Tree options

[RedSetter]

What is the name of your state (PA)?

Our neighbor has a 70-75' oak tree about 7' from the property line. At this point, a good third of the upper branches are over our fence. We have tried to keep the tree trimmed back, but it is becoming a real problem. Our yard is full of acorns, branches, etc. Every year we try to keep ahead of this, but cutting our grass has become a game of dodge the acorns. (falling from the tree) Our dog is unable to use the lower part of our yard due to acorns and caps in her paws. I see this as a quality of life issue. Am I wrong?

We have consulted with tree specialists, but they won't just trim the branches back to the fence line. It would damage the tree.

After Irene, we spent two and a half hours cleaning up the debris.

What are our options in terms of this tree? The prevailing winds in our area will put this tree or any large debris on top of our house. The roots are obviously a threat to our home. We are scheduled to have a tree specialist advise us on the potential immediate threat from the roots.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

Move into the city where there are no trees. I suspect this tree was dropping acorns when you bought your house.

 

[drewguy]

I imagine your neighbor sees having an old, strong oak tree and the shade it provides as a quality of life issue as well.

Your rights are to cut the branches at the property line so long as doing so does not harm the tree. The cost is yours to bear. Nuts, leaves, twigs are not nuisances in most states.

If you really can't mow the lawn, buy a hard hat and mow that way.

 

[csi7]

Get a written report from the tree people who will NOT trim the tree back, the reason why, and then the tree specialist report you get to see what other options there are.
You can do what a neighbor did here, put up a tarp to catch the acorns from the tree and it will catch the smaller branches and twigs that come off during storms and cut back the amount of clean-up on the ground.