It’s always sad when we realized that a tree on our property that has provided shade and beauty for many years has become sick or compromised. While most homeowners take a proactive approach to sick or dying trees by hiring a certified arborist to treat or remove it, not everyone is created equal.
This is especially true when a tree or its roots are threatening your property but a neighbor doesn’t seem to think it’s much of a problem. In fact, many positive relationships between neighbors have been negatively impacted by disputes over trees. That’s why Westcoast Tree Care would like to provide you with some positive insights into how to handle a compromised tree without causing a neighborhood feud.
Try Talking About It
Regardless of who your neighbor is, it’s important to try to discuss the issue thoroughly when a tree on their property is compromising yours. By keeping calm and making a clear case about the potential danger, most neighbors will understand and agree to take reasonable tree care action. This can include removing threatening branches or removing an entire tree. If they don’t agree, you may have to explore other options.
Offer A Tree Care Assessment
Trimming offending branches or cutting invasive tree roots without your neighbor’s permission can be a risky undertaking. Depending on where you live you may be breaking the law taking matters into your own hands. In fact, many people have been sued for cutting or damaging a tree that exists on another person’s property. If a neighbor won’t settle the issue with you directly, try taking action by offering to hire a certified arborist for a tree care assessment.
At Westcoast Tree Care we offer no-cost, no-obligation quotes for any of our recommended tree care services. A professional assessment in writing can often motivate a neighbor to trim or remove a compromised tree. These figures can also back you up in court if a neighbors negligence causes harm or damage to your property.
Show A Neighbor the Liability They’re Incurring
Sometimes a neighbor may be ignorant of the fact that they can be held financially or criminally responsible if a tree on their property hurts someone or damages your property. From broken windshields to smashed roofs there is a lot of potential for liability if a tree isn’t properly maintained. Once a neighbor has been made aware of the financial risk they are taking, they may be motivated to do the right thing and hire a certified arborist to fix the problem.
Send Them A Certified Letter
If a neighbor refuses to talk with you about a compromised tree and won’t take your concerns seriously, you may want to speak with an attorney or insurance professional who can provide you with a certified letter stating the risks associated with a problematic tree. When they receive this type of correspondence from a professional it may be enough to incentivize them to take the necessary steps needed to address the issues of a problematic tree.
Consider Hiring An Attorney
If a neighbor completely disregards all your attempts to remedy the situation, you may want to consider hiring an attorney to resolve the issue. From contacting your neighbor’s insurance company – who won’t be too pleased about any policy risks – to going to court there are a number of available options to choose from. While suing a neighbor probably won’t ease any tension between the two of you, it could protect your family and your home from serious harm or damages in the future.
Westcoast Tree Care
If you are having issues with a neighbors compromised tree in the Bellevue, Washington area, it’s important not to take the matter into your own hands. Instead, consider the advice provided above and contact the certified arborist at Westcoast Tree Care at 1.800.767.8733. From a professional assessment to a no-cost, no-obligation quote for any of our tree care services, we can help address any dangerous issues and help talk with your neighbor to resolve things.
