Finding the Right Tree-Lined Solution for Tuskawilla Crossings
As your Commissioner for Winter Springs, it’s my priority to approach every decision with a commitment to the well-being of our community. I know how important it is to preserve the charm of our neighborhoods while ensuring we protect our city’s infrastructure. Today, I want to give you an update on an important decision regarding the street trees in Tuskawilla Crossings, which the City Commission voted to approve on September 9th.
When the issue of the Live Oaks in Tuskawilla Crossings was first brought to my attention, I’ll admit I was skeptical about the need for change. After all, these trees were originally approved as part of the 2017 development plan and contribute to the beautiful canopy-lined streets that we all love. However, as I looked deeper into the situation, I began to understand the potential risks these trees pose to our infrastructure—particularly to sidewalks and curbs.
The more I learned, the clearer it became that this wasn’t just about aesthetics. The roots of the Live Oaks, which were planted in narrower-than-ideal green strips, have the potential to cause significant long-term damage to the infrastructure in Tuskawilla Crossings. Some homeowners have already removed trees out of concern, and I share those concerns now that I fully grasp the potential financial impact this could have on both residents and the City down the line.
City staff, led by our Arbor and Landscape Manager, developed a thoughtful, sustainable solution: replacing the Live Oaks with Little Gem Magnolia trees. These trees, classified as Understory Trees, have a much less aggressive root system, making them far less likely to damage nearby sidewalks and curbs. Not only will this protect our infrastructure, but it will also save on future maintenance costs, making it a fiscally responsible solution.
After learning more about the plan and hearing from the Tuskawilla Crossings Homeowner’s Association, who is in full support of this change, I realized this proposal offers the best long-term benefits for our community. It balances the need to preserve the tree-lined character of the neighborhood while addressing the very real concerns of infrastructure damage.
The City Commission voted to approve this plan on September 9th, and City staff will begin working to carefully remove the Live Oaks and replace them with Little Gem Magnolias. But we aren’t stopping there. In the spirit of conservation, we’ll be making every effort to save and replant the removed Live Oaks in City parks and other appropriate locations where they won’t pose the same infrastructure concerns.
This decision wasn’t made lightly, and I appreciate the patience and input from our residents throughout this process. It’s not always easy to change course, but after fully understanding the risks and benefits, I’m confident that this is the right step forward for Tuskawilla Crossings and the broader Winter Springs community.
As always, I am here for you. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how this plan will unfold, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s continue working together to protect and preserve the city we all love.
With gratitude,
Victoria Bruce
Winter Springs City Commissioner – District 2
