| Author |
Message |
    
ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 1775
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 9:09 am: | 
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I have this "situation" and I am looking for advice.
There is a tree that borders the property line between my yard and my neighbor's. It is, in fact, on their side of the line. However, many of the branches extend in front of my house and over my yard. It provides a large patch of shade over the yard, and consequently there is a patch of front yard that will not grow grass.
Currently, the tree is flowering, so I have petals galore all over the yard and the front steps. In the winter, the branches become laden with snow and droop closer to the ground. Icicles form...dried flowers fall...etc.....
Here is the question: What, if anything, can I do about this? It is a lovely tree, but it is also an intrusion. If it were up to me, I would cut back some of the branches. Since it is not my tree, I cannot do that. Do I ask the neighbors to do this, or for permission to do this? I am certainly not talking about cutting down the tree, but I would like some of these branches out of my way.
I am not sure what to do, and I am also not sure if I will actually approach the neighbor (I have previously posted about some past difficulty with these neighbors and they frighten me a little). Just looking for some guidance here. Thanks. |
greenetree
Supporter
Username: Greenetree
Post Number: 7293
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 9:30 am: |
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Anything over the property line belongs to you. Therefore, you can trim (as long as you don't kill the tree. You also own all the debris and the shady lawn.
Have you talked to Mark Pierson at The Mill about grass solutions for that spot? |
taam
Citizen
Username: Taam
Post Number: 144
Registered: 1-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 9:41 am: |
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I would approach them & say "I'm about to cut back some of the branches that hang over my property & just wanted to let you know" (& explain why)& then immdediately following that, cut those babies back before he/she can do anything about it. (?) - This way, you're being upfront, but also ridding yourself of the problem. |
AdamMosk
Citizen
Username: Adammosk
Post Number: 58
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 9:46 am: |
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I had a similar issue on both sides. I told my neighbors as a courtesy- that I am having some tree work done and btw I am going to have them trim back these two trees as they are hanging over my house (or whatever issue you have). I am not asking you to pay for it but I wanted to let you know. Both my neighbors didn't care one bit, especially when I said I wasnt asking them for money. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1532
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 9:53 am: |
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I agree with taam.
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Pdg
Citizen
Username: Pdg
Post Number: 874
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 10:27 am: |
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I did it. Just get a reputable tree company and give them specific instructions to make the result look good. This may involve cutting/trimming on the branches that are NOT over your property, which would require the permission of your neighbor (and if they were a friendly neighbor, they might even agree to pay for a portion since both properties would benefit from an evenly shaped tree.) You have a right to hack away and leave a disfigured nightmare as long as it won't kill the tree, so ideally it can be worked out as a joint home maintenance effort.
Good luck!
PS. I use Tree Tech (973) 379-0775 |
Heather
Citizen
Username: Heater33
Post Number: 43
Registered: 8-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 10:39 am: |
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Since you like the tree, then you should just cut the branches on your side. I have a similar situation with a tree behind my property. I cut what over-hangs my yard to make it look nice. If you didn't like the tree. hammer a couple copper nails into it when nobody is looking - kills the tree ;-)
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ess
Citizen
Username: Ess
Post Number: 1777
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 - 11:37 am: |
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Thanks all.
Have not called anyone about the grass -- but that's a great idea (thanks, Greenetree) as I have to make the yard presentable for eventual sale.
Guess I will price out some options while I am deciding what exactly to do. |
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