Scottsdale, AZ — A group of homeowners in the DC Ranch community has taken legal action after their homeowners association (HOA) continued removing hundreds of mature Sissoo trees despite widespread opposition from residents. The dispute has escalated into a years-long battle involving lawsuits, restraining orders, and thousands of dollars in new HOA fees.
The Tree That Defined a Neighborhood
Residents in the Silverleaf Arcadia neighborhood say the Sissoo trees are more than landscaping — they define the character and beauty of the area. Homeowner Paul Petelin told 12News, “Everybody knew this was the tree neighborhood.”
Another homeowner, Barry Chasse, said the trees were one of the main reasons his family chose to move there.
“That’s why our family moved here,” Chasse explained.
But the DC Ranch HOA had a different view. According to residents, the board began removing Sissoo trees as early as 2020, citing concerns about root damage to sidewalks and plumbing systems.
Years of Conflict and Legal Battles
As homeowner Tom La Porte described to 12News via The Cool Down, the HOA’s aggressive removal policy created a three-year nightmare for many residents who loved their trees.
“This has been a nightmare for three years,” La Porte said.
The Sissoo tree, known for its dense shade and fast growth, has roots that can extend far underground, sometimes affecting pavement and irrigation lines. However, homeowners argued that removing every tree was an extreme and unnecessary solution.
La Porte’s lawsuit claimed that the HOA failed to maintain the trees properly, leading to root problems that could have been prevented through regular care. The complaint also highlighted that the trees were part of the community’s original development plan, meant to enhance property values and neighborhood aesthetics.
Temporary Restraining Order Issued
In response to DC Ranch’s continued removals, La Porte and several other homeowners filed for a temporary restraining order to stop further destruction. The court granted the request, preventing the HOA from cutting down any more trees without the consent of individual property owners.
“Under the order, the HOA couldn’t remove any more trees unless the owner of each individual tree agreed to it,” court filings stated.
Despite the injunction, homeowners say tree removals continued while the parties were still negotiating a compromise.
$3,000 Assessment Sparks New Outrage
Tensions flared again when DC Ranch reportedly assessed a $3,000 fee per homeowner to cover tree removal costs — including for residents who had refused to participate.
Homeowner Juli La Porte said she was shocked to learn she was being billed for trees she fought to protect.
“I didn’t take my trees out. I don’t know why I should have to pay for anybody else,” she told 12News. “For me to have to pay for that is just not right.”
The La Portes now plan to fight the fee with another lawsuit, hoping to prevent the HOA from penalizing residents for actions they opposed.
Community Divided Over Future of the Trees
The dispute has divided the upscale Scottsdale neighborhood. Some residents back the HOA’s removal efforts due to infrastructure damage, while others insist the Sissoo trees are part of what makes Silverleaf unique.
Experts say that while Sissoo trees can cause maintenance issues, proper trimming and root barriers often prevent long-term damage — suggesting that preservation, not removal, could be a better path forward.
As the legal fight continues, homeowners hope their case will set a precedent for protecting community green spaces from overly aggressive HOA policies.
What are your thoughts on this HOA dispute and how neighborhoods should balance tree preservation with maintenance concerns? Share your views in the comments below.
