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Sidewalk tripping hazard could uproot Ocoee neighborhood oak trees

Oak trees are proving to be a major problem in the Westyn Bay Community in Ocoee.

The roots are uplifting sidewalks about the size of a quarter and its proving to be very costly in maintenance, repairs, and potential legal fees.

It's a hazard that worries Greg Keethler, president of the community's homeowners association.

He said they are trying to provide options for homeowners, one being removing most of the over 400 oaks trees on the property planted eight years ago.

"These roots grow bigger and then they push the sidewalks up creating a tripping hazard," Keethler said.

It's an option that is not sitting well with some residents.

"I would prefer not to get rid of the trees," homeowner Sue Lescynski said.

Some residents didn't seem to mind removing them

"I didn't buy the house for the trees," homeowner Julie Hughes said. "After they cut them down I could put other trees in my front yard if I wanted to.

While the trees do increase property value and without them, some homeowners wonder what the community would look like in the next eight years.

"We have a vision of how we expect the trees to look someday," Lescynski

The board is expected to meet Monday where they will discuss establishing a committee to come up with more options on how to address the problem.

Keethler said the trees would only be removed if they reach a consensus.