The end of our house backs on to the neighbours yard. We have no access to this part of the house apart from through their house. We did not realise that we had ivy growing up the wall and only realised how bad it was becuase we can now see it coming over the roof. The root is on their side, and it is growing along their yard wall and now up and over our house. We are worried there has been damage to the roof. Whose responsibility is this, ours or theirs for letting it grow out of control? Anyone with any legal know how please?
2006-10-13 07:39:43 · 13 answers · asked by charlotte e 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It's their plant, so their responsibility, as far as their property goes. Where it's invaded your property, I'd say you have the right to curb the invasiveness.
I'm trying to visualize how you don't have access to the back of your house...are you saying these buildings are built so close together that you can't walk between them? Or is there some reason you can't knock on your neighbor's door, and discuss your concerns?
I agree with killing/pruning the plant as it comes to your property, but for safety's sake, I'd recommend calling the appropriate city department to let THEM get up on the roof, or eliminate the plant.
Look in your local phone directory to see which city services to call. After all, that's why you pay taxes..
2006-10-13 08:08:44 · answer #1 · answered by Patricia G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your roof seems to be your main concern. Unfortunately, a lot more damage has already done. Ivy grows, re-roots grows some more, and re-roots again. If you could see your brickwork on that side of the house, the chances are that when you take this plant away, you will need to repoint your house, (redo the cement between the bricks. DON'T worry about who's responsibility it is yet. You need to keep on good terms with your neighbours, so as they allow the work to be done. Get access agreed over the fence to cause them as little disruption as possible. Get the ivy of. Asses what needs doing. Once its all done, you can then try and claim some or all of the money back.
2006-10-16 17:10:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, the point of responsibility is something you two can work out later...the thing is to kill it now, before it rots the roof.
What I would do, is go on the roof, and take a cup of round up with you. Now, cut a branch and dip it into the round up. It will draw it into the "system" and carry it down to the root, where it will die!
Afterwards, you can see who is responsible, but get rid of it before you start litigation, because they may say that you cant "touch" it, because its in the Court system!! (I'm serious on this part!).
I wish you well..
Jesse
2006-10-13 14:45:15 · answer #3 · answered by x 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer is ridiculously simple, THEiRS
The ivy is growing on their property, it is trespassing on your property.
I suggest that it probably has not been deliberate, SOLUTION
Go to your neighbour, introduce yourself and explain that you would like to have access to their property in order to sever the roots of the ivy that is invading your house.
Ascertain their reaction, perhaps they like it as it covers an unsightly wall.!!!!!
Be firm but polite, They know you are right.
2006-10-13 16:12:10 · answer #4 · answered by xenon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the root is on their property then the ivy is theirs and they are responsible. However, this doesn't mean that they will be vigilant about clearing it and keeping it off your property so do ask them. It is important that ivy is kept off buildings as it can cause all sorts of damage, if they are unwilling/unable to do something about clearing it then maybe they would be willing to let you onto their property to fix it yourself?
2006-10-13 14:52:06 · answer #5 · answered by loreleilee23 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's yours. I can't believe your house sits right on top of the property line. This would be VERY unusual. Spray them with a herbicide to kill the ivy off then remove from your property.
2006-10-13 16:22:12 · answer #6 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have an ivy league degree, but it seems to me a pragmatic solution would be for you to go on your roof to trim the top of the ivy.
2006-10-13 15:17:38 · answer #7 · answered by x4294967296 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask your neighbour to remove it as in the long run it will crack harling if your wall has itor even brick work as it has fine roots as it grows bigger to cling to walls as it gets bigger so do the roots so it can carry the weight it is a creeper so it will envade as many nooks and cranniesto stay aloft
2006-10-14 16:09:46 · answer #8 · answered by barrin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As soon as it comes over your fence onto your property it is your responsibility, just cut it down your side
2006-10-15 16:44:19 · answer #9 · answered by Matt B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
act of god=nobody responsible
2006-10-13 14:42:52 · answer #10 · answered by enord 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋