Single-family homes come with the responsibility of caring for the plants on the lot. The downside about having beautiful trees is that someone has to trim them, or they’ll grow out of hand. But who is responsible for tree trimming when branches hang over someone else’s yard?
Brandenberger Tree Care is Fort Wayne’s premium tree services provider, and we’ll help you navigate tree trimming to stay on good terms with your neighbors. Keep reading to learn how to handle unclear situations.
When the Responsibility Is Yours
Unless there are special circumstances, tree trimming is your responsibility if the trunk is clearly planted on your property, regardless of whether the roots or canopy reaches beyond the line.
It’s your responsibility to care for the tree to ensure it’s healthy. Disease, pests, excess sap, or any other issues that cause the tree to decline, fall, and damage your neighbor’s property could make you legally liable for repairs.
You should call an arborist to inspect your tree’s health annually to make sure nothing is wrong with it. Having an inspection report from the arborist can help you in legal situations should your neighbor take you to court over fallen or overhanging branches.
When the Responsibility Is Theirs
Your neighbor is free to trim branches and foliage from your tree if it hangs onto their property line unless local laws state otherwise. However, if your neighbor asks you to trim the overhanging portion, you should do it to play nice. If the branches become a safety hazard, they could take legal action, and if they have a record of asking you to trim the branches, that will work against you in court.
When You’re Unsure Who Is Responsible for Tree Trimming
If a tree trunk grows directly on the property line, you are likely both responsible for the tree. You and your neighbor should discuss any trimming and care to ensure you both agree on it. You can also discuss the financial aspect of tree care to share the responsibility clearly.
If a tree trunk is mostly on your side and partially on their side, consult local laws to determine how you should split ownership. You may be able to work a deal out with your neighbor, but if problems end up in court, it would be better to have an official document with legal weight explaining who has rights to the tree.
Call Brandenberger Tree Care for Your Tree Trimming Needs
If you’re not sure who is responsible for tree trimming, call our experts at Brandenberger Tree Care. We’ll help you determine who should trim the dead tree branches or fertilize the tree, and we’ll point you to local legal advice if the need arises. Our expert arborists are familiar with tree care and responsibility and can help you and your neighbor figure out tricky situations.
When you need a reliable arborist to care for your trees, reach out to us at (260) 305-1715 to schedule a free quote.
