can i plant small trees and grasses 4 ft. from my property line. my neighbor says no way. what can i do?

Question

fueding with bad neighbors and want to plant a row of trees and grasses to block the view

Answer 1

Your local city or county zoning/building ordinances may require something called a "setback", meaning an open space along your property line in which you are not allowed to build (although most setback ordinances do allow for trees and fences, depends on how yours is written). There may also be height limits on trees and/or hedges or fences. And, if your homes were part of a planned development that has a neighborhood association, there may also be Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) that you signed when you bought the house. If you are within the zoning ordinances on setback and height limits and within the terms of any CC&R's recorded against the property, there is nothing your neighbor can do unless the trees grow over onto their property.

Answer 2

no you cannot setback lines are set in place for that purpose.the roots cause damage to the neighbors property. you can be sued for damage, and there is a spite law. people that do this are simply spiteful, and nasty neighbors. why would you want to set yourself up for a law suit? And if you plant near the property line why should you expect your neighbor to cut your trees? I just went thru this in court. my neighbor was rendered a spiteful neighbor, and was held for damage to my property, and my labor to cut them back. I have a friend who is going thru the same, a spiteful neighbor planted large bushes one foot from the property line. my friends garage is on that side with their driveway when she backs out she hits the spiteful neighbors bushes. why should that happen? it shouldn't.that spiteful neighbor was ordered to take them down by the city and was fined.in all states if you notice nobody plants trees or bushes on the property line, all tress are at least 5ft. from the property line. If you plant on the property line or within 5feet you will be setting yourself up for a law suit. and Im telling you, you will not win. so save yourself the grief

Answer 3

I believe you can plant your trees where ever you want. However once they begin growing across the property line they can begin cutting them. Find out how big they get and move them back from the property line so they will not be able to cut them.

Answer 4

If you own the property and there are no laws* against it, I don't see why you couldn't plant whatever you want. However, if the limbs hung out over your neighbors property, you might have to cut the limbs.

*Most cities have ordinances about how high your grass can be.

Answer 5

Within your property line, I don't see why not. However, there may be residency rules in your area, especially if you live in a private community.

Also you generally cannot do anything to your property that will lower the value of other homes in the area.

Answer 6

check with your city officials. thier are different offices you can check with....i think when my family did something similar we spoke with someone in city planning or zoning. it could be different where you are, but i'd look it up in your city for an office that could properly answer that. good luck with the neighbors, i have a fairly nasty one next door i know your angst!!

Answer 7

Check with the city or country building department.

Answer 8

you'll have to check with your municipality but I would think that 4 feet is more than enough, you might have to keep the tree trimmed so it dosnt grow into his yard

Answer 9

Call your local zoning commisioner

Answer 10

You will have to check your local bylaws at municpal office.