Call for Action: Invasive plants taking over Bonita backyard

Reporter: Nicole Papageorge
Published: Updated:

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla. – Invasive plants are taking over the backyard of a Bonita Springs home on Forest Mere Drive.

“This is a very dangerous situation,” said homeowner Thomas Equitz.

For years, Equitz has watched the earleaf acacia plants in his backyard grow, until they towered above his house.

“We have grandkids that play behind the backyard and in the pool area,” said Equitz.

Equitz tried getting assistance to remove the plants by first calling workers from the City of Bonita Springs and the city’s private utility. But, he didn’t get any answers.

“You have to make noise to get your rights,” said Equitz. “That’s why I’m calling WINK News for some help.”

WINK News called the City of Bonita Springs and in one day, Michael Kirby, the city’s senior environmental specialist, arrived at Equitz’s home to help. Kirby agreed the invasive plants need to come down.

“We’re happy to see these removed anytime and anywhere,” said Kirby.

Bonita Springs has a new rule that allows homeowners to remove the invasive plants without a permit, however, what Equitz does need is permission from whomever owns the land behind him where the trees are growing. Yet the city doesn’t know who owns the land, and Equitz was told to do the research and find the owner himself.

“So, basically I’m left alone with thousands of dollars of cost to clear out the backyard,” said Equitz.  “It’s pretty shameful, we all pay taxes and stuff.”

WINK News and Equitz are working to locate the owner of the easement to finally get the trees cut down.

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