Planting on property line

[property disput]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? WI
My neighbor is planting trees and shrubs along property line. He is a little ways from line but tells me the plants won't be all that big. His tree is about 3 feet from property line and right under my electric line coming into my house. He tells me this tree will only be 10' in diameter. I told him I don't want it growing on my land. Is there a way to get him to move the plants so they won't be on my land when they mature? His comeback was there are pines (very old) planted on the border and some are on his property. These were there when we both purchased the properties so I had no control in planting. Just want to know what rights I have to have him planting so close to my property.

 

[justalayman]

you have the right to cut the branches when they encroach onto your property.

You might contact the power company as they often have an easement that prevents people from planting trees under their lines, even if it is just your service drop.

 

[csi7]

I agree. Check with the power company for their easement policy.

Trees are a real problem when the lines need to be checked.

We had to get permission to plant shrubs along our property line due to the power line. The real estate specialist was really helpful and provided some insight with our landscape plans.

 

[FarmerJ]

Also do not forget many electric utilities do with out a problem trim trees that could interfere with lines they have , so you can learn the utilities policy by calling them and asking , where I live the electric co-op seems to have no problem triming trees away from line , Ive seen many trees that as funky as they look the trees were topped /chopped so they are all so called bottom growth with flat tops . And yes any trimming you do of branches that grow over your property line should be done with great care so you do not cause it do die

 

[izzie01]

The utility companies are getting more picky about trees around electrical lines lately. There was some federal mandates that required them to clear lines more aggressively. A few years ago I lost 2 large trees in front yard from this new mandate, I only had 3 larger trees to begin with. If I didn't allow them to be removed I would have then been responsible to trim them and removal if need be as decided by them, at my expense. These lines however went to the neighborhood around me, not the direct connection to my home. I have also noticed they trimmed very aggressively at my parents home to some very small trees and larger bushes on their back property line and the overhead lines to their home. It wasn't a pretty site after they got done, some of the small trees really need to be removed now because it compromised the trees structure. FYI, I live in Mn.