Question
Jim,

I appreciate your comments in http://www.allexperts.com/user.cgi?m=6&catID=739&expID=23328&qID=4895715  

New questions: After a tree is cut down, don't the roots retain the soil for a few years before they rot?  Isn't that enough time to give the new ground cover a chance to hold the soil?  

As far as homeowners rights are concerned, I totally agree that there should be strong homeowners rights - I donate money to the Pacific Legal Foundation.  But there is a difference between homeowner rights and anarchy.  Regardless of whether or not the neighbor is a member of the homeowner association, he is required as a homeowner in Bay-O-Vista to follow the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions).  These CC&Rs have been tested in multiple court cases and the plaintiffs win.  But, I don't want to go to court.

You are welcome to come by anytime and see the property.  Thanks!

Answer
The roots of cut trees do hold the soil after cutting. But the cutting process sometimes causes bare soil and this would be the concern for erosion. Extra care would need to be taken to remove trees on the slope without causing bare soil. It will all depend on the percent slope and the soil type on the slope. Not going to get into the discussion of the view verus the rights of the adjacent  non Association landowner. My conservative Southern up bringing would favor the adjacent landowner. I would suggest sitting down with the landowner and trying to work something out. Good Luck!