QUESTION: Our board is concerned about the uproar when we hint at removing pines and eucalyptus trees that pose a fire hazard along the perimeter of a canyon. The trees are on community property and are the responsibility of the HOA. In the event of a fire, the canyon will act as a chimney engulfing the trees and spreading to the houses. The fire department has recommended that we remove this threat.

ANSWER: That's not even a close call. In light of the loss of over 1,000 homes in Southern California a week ago from fast-moving wildfires, prudence dictates following the advice of the fire department. People love trees and will fight the board to prevent them from being removed, until their homes are destroyed by fire, at which point they will sue the board for not removing the trees.