Magnolia tree dispute sparks social media uproar
By Michelle Meredith
Click here for updates on this story
ORLANDO, Florida (WESH) — How could a simple magnolia tree, a homeowner’s association, and a 5-year-old kid create a controversy so hot it set the social media world ablaze?
It started earlier this year, when Ariel Barner, a single mother of five, bought a house in the River Chase subdivision in Orlando. In front of the subdivision is the controversial magnolia tree.
It’s right down the sidewalk where kids wait for the school bus, where they hang out. Owen’s mom says he likes to swing on one branch with his feet dangling.
Ariel says her son is all boy, with a love for monster trucks, dirt buckets, shovels, and the great outdoors.
But according to the homeowner’s association, what seems like child’s play violates HOA rules.
Ariel says without first talking to her, the association sent a certified letter demanding her son stop swinging on the tree and ordered her to pay close to $400 in attorney’s fees.
Ariel expressed her frustration and hurt, saying with tears in her eyes, “So we moved here to feel safe, feel whole, to be a part of something. So, to know that it’s been … I don’t want to say stripped away … I would be lying if I didn’t say I feel intimidated living here, or small.”
The HOA’s attorney, Tennille Shipwash, says they first talked to Airel before sending the letter, and says they sent it for a reason.
“Really, the concern is safety. The branches to me don’t appear that sturdy. They were afraid of the child being injured.”
Ariel, a content creator, shared her son’s story on social media, where it stirred up a lot of emotion, support and even financial help. Reflecting on community values, Ariel said, “Me growing up, neighbors used to step up and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to tell your mom.’ There used to be love and support in a neighborhood.”
But there’s hope on both sides that with a conversation, the neighborhood can, like the magnolia tree, grow love and support again.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.