Legal Issues with Tree Trimming

M

mh9162013

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Earth
If a tree is on your neighbor's property, but much of the branches hang over your property, can you legally trim the part of the tree over your property? What if the tress is on the property line - who's responsibility is it to trim that tree?

I'm sure the exact laws would depend on where you live, but are they normally found at the state, county or municipal level? I guess I'm curious to know what the "standard operating procedures" are for you tree professionals out there.
 
You'd get more precise information if you tightened up your location. "Earth" is a pretty big place. A question like this is likely best handled by a consulting arborist in your area. They can advise you on how to best prune the tree while keeping within the spirit and letter of the law so that at the end of the process a healthy tree remains and a relatively happy neighbor.

I'm an expert on neighbor tree issues in Florida and can cite the watershed case law which governs pruning in this scenario. Were I to be asked to opine on a tree outside my state, I'd have to research the laws in that particular state first to avoid making a fool (or worse) of myself.
 
Based on your advice, I went ahead and just got permission from the property owner saying that I can do whatever I need to do, as long as I'm not actually taking down a tree.

Thanks for the help!
 
Pics help; got a camera?. "Irreparable harm" is a high bar; making it too lopsided is also a no-no.

Getting underinformed opinions off the internet is not really due diligence.
 
mh9162013 said:
Based on your advice, I went ahead and just got permission from the property owner saying that I can do whatever I need to do, as long as I'm not actually taking down a tree.

Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
One thing to think about is that some trees don't respond well to trimming, so the tree type is a major factor and the time of year the work is done. In addition, not all "arborists" are good... I'd get a second opinion and price before work commences. Make sure you and the neighbor are prepared to do work on both sides of the tree to preserve balance especially if it is a lage broad tree.
 
Yes it's better to work on both sides. And if this permission you got is only verbal, it's not worth much and may not CYA.

Generally the offended party is prone to overreacting. But basically without pics this thread is not worth much.
 
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