My tree branches have grown onto my neighbor's garage and have caused some damage. Am I liable for this?

Question

My tree is planted within my boundary lines which is about 2 feet from my neighbor's metal garage. The tree branches have grown up and over the garage and may be causing damage to the garage roof. The neighbor has asked me to remove the branches or she will have them removed at my cost. Can she do this? Should I trim the branches or let her do it. The tree has obviously been there well before the garage. The previous owners (our former neighbors) have always taken it on themself to trim the branches. Any help would be great, Thanks!

Answer 1

if the tree is in your yeard then yes you are liable, well at least in my township you are, but check the ordinances

Answer 2

Trees never exist solely on one property line when they are established. Instead, branches overhang both properties as well as roots. Roots may reach out twenty-eighty feet on both sides of the tree. Just because a previous owner of your house planted a tree mostly on your property doesn't mean that the tree belongs entirely to you now. What if the tree was planted mostly on your property at the time, but the tree began to grow mostly on the neighbor's property tree over the next five decades. Who's tree is it?

Typically, most city's allow property owner's to trim trees that grow onto their property. This would make the ownership and the trimming right to fall on your neighbor's responsibility.

Simply because the previous neighbor had owner of your address pay for the matter in the past does not make you responsible.

Answer 3

I don't think you are liable. It's their responsibility to remove whatever tree branches are over on their property. Do you own the home? If so, call your insurance agent and ask them. that way you don't have to pay an attorney. we had the same thing..our neighbor cut the limbs back. it was on his property. That person can't trim then charge you. Good luck

Answer 4

I dont think that she can charge you for trimming limbs that are on her property. Her property line is at fence up as high as she wants to call it.I deal with this stuff all the time and I have never heard of anyone being charged for something like that.It would be better if you talked to her and asked if someone could axcess her yard for the branch removal.

Answer 5

Just take some baking soda, mix it with a very small amount of vinegar to make a paste, and then put it on the carpet with an old toothbrush. Allow it to dry, then vacuum. If the stain is somewhat removed or lightened up, repeat again. Or small amount of Swarfega or WD-40. Worth testing a very small amount of these things to see what works best. Have also heard of the brown paper and iron method.

Answer 6

Whatever is growing over onto her property is her responsibility to trim, at her expense & discretion.

Now, if your tree were to fall over onto her property after a storm and cause damage, you would be liable.

Answer 7

I'm pretty sure that as it's in your property, it's your responsibility. Maybe your previous neighbours were just nice. I'd cut it myself if I were you - they'll get someone ridiculously expensive just to spite you and you'll probably be liable for the cost.

Answer 8

It's your responsiblity. Trim the branches yourself (or have someone do it) since you can't control the cost if your neighbor does it.

Answer 9

I know she can trim the branches over her yard, but I don't know if she can charge it to you.
It would probably be simpler if you took care of it yourself.

Answer 10

it would not be fair for her to cut the branches at her cost...no doubt about that....you should cut the branches..its your tree...plus just so that she can shut up and leave you alone about it...