I live in a nice community and pay my monthly HOA dues on time every time. I told them about a dead tree that is facing my backyard. The tree is very ugly and its dead branches extend well into my backyard. It is on the other side of my fenced backyard so clearly it is part of their upkeep responsibility to remove it. It has been months so they know about it, but they have not taken any action. Every visitor notices it. The tree simply is an eye sore. Why are these HOA's very good at collecting money and watching out for any violation to promptly issue monetary penalties but not so quick to act when it comes to spending money ? How can I force them to cut it ? Can I withhold my monthly fee until the tree is cut ? Law suit ? Thanks for your ideas.

Before you take any actions so drastic that gives them fuel to bite you in the butt, arrange a meeting with the responsible party in the HOA and keep good notes. Maybe an agreement can be reached, maybe it won't, but that would be my first step. Also your local code enforcement can give you some valuable information as dead trees can be a safety hazard, and you never know the damage it can cause if it decides to fall. Surely they don't want that liability!

Please keep us updated on any progress, or problems. Yes they have been known to blow people off because they can.

Excellent advice ! Thank you, and I will keep you posted.