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Neighbors Force Tree Trimming?

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haha0002

Junior Member
Washington State:

My neighbors have never been easy to deal with. Although they live surrounded by forest, more than 5 acres, they technically do not own the forested property. They have taken issue with having to clean leaves off of their driveway and out of their yard and feel that the property owners should do so (us and another lady). We feel that is insane - everyone is responsible for their own property and quite frankly, everyone keeps a nice yard around here. They go so far as to dump the refuse from their yard back onto the property of the forest-owners. They also dump cut tree branches, logs, weeds etc. onto the same property. When asked not to, they stated they had a right to, as the leaves were not "theirs". Ok, so we ignore that, because it's crazy behavior and we're not about to get into a childish fight with these people.

Now, they have had their lawyer send a letter to one of the adjacent property owners, stating that they are putting her on notice that she has two "dangerous" trees that must be trimmed back so nothing overhangs their property and also that they are sick of leaves and she is responsible for clearing up the leaves on their property, or hiring someone to do so.

I, as part property owner of the forest, have asked the city and police what can be done about the complaining neighbors dumping refuse on our properties and neither will get involved in a civil matter. So, how do they get to deem trees dangerous, or demand that someone cleans up their property, when they have knowingly built a house here and have lived here since 1989? Is there something we should legally do as the forest property owners to protect ourselves?

These people have a history of not getting along with any of the neighbors, not current, not past. Thanks.
 


justalayman

Senior Member
If you have a dangerous tree, if you fail to address it now, should it cause damage in the future, you will be found liable. This letter has put you on notice.

as to trimming the other trees; the other party has a right to trim all the branches that cross onto her property.

to her dumping leaves, branches, etc. onto your property, there is likely a criminal law that could be invoked but cities hate to get into such actions. You would be better served suing her for your costs to clean up whatever she throws into your yard.
 

xylene

Senior Member
Ok, so we ignore that, because it's crazy behavior and we're not about to get into a childish fight with these people.
The bottom line is that is being dumb and passive aggressive.

They are asserting their property rights agressively and you are being a push over in protecting yours.

Get a lawyer and stop this dumping immediately.

Their rationale is completely bogus.
 

drewguy

Member
If you have a dangerous tree, if you fail to address it now, should it cause damage in the future, you will be found liable. This letter has put you on notice.

as to trimming the other trees; the other party has a right to trim all the branches that cross onto her property.
yes. If you think the tree is not truly dangerous, have a certified arborist come to inspect the tree and give you a written report that there are no signs of decay etc. and that the tree appears healthy. Of course, if it is dangerous have it removed.

If these trees are overhanging her property you have two choices--let them cut them as they see fit or do it yourself so it's done well, because these neighbors will likely hack away at the branches.
 

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