tree diseases and the symptoms to watch for
What To Do When A Neighbor's Problematic Tree Hangs Over Your Yard
Wesley Perry
Does your neighbor have a tree that's hanging over your yard and causing problems? You likely want to trim it but have no idea how to handle the situation. Here are some tips on what to do when trimming a neighbor's tree.
Check the Local Laws
The first thing that you should do is look into what your local laws are regarding this problem. Every county has its own laws regarding tree trimming, and you'll want to make sure that you're doing everything the right way. Once a tree is trimmed it cannot be put back to how it was, and this can lead to a big problem with a neighbor if you do not handle things legally.
It's also important to know who will pay for the tree trimming. If the tree branch is hanging over a power line, it's possible that the electricity provider will take responsibility to trim the tree because it can impact the service to your home and others.
Talk to Your Neighbor
The next step is to talk with your neighbor about the tree. You may be surprised that the two of you will reach a mutual agreement about what needs to be done about the tree and that both of you are even willing to share the cost of having the tree trimmed. For example, if the tree is a bit overgrown on your side of the yard, chances are that it is also overgrown on their side as well. Cost sharing can also come into play by splitting the entire job that can be done at once.
Get Written Consent
The best way to avoid any confusion from a legal standpoint is to get written consent from your neighbor before you trim the tree. Even something as simple as a text message exchange can help clear up any misunderstanding later on, especially if your neighbor doesn't like the work done on the tree and wants to blame you for the situation.
Avoid Trespassing
If the tree is being trimmed only on your side of the property, it is best to have the tree trimming company avoid any trespassing in your neighbor's yard to get the job done. If you do have to enter their yard, even if it is just to pick up loose branches that have fallen, make sure to get permission. You don't want to be blamed for any damage to their property that can happen via trespassing.
Contact a local tree trimming company to learn more.
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Do you love the trees on your property? Are some of the trees looking as if they are not as healthy as they once were? Do the smaller trees get enough sun to grow tall? Sometimes, trees can develop diseases or become infested with insects that can cause them to die. If you catch these diseases and infestations early, you can oftentimes save the tree, or the surrounding trees. To learn what to look for on your trees, visit my website. There, you will find a long list of diseases and the symptoms to watch for to protect your trees from destruction.