13. Trees — Planting
a) The originally installed trees were part of a landscape plan approved by Hillsborough County. Street trees and some Lot trees were actually a development requirement by Hillsborough County. If relocated, all reasonable efforts must be exercised to keep them alive. If they die, they must be replaced with a tree from the approved species list from the Hillsborough County Tree Ordinance.
b) No tree listed as a Not Approved Tree in the Hillsborough County Tree Ordinance is permitted. The current list of Hillsborough County Approved Trees and Shrubs can be found at the following web site. We recommend that you check for any updates prior to completing your Alteration Application. Any tree or shrub not listed in this approved Trees and Shrubs will not be approved.
c) The Estuary is located in Zone 9A. Please refer to your Document CD or the following web site for a list of acceptable trees and palms for your community. This document will also provide you with the best location and environmental conditions for each tree and palm that is hardy in Zone 9A

d) Tree staking materials shall be adjusted on a regular basis to maintain a neat appearance and permit plant growth to occur. All staking materials shall be removed no later than one (1) year after initial installation.
e) Fruit and citrus trees will be considered by the ACC; however, they will be required to be planted in the rear of a fenced yard and must be located at a distance from the property line that will not allow encroachment of the mature tree onto a neighboring property.
14. Trees — Relocation
a) Existing trees to be relocated shall be pruned then immediately replanted, firmly secured in the ground by staking and adequately watered and fertilized until well established and rooted. Any relocating of existing trees should be done by a licensed professional who will adhere to nursery standards for relocating.
b) Any tree relocated due to construction, such as the installation of a swimming pool, shall in addition to the above, be barricaded against the construction activity with silt fencing or other acceptable barrier. Any relocated trees which die within one year
of completion of construction shall be removed and replaced with nursery stock approved by the ACC.
15. Trees — Removal or Destruction
The removal or destruction of any tree and distinctive flora is a landscape change and, therefore, subject to the authority of the ACC to approve or disapprove the removal or destruction of trees. The following guidelines shall apply to the removal or destruction of trees and distinctive flora:
a) Trees that have been planted at the direction of the builder/developer to meet County development requirements shall not be intentionally destroyed or removed.
b) Trees which have a diameter in excess of six inches (6″) measured two feet (2′) above ground level, and distinctive flora shall not be intentionally destroyed or removed except with the prior approval, in writing of the ACC.
c) Prior to the written approval of the ACC to remove any tree described above or distinctive flora, the homeowner shall first obtain written approval (in the form of a removal permit along with any conditions for replacing the removed tree or distinctive flora) from the governing County agency or department.
d) The above requirements pertain to trees and distinctive flora which die, for whatever reason, and unless otherwise approved by the ACC, shall be replaced with the same species and size tree or distinctive flora as the original tree or distinctive flora.
16. Trees — Street Trees
a) Hillsborough County has approved a landscape plan for The Estuary that requires the planting of one or more street trees in the grassy right-of-way easement located directly adjacent and parallel to the back of sidewalk.
b) Other than street trees, there shall not be any plantings other than sod between the street curb and sidewalk nor shall landscape borders, decorative curbing or landscape lighting be installed around the tree.
c) The approved landscape plans for The Estuary requires that each street tree be a Quercus Virginiana (Live Oak).
d) Street trees shall exhibit superior symmetry, form and branching, possess a single central leader, be sound, healthy, vigorous, full and free from disease and objectionable disfigurements.

e) The canopies of street trees shall be maintained at an eight foot (8′) height measured from the ground and may not be pruned and/or shaped except for the removal of dead or diseased limbs.
f) Removal of the street tree is not allowed. Any street tree that dies or is badly diseased shall be replaced at the Lot Owners expense. Approval to remove a street tree and to replace that tree does require ACC approval as well as a county tree removal permit. Replacement street trees will be a Quercus Virginiana (Live Oak).