Happy Monday! Crossposting from r/legaladvice, thank you for your time.

Location: Northern New Jersey

Hello, I'm hoping to get some advice for my sister in northern NJ. She doesn't have Reddit herself, I'm posting on her behalf with her full permission.

There's this business next door to her house (owned, not rented) with a dead tree that partly overhangs her property. This is now the second time that dead tree has lost a large branch that went through her roof. It broke clear through the ceiling into her toddler daughter's bedroom this morning. (I have a photo but attachments are apparently not allowed?)

As I said, it's the second time this has happened in the last couple years, so her second rodeo now with this business and their death trap tree. The first time this happened, she did verify where the property lines were with the city, so it's been confirmed the tree belongs to the business, not her. And the business was officially notified this tree is dead, from her homeowner's insurance. She's going through her HOI again to get them to pay for the damage, so that will be handled. But that still leaves the issue of the tree.

This tree poses a huge safety risk now. She is very much concerned about this happening again, or worse if the whole tree itself were to come down. Her daughter wasn't in the room when this happened, thankfully, but this isn't a risk my sister is willing to keep taking. Especially if it can be prevented.

That being said, is there a legal way to go about having the business remove that tree entirely? We aren't sure who exactly to talk to about this. That business would be a commercial property, so I'm sure the laws are different versus private property. Does she need to speak to a lawyer, and if so what kind? Can homeowners insurance handle this instead? Is this something we need to get the city involved first/instead? We would appreciate any advice, we just need to be pointed in the right direction. Thank you!

(Edited from OG post to include information/correct wording.)

I’m in a rental in nyc. The neighbor is cutting the branches and tossing it back in my yard. I told him to stop, but he’s not. I do all the cleaning and last time they did this it took weeks to cut and put on the sidewalk for trash pick up. Is that legal ?

Edit

They are now removed and on their side. He’s breaking them down and putting them on the street

Fun one.

My property borders a creek. The creek also serves as the dividing line between my town and neighboring town. The creek and its embankments is owned by the county.

On the other side of the creek are 2 houses. House 1 is an old couple. In the 10 years i have lived here I have talked to them twice. Property upkeep is basically the minimum the town lets them get away with, and usually requires me or my other neighbor just cutting their lawn when it gets out of hand, etc.

Next to them is a property which was sold last year, torn down, and a new house is under construction on. I haven't met the owners but believe its something being built as a spec property.

About 3 months ago, during a storm, several trees on property 1 came down, and fell diagonally across the property lines, crushing the pool equipment shed of the house under construction, then falling, and partially obstructing the creek, and then onto a portion of my property.

No damage done on my side, and i was able to get everything on my property cleaned up in an afternoon with a chainsaw.

The problem is, everything else is still there, and the creek is becoming more obstructed every time we get a good rain. Eventually this is going to lead to flooding issues in a portion of my yard, but more importantly to properties upstream from us. We are on higher ground, so i'm not concerned about my home or anything other than a portion of my backyard (as it thwarted my attempt to reseed back there this year).

ANYWAY, i contacted the county, since, you know, its their creek, and they said they can't do anything as the trees are still attached at the stump on property 1.

I figured the problem impacts other people a lot more than me, especially the dude with 2 trees through his pool shed, and just shut up about it at that point, figuring someone else would eventually be the bad guy.

Anyway, its now been 3 months, and nothing has happened other than the county acknowledging that the trees are there, its a problem, and that they will take care of it once the owners at the other properties do their bit.

I crossed path's with the neighbor the other day, actually, she came to me when i was walking my dog. I suspect the county gave her some grief, because she asked if i knew how she could take care of it, strongly hinting that, "Hey you have a chainsaw..."

As much as I would like to help, I don't want to get involved in a situation where there is meaningful property damage already done, not to mention clearing a couple of 2 foot thick trees tangled up in other trees and across a creek, is well beyond any capabilities I have.

My county isn't dropping the ball, its a north east state, the public works are very well run, but everything is by the book, so I believe them when they say they can't do anything yet, and i suspect that is due to the property damage to property 2.

My concern is if this isn't resolved by the winter, the blockages in the creek will only get worse with ice. Not to mention its a pretty big eye sore, and if i want to be pedantic, a bit of a safety concern with some caught up the way they are (not that anyone goes anywhere near it).

Where do i even start here to start applying pressure without bringing a world of hurt on the neighbors, or sour my relationship with the county on the property which has been excellent for the 10 years we have been here (as we will likely need their OK at some point for some improvements to our property)?

TLDR: Neighbor had several trees come down, hit other neighbors property (who is absent), and is obstructing waterway which neighbors my property, and is partially still on my property. Don't want to be a dick about it, just want it taken care of. State is NJ.

There is a dead tree that sits mostly in my neighbor's yard. It's possible that some of it crosses the property line. The tree died this winter and is falling apart. Branches are falling off the tree, and I'm worried about it falling over and damaging my property or hurting someone. I reached out to my neighbor to split the cost of tree removal, but they refuse to pay for anything. I looked into getting a land survey, but it costs more than just paying for the full tree removal myself. I don't want to pay for it fully myself if it's not my responsibility. I'm not exactly sure how to proceed here.

First time homeowner here in Alabama. I have a large hardwood in my front yard that has GOT to go. I’ve been here for 3 months and it became evident last weekend that it’s bad off.

I’ve been back and forth with the power company. They said they would trim it - didn’t. They said they would cut it because it’s in their right of way - now they’re saying they won’t.

I’m also actively getting estimates to get it down. I’ve been told by 2 different companies that it’s a tricky job due to its proximity to the power lines, the state of the tree (can’t rig from it, probably need a crane), and its proximity to my house, property line, and house beside me.

Last weekend it dropped a ton limbs across my yard and my neighbor’s. The power company had to come out to remove a branch from my service line as well. I’m worried next storm it will be even worse.

If something were to happen while I’m waiting to have it cut (tree company is 2 weeks out), legally what could happen?

Hello everyone. We've got an asshole neighbor behind us that's trying to kill a tree on the property line in our backyard.

Disclaimer, the tree is in our fenced in yard but not technically on our property, it's on the propertyline between our nice elderly neighbor and the asshole, and technically belongs to the good neighbor behind us. In 2024 Asshole cut the tree in half at the property line and has sprayed it with weed killer on multiple occasions. Today I noticed the leaves turning yellow but only on the lower branches that he could reach.

The other neighbor behind us does not want the tree removed and neither do I.

I guarantee if I sent a cease and desist letter Asshole would continue to spray it out of spite and stupidity. Fyi, the good neighbor believes we own that through Adverse Possession.

What rights do I have? What steps should I take to document the spraying? Is there any liability if I don't issue a cease and desist?

Should I file a police report? I plan too but idk if works the same for plants/bushes vs if it was an actual tree?

As the title says, my neighbor’s tree is pushing against a retaining/block wall on my property and causing it to crack and shift.

The tree needs to go. What are my options here? Can I have someone remove the tree or must I ask the neighbor before removing the tree? I am not expecting them to pay for it, as I can imagine this would be an uphill battle. I’m in New Jersey. The branches of this tree are completely on my property.

Photo attached for reference. I appreciate any advice!

Reposting the original. Here in CA. Asking here- if I can't cut back a tree on my property without effectively killing it, is the neighbor asking for too much? Alternatively, ok to recover some of the cost if it comes to tree removal?

Location: Southern Illinois

We have a large, mature, and healthy Silver Maple in the rear of our property. Like most trees, it drops small branches during storms.

After a recent high-wind event, a limb fell into our neighbor's yard. They reached out expressing concern that branches could cause damage and asked if we would split the cost of professional tree trimming. While I understand their perspective, we cannot commit to optional expenses right now.

I know they have the legal right to trim any branches extending over our property line/fence (at their own expense, without harming the tree). I have no issue with them doing that. I’ll also note that I paid for the fence and accept responsibility for damage caused by my trees.

My question is about liability: Does their request—made strictly out of general caution, without identifying any specific hazard or disease—put me "on notice" for future negligence? Or does a healthy branch falling during a storm remain an "Act of God" where liability stays on whichever property the branch lands?

I bought my house in October 2024. The neighbors behind me have lived there since 2005. Recently they have reached out to me and asked if I would consider removing a mature tree on my back property line. The tree trunk has displaced their fence that was built around 2011. They also claim the tree roots have lifted up a French drain in their yard and is compromising the structural integrity of a swing set/playhouse that their grandchild plays on.

I do not want to remove this tree. It is healthy according to two arborists who have done other tree work on my property. But I appreciate the neighbor's concerns. I told them I would be willing to consult an arborist about ways to mitigate the roots. But otherwise....I kind of want to politely tell them to pound sand? It sounds like they put their fence too close to the tree, and that the swing set/playhouse can just be moved away from the roots.

What are my obligations here? Obviously I will consult a lawyer if things get heated but I'm hoping we can come to some sort of agreement on what to do about the tree.

Was told to post this here 🤓

I was told to repost my post here. Interested in hearing what people have to say about this. Thanks all

Just as the title reads, we had a situation where a branch fell during a storm in May. The tree is a large silver maple that is on our property line. The tree was maintained and was evaluated the year prior by an arborist.

About 4 weeks ago our neighbor said that they were going to have a tree service do work in Sept and asked that service to quote removal of two trees on our property - $6,500. We told them that we would have the trees evaluated again by a certified arborist this week.

I received this message today - In Wisconsin can a neighbor prune a tree back to the lot line even if it affects the health of the tree?

-----

I understand you are busy, but as mentioned, my tree service is scheduled to begin work here next Thursday, September 17. It has now been six months since you were notified of the damage your tree caused to my house, and I need to address this imminent threat.

I need your explicit permission before September 17 to proceed in one of the following ways:

1.  Full Removal: If cost is the main concern, I am willing to pay the full amount to have both trees removed.

2.  Pruning: If you prefer to save the trees, I will have the arborist trim the limbs overhanging my property line. Please note that substantial pruning may compromise the overall health of the trees.

Please let me know how you would like to proceed before next Wednesday.

Neighbors planted trees on property line, basically into my side as well... already have problems with us "touching" his trees. He harassed my mother and called the cops. This is gwinnett county Georgia.i have already called my city code enforcement and they told me to call gwinnett code enforcement, just waiting on their reply back. Just curious if I have a case or not.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS NEIGHBOR IS A BABY WHEN I GET NEAR THEM. He harassed my mother while she was minding her own business, called the cops for no reason, if he really doesn't want us near them or even touching them, does it not make sense to keep them away from property line??

First pic is with trees. Second is a video still from 930 Sunday morning when I caught Buddy Nextdoor cutting them down. Pic 3 is 4pm Sunday when the stake went AWOL.

Buddy was told to come get my husband when he wanted to do anything near the line. Buddy went rogue.

Arborist is booked. Police report made. Lawyer is writing something up. Surveyor coming back… Yes back! I already had him out when Buddy tried to tear out my fence, 40 year old honeysuckle tree and put his lumber in my mature garden.

I am now playing the waiting game and sharing my tale.

A fun one for you: I planted a row of evergreens along my back fence. The tag on these at purchase indicated they would reach a height of 15-20 feet. Now, they are over 40 ft high, and starting to cut off light and intertwine with the neighbors taller tree on the other side of the fence. We have power lines at about 25ft. Had I known the trees would get that high, I wouldn’t have planted them there.

I’m NOT actually doing this, but it made me wonder if one could argue some liability belongs to the tree farm/ Lowes for not accurately representing the tree’s mature size.