ARVADA, Colo. -- An Arvada woman is standing up to her homeowners association to save her tree.

The Arbor Green Townhomes Association plans to cut down trees in 23 patio areas starting Wednesday, but Wendy Thoreaux is fighting to stop it.

The self-proclaimed environmentalist recycles, composts, shuns plastic bags, and when it comes to her home, she's nothing short of a tree-hugger.

"I like to sit up here and enjoy the view," she said from her perch in the tree on her back patio. "It's the first thing I see in the morning when I get up ... My cat and I really love watching the birds."

The tree was part of the reason she bought her home. It blocks the hot sun and the golf balls from the adjacent course.

"I only had to turn on my air conditioner three times last summer because of the shade it provides," she said.

But two weeks ago, the Arbor Green Townhome Association sent her a letter saying trees in patio areas must go, citing "potential" for everything from foundation problems to fire hazards to squirrel and bird damage.

"It should be on a case-by-case basis," said Thoreaux, who claims her tree is nowhere near sewer lines and hasn't caused any foundation problems. "I've told them, 'Look, give me the OK to keep the tree and I will prune it out of my own pocket to your satisfaction,' which they have disregarded."

Thoreaux started a petition, getting dozens of signatures from neighbors.

"I can see why they cut down trees in certain places, but not in the line of golf balls," said neighbor Bob Neff, who understands why Thoreaux is upset from a more practical perspective. Errant golf balls have cost him a car window. "But you can't fight them, that's the problem."

But Thoreaux said fight she will. If she is home when they come to cut down her tree, she said she will be in it.

"I have no problem sitting here," said Thoreaux. "What are they going to do? Arrest me for sitting on my property?"

Property manager Julie Such said the HOA Board has heard Thoreaux's arguments, but that it is the association's duty to maintain common areas. She said the majority of homeowners realized the trees either present problems now or will in the future.