But just beyond the branches, the hum of low-flying planes disrupts that calm and neighbors say it’s part of the reason the city may want these trees cut down.

Stephan Maxwell bought his property in 2019 to escape the noise and stress of everyday life. That sense of peace changed in 2020, when the Arcadia Airport extended its runway toward his home. Maxwell says planes began flying lower and louder over his property.

“I've seen one plane get low enough where its tires hit the tree,” Maxwell said.

He says he later received a letter from the city telling him that all the trees on his property must be removed for safety. According to Maxwell, the city claimed the Florida Department of Transportation had approved the removal.

“It’s heartbreaking, because they want to destroy the property's beauty,” he said.

Maxwell says the trees are more than just scenic; they protect his home and the surrounding land.

“They protect my property from the wind, high winds from hurricanes, and going down the canal bank, they give the root base, which doesn't allow that canal to wash out the road that goes down there, which would make it flood my property,” he said.

WINK News contacted the Florida Department of Transportation for clarification. The agency says it is currently reviewing the situation. Attempts to get statements from the Arcadia Airport director and the city were not immediately returned.

WINK News will provide updates as we get them.