Many property owners believe they can trim or remove any branches or roots which cross their boundary. You’re able to handle it, right?
Not exactly.
Some branches that hang over can’t be trimmed with a saw. Court decisions have found that homeowners are subject to severe financial penalties if they perform the work incorrectly, causing damage to a neighboring branch. Here are some examples of real-life situations that show the dangers.
The Story of Patel & Booska
In 1994, Patel, a property owner, hired an expert tree surgeon to remove the roots of a Monterey Pine that belonged to his neighbor Booska. Patel claimed that the roots were damaging to his concrete.
The contractor dug three-foot trenches along the property boundary, removing effectively the roots that were keeping the tree alive. Booska was responsible for paying the cost of removing the tree.
Booska won the case in court. Patel had to pay a significant amount of restitution.
What is the lesson? What is the lesson here?
Rony and Costa: Another costly case
Let’s fast forward to 2012. In this instance, the owner hired a day-worker who was not licensed to trim branches which crossed his property boundary. The worker, instead of managing the situation carefully, aggressively cut down the trees. The result was catastrophic.
What was the result? What was the outcome?
Remember that an ill-advised “do it yourself” trimming can lead to a costly legal battle.
What can we learn?
It is your right to protect the house you live in, but it also comes with responsibilities.
- Trim all roots and branches that cross the boundary of your property. Trim only those branches and roots which cross the boundary of your property.
- It is illegal to destroy or damage the trees of a neighbor. You may be held legally responsible if you trim a tree and it dies or is seriously damaged.
- The wrong hiring can cost you thousands. A certified professional will know how to trim your property lines while staying within the legal boundaries, and also care for your trees.
Why Hire a Certified Arborist
Hiring a certified arborist can be the best option if you are unsure of what to trim. Professionals have been trained to:
- Trim the tree without harming its health.
- Follow industry standards and local law to protect yourself.
- Expert advice on how best to resolve disputes between neighbors about trees.
Arborwise Tree Service
Arborwise Tree Service is able to help property owners navigate through these challenging situations. We’ll tell you your rights and responsibilities when you call for an estimate.
You can choose from the following services:
- Tree pruning and trimming
- Tree Removal
- Stump grinding
- Fertilization
- Tree Restoration
Our team is comprised of professionals who are certified and have experience dealing with tree problems legally, safely, and ethically.
Discover why Arborwise Tree Service has a 5-star rating on Google, and why so many homeowners entrust us with their trees.
Final Word
You can’t just cut the branch that hangs above your property. Property rights come with responsibility. Make informed decisions to protect yourself. When in doubt, consult experts who know the rules and trees.
This post was written by a professional arborist at Tree Trimming Largo FL. Robert Miller is the owner of Arbor Wise Professional Tree Care, a locally owned and operated tree service company that offers superb lawn care by the most experienced Arborists. Arborwise Tree Services is a tree removal company that offers stump removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, fertilization, and tree restoration. We have an extraordinary lawn care industry notoriety covering the Pinellas county area.
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