Cypress knee damage

[dee985]

Cypress knees have caused damage to septic pipes and knees are constantly doing damage to lawn mower blades. my house is built off the ground and on cement blocks and i suspect a cypress knee is growing under a cement block up to the point my floor inside is rising up. I also have numerous cypress knees visible under the house that need to be cut before they grow through the floor, I am 69yrs and can not do the work I am in Louisiana. Cypress trees are on neighbors property close to property line.

 

[PayrollHRGuy]

There really isn't a legal question involved here. Cypress knees are common in LA. Unfortunately, most homeowner's insurance companies will refuse to cover any damages that don't arise suddenly or accidentally and they certainly won't pay for what is essentially a maintenance issue.

 

[justalayman]

I’m going to take a guess the op wants to know if they can demand the neighbor, on whose lot the tree trunks are, can be held liable and responsible for the roots growing on ops side of the property line.

So, to that possibility:

Art. 688. Branches or roots of trees, bushes, or plants on neighboring property.

A landowner has the right to demand that the branches or roots of a neighbor's trees, bushes, or plants, that extend over or into his property be trimmed at the expense of the neighbor.

A landowner does not have this right if the roots or branches do not interfere with the enjoyment of his property.

Acts 1977, No. 514, §1.

So, get out the typewriter and send the neighbor a letter requesting (demanding can piss them off and make it more difficult. Demands can come later if they don’t respond to a request) the remedy the issue.

 

[adjusterjack]

I am 69yrs and can not do the work

Well, I don't see your neighbor having any obligation to do the work for you. You'll have to pay somebody.

No reason you can't cut the roots that approach your house and install a root barrier.

However, depending on how far up your floor is being pushed you might have to cut out part of the floor to remedy the condition.

 

[justalayman]

Well, I don't see your neighbor having any obligation to do the work for you. You'll have to pay somebody.

No reason you can't cut the roots that approach your house and install a root barrier.

However, depending on how far up your floor is being pushed you might have to cut out part of the floor to remedy the condition.

Did you read the law I cited jack?
It explicitly states the neighbor is financially liable for the cost to deal with the roots

 

[dee985]

I received the exact information I needed Thanks to all of you for your help and a special thanks to justalayman for information on the law.

 

[adjusterjack]

Did you read the law I cited jack?

Missed it.

OP will have to prove that it's the cypress knees are the cause of his floor rising.