04-17-2022, 03:20 PM
PeterB,
Several things happening here:
A. The tree was planted by your neighbor. That means they both own it and are responsible for it. Doesn't matter if portions of the tree are on your property, i.e. branches and roots. The tree is still the responsibility of your neighbors.
B.Your neighbors were rude and unneighborly to plant a tree that risked encroaching on your property without discussing it with you. I'd definitely would've said something about the tree the day I noticed it.
C. Typically, the law allows you to trim any portion of the tree that encroaches on your property. Your neighbor doesn't actually have any say in the matter.
Some things to do:
A. Put your neighbors on notice in writing about your issues with the tree. Verbal is nice but you really need to have it in writing be it via hardcopy or digitally. Maybe send them a polite text saying, "Hey, we really need to do something about the branches of the tree. Can we schedule an appointment to have them trimmed?" That way, if the issue becomes a more problem your neighbor can't say you never said a word to them about it.
B. See if you can get a copy of the survey from the local authorities, i.e. village, town, etc. If that isn't possible, spend the bucks for one. It may prove very handy to have in the future knowing your neighbor has already proven once they aren't polite about respecting property lines.
C. Once you know the boundaries of your property, ask them to trim the tree and do to it in a timely manner. If they are unwilling to work with your time frame, assuming it's reasonable, ask if you can do it yourself. They may prove unwilling to foot the bill since they said they'd do it after the spring season.
D. If the branches are getting to close to the power lines, contact the local utility about them. They may send someone to evaluate the branches. If they are confirmed an issue, they'll send a crew to trim the branches since it is a potential power and safety issue and they'll do it at no cost to you or your neighbor. Note, the crew might not do it in the the nicest way possibly. They'll do it in the easiest and most utilitarian way.
Above all, definitely try and be nice about all of the above. May not be easy but definitely worth it.
Robert
Several things happening here:
A. The tree was planted by your neighbor. That means they both own it and are responsible for it. Doesn't matter if portions of the tree are on your property, i.e. branches and roots. The tree is still the responsibility of your neighbors.
B.Your neighbors were rude and unneighborly to plant a tree that risked encroaching on your property without discussing it with you. I'd definitely would've said something about the tree the day I noticed it.
C. Typically, the law allows you to trim any portion of the tree that encroaches on your property. Your neighbor doesn't actually have any say in the matter.
Some things to do:
A. Put your neighbors on notice in writing about your issues with the tree. Verbal is nice but you really need to have it in writing be it via hardcopy or digitally. Maybe send them a polite text saying, "Hey, we really need to do something about the branches of the tree. Can we schedule an appointment to have them trimmed?" That way, if the issue becomes a more problem your neighbor can't say you never said a word to them about it.
B. See if you can get a copy of the survey from the local authorities, i.e. village, town, etc. If that isn't possible, spend the bucks for one. It may prove very handy to have in the future knowing your neighbor has already proven once they aren't polite about respecting property lines.
C. Once you know the boundaries of your property, ask them to trim the tree and do to it in a timely manner. If they are unwilling to work with your time frame, assuming it's reasonable, ask if you can do it yourself. They may prove unwilling to foot the bill since they said they'd do it after the spring season.
D. If the branches are getting to close to the power lines, contact the local utility about them. They may send someone to evaluate the branches. If they are confirmed an issue, they'll send a crew to trim the branches since it is a potential power and safety issue and they'll do it at no cost to you or your neighbor. Note, the crew might not do it in the the nicest way possibly. They'll do it in the easiest and most utilitarian way.
Above all, definitely try and be nice about all of the above. May not be easy but definitely worth it.
Robert