Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

Save Lakewood Trees

The Issue:
Uncontrolled Clear Cutting of Trees

Many of us in the Lakewood community are concerned about the increasing practice of clear-cutting trees. Our concern is that large-scale removal of trees changes the natural character of our community, impacts privacy and drainage, and negatively affects property values.

The LPOA Board has a responsibility to protect what makes Lakewood valuable-and that is our lake and our wooded environment. That is not just aesthetic-it is a key driver of our property values. If we allow widespread clear-cutting, we lose the very character that sets this community apart. We risk turning Lakewood into just another development with similar-looking homes on bare lots—and that is not why any of us chose to live here.

The LPOA Board has indicated that it does not have the authority to regulate tree cutting. However, based on our review of the community’s governing documents—the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and the Design Review Guidelines—we believe the documents clearly provide that authority. (See below)

We believe protecting trees is not optional. It is directly tied to protecting property values and the natural wooded lake environment. The Board and the Design Review Committee have a fiduciary responsibility to enforce that standard. If we fail to prevent unnecessary clear-cutting, we are not preserving our precious environment and the value of our real estate. We are diminishing it.

We have submitted a formal complaint to the LPOA Board asking them to acknowledge and enforce these provisions.

If you share concerns about this issue, we would appreciate hearing from you. Understanding how many homeowners are concerned will help us provide meaningful input to the Board.

We ask that you please reach out:

by phone - (301) 268-1540
by text - (301) 268-1540
by email - art@dubins.com
by Facebook messenger (Bobbi)
by using the "Contact Us" box at the bottom of this page.

This is a lot that has been recently clear cut (on Meadowland Drive, January 5, 2026)

For illustration purposes only. This is the same scene with and without trees. Where would you rather live? The difference is striking. (This is not in Lakewood)

STATUS

4/24/2026

A 2 paragraph response was received from the LPOA. However, it was lacking in specifics. We plan to continue conversations with the LPOA in an attempt to resolve this matter in a way that is specific, reasonable, measurable, and in alignment with LPOA governing documents.

4/10/2026

Still no response from LPOA.

3/30/2026

Sent email to LPOA board requesting a response in writing to our complaint of 1/13/2026 within 7 days. Received email back that they would respond "within a few days."

2/26/2026

We (Bobbi and Bruce Dubins) met with the developer, a representative from Gemcraft, and a member of the LPOA board. A gentleman’s agreement was reached to stop clear cutting, whenever possible. Trees to be left would be marked by the developer so they could be retained. However, this is a temporary solution and no specific requirements were defined.
In addition, Gemcraft has a policy of cutting all trees within a 30 foot perimeter of the house and they will continue with this policy. Since most of the remaining lots are small, this means there is still a high likelihood of clear cutting on many lots.
This agreement needs to become more defined and part of our LPOA's covenants and design review guidelines.
Requested in writing that the LPOA board respond to our initial complaint (of 1/13/2026) within 30 days.
Proposed "action steps" (in writing) to resolve the issue.

1/13/2026

Letter of complaint submitted to the LPOA board.

Relevant Excerpts from Governing Documents

From the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions:

The Design Review Board is responsible for maintaining “a harmonious relationship among structures and the natural vegetation and topography.”
The Board may regulate improvements “in such a manner as to preserve and enhance values.”
“No building or structure, including … grading, shall be constructed without the written approval of the Design Review Committee.”

From the Design Review Guidelines (March 2023):

“Buildings must suit the topography with a minimum of clearing and grading.”
“Major grading must be approved in advance by the DRC.”
“Additions should be located to minimize the removal of trees and the destruction of natural areas.”
“When people think of Lakewood, they see water and trees. Please protect and preserve them.”
“Judicious tree removal is strongly encouraged.”
“The removal of live … trees four inches or more in diameter is discouraged.”

Full documents may be viewed on the Lakewood Property Owner's Association website at www.lakewoodwvpoa.com

Research: How Trees Affect Property Values

________________________________________________________________________________

Research consistently identifies these drivers:

1) Property Values: Curb appeal & buyer perception

Strong visual impact → higher perceived desirability
"The Effect of Landscape Plants on Perceived Home Value" - Virginia Cooperative Extension
Air quality, noise reduction, temperature moderation

"Ten Ways Trees Increase Property Values" - Atlanta Arbor

2) Neighborhood desirability

Tree-lined streets signal:
- Stability
- Walkability
- Higher socioeconomic status

3) Energy savings

Shade reduces cooling costs 3-30%
"Planting Trees in Our Changing Climate" - University of Maryland Extension

What matters most

Highest value impact

Mature, healthy trees***
Well-placed shade trees (especially front yard / street)
Consistent tree canopy in neighborhood

Moderate impact

Backyard trees
Smaller ornamental trees

Lower or negative impact

Poorly maintained trees
Trees too close to structures
Excessively dense or unmanaged vegetation

🧠 Bottom line

Across decades of research and multiple methodologies (hedonic pricing models, meta-analyses, real sales data):

Trees generally increase residential property values
Typical effect:
- ~3% to 15% increase
In strong markets or ideal conditions:
- Can exceed 20%+ or tens of thousands of dollars
The effect depends heavily on:
- tree quality, placement, and neighborhood context

Statistics

1) Typical value increase ranges

Multiple studies and reviews show ~3% to 15% higher property values with trees on the property
"Do Trees Increase Property Value" - Citygreen
Some USDA and urban forestry estimates go higher:
- 10%–20% increase for healthy, mature trees - "The Value of Urban Trees" (Urban/residential)
International Society of Arboriculture research:
~7% increase in average property value - "The Contribution of Trees to Residential Property Values"

👉 Takeaway: Most literature clusters around mid-single digits to low double digits.

2) Dollar-based impacts (real-world studies)

Portland, OR (used widely in U.S. planting models): homes with street trees sold for ~$7,000–$9,000 more and faster
"Trees Increase Our Property Values" (bottom of page) - Arbor Day Foundation
Fulton County, GA (used in national "urban" forestry models): tree-rich neighborhoods saw ~$105,000 higher prices
"Trees Increase Our Property Values" (bottom of page) - Arbor Day Foundation
Neighborhood Tree Canopy Impact
"Trees Increase Our Property Values" (bottom of page) - Arbor Day Foundation
A large-scale estimate:
- "Trees contribute $31.5 billion annually to U.S. home values" - University of Nebraska

👉 Takeaway: The premium varies widely by market, but can be material in high-value areas.

3) Measured effects of tree coverage

Meta-analysis of U.S. housing markets:
- Tree cover is consistently positively associated with home prices
- "Tree Cover and Property Values in the United States: A National Meta-analysis" (Abstract)
- "Tree cover and property values in the United States: A National Meta-analysis" (full article)**

4) Location and proximity effects

Trees nearby (not just on the lot) also matter:
- Increased neighborhood tree cover can raise value significantly
Example (recent study):
- In some cities, nearby tree coverage increased values by 16%+ depending on distance
  "The Price of Shade: New study finds the location of trees affects home values" - Virginia Tech

👉 Takeaway: Buyers value overall tree-lined environments, not just individual yards.

5) Landscaping studies (trees as a key component)

Landscaping with trees:
- Higher perceived value and sale price due to curb appeal differentiation
  "The Effect of Landscape Plants on Perceived Home Value" - Virginia Cooperative Extension **

Contact Us

Let us know your opinion or if you'd like to keep updated on the status of this issue.

Bobbi and Bruce Dubins

100 Stillwater Court