which, "as they age...demand more and more water," -- 12 times as much per tree "as when they were originally planted," according to the HOA manager in a story broadcast on a Nevada NBC-TV station. The trees "drink tens of thousands of gallons of water every month," said the manager. "In a drought, they are an expensive luxury, and the HOA had a choice to make." The manager also explained that pine trees "are not indigenous to this area." The HOA is planning to "replace the pine trees with drought tolerant trees and flowers."

A resident of the HOA said in the story: "It took my breath away...they're killing the trees. It's terrible...I feel like they're taking away part of my neighborhood."

The HOA manager provided information about the decision to remove the trees while the resident quoted in the story, understandably, expressed concern.

As arid conditions continue in states like Nevada and California, news media will likely run more drought stories.

Anticipating potential issues and having information at hand to explain why changes are necessary is very important.

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