14 | SUNRAYS SEPTEMBER 2014
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
Veteran Burial Benefits
Submitted by J. Paul Comola, CTSVC Outreach Volunteer, 512-819-9953
Are you an honorably discharged veteran from active duty in
the U.S. Armed Forces? If so, you and your spouse are likely
eligible for this incomparable State of Texas Veterans Cem-
etery benefit. Internment at the Central Texas State Veterans
Cemetery-Killeen is at no cost for the veteran and minimal cost
for the spouse. The benefit includes: space, concrete liner (for
caskets), opening/closing, headstone, engraving and perpetual
care. There are three options for cremated remains: Colum-
barium Wall; Scattering Garden; and In-ground Internment.
Military Honors are arranged through your Funeral Director.
Misinformation continues to keep eligible veterans from applying
for this benefit, including:
• You must be a Texas resident:
False
• My spouse cannot be buried there:
False
• You must be killed in action:
False
• You must be a disabled or retired veteran:
False
Unlike the National System, the Texas program allows you
to pre-register. For informa-
tion, call the CTSVC at 254-
616-1770, or call the CTSVC
Outreach Volunteer, Sun
City Texas resident J. Paul
Comola, at 512-819-9953 to arrange an appointment. Paul has
all the required forms and will assist you with pre-registration.
You will need a copy of your DD214 and marriage certificate.
It is highly recommended that you visit the cemetery before
completing the paperwork. A visit will help to understand the
program and make you proud of this benefit that is available
to veterans - a benefit you have earned!
The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is located about
13 miles north of Florence on SH 195 (out the Sun City Texas
back gate and left on SH 195). All Sun City Texas residents
are welcome to visit the cemetery, which is open to the public
daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CA NEWS
Sun City Texas Design
Guidelines
Approved by the Sun City Texas
Community Association Board
of Directors
March 6, 2014
4.3.17. RIGHTS OF OWNERS OF
NEIGHBORING PROPERTIES
a) A home owner has the right
to remove any portion of a
tree or shrub that extends
across their property line
from a neighboring property,
including neighboring lot, CA
property or City of George-
town property. However,
home owners are strongly
encouraged to coordinate
any planned tree or shrub
trimming with their neigh-
bors. Home owners may only
trim the portion that extends
over their property line.
b) Home owners are not autho-
rized to enter CA or City of
Georgetown property to trim
trees or shrubs.
One of the most common issues the CA
landscape department deals with in-
volves tree limbs which reach from CA
property and touch the roofs of resident
homes. This issue is addressed in our
Sun City Texas Design Guidelines, item
4.3.17. (See sidebar)
Once any tree or shrub grows through
your fence or over your property line, the
issue becomes yours to deal with. Some
Common Area trees provide shade for
the home and that is very much appreci-
ated; however, once the tree limbs have
grown over the roof line and are touch-
ing the shingles, the situation needs to
be addressed. Some residents call the
landscape department to have the trees
pruned; we have, in some cases, accom-
modated these requests if the job was a
simple one. However, CA staff normally
do not go on a resident’s private property
to trim trees nor are we insured to climb
and prune trees unless staff can do so
safely from the ground.
Fall is a good time to evaluate your yard
for trimming needs. Look up at the trees
around your roof lines and above your
street’s curb lines to see if trimming is
needed. Remember, the garbage trucks
move very closely along the curb lines
and may be scraping or damaging the
overhead branches of trees above your
curb. Plus, fire trucks normally require
a 13’ 6” clearance, so you don’t want low-
hanging limbs to interfere with their ac-
cess. Unfortunately, the City of George-
town does not have a tree trimming crew
to send all over Georgetown’s neighbor-
hoods to prune tree limbs growing over
the streets. The best solution is to hire
a professional tree trimming service.
TREE TRIMMING TIPS
• Get more than one quote from profes-
sional arbor care companies. Ask if
there is a discount available if you
get your neighbors to have their trees
taken care of at the same time.
• Be sure that the company commits to
performing all safety steps necessary
to minimize the risk of Oak Wilt. Cut
and paint practice is best.
• Some articles state that you should
wait to have any oak pruning per-
formed during the hottest or coldest
time of the year because the Oak Wilt
beetle is not active.
• If your tree limbs are touching your
shingles now, it is time to take action.
• Remember it is always a good fire-
wise practice to have good clearance
between trees and roof lines.
Tree Trimming on Your Property LIne
Submitted by Catrin Dubois, Landscape Superintendent
