Neighbor Demands $2K After Illegally Cutting Down Two Trees, Ends Up Paying $190K Instead

Trees not only add visual appeal, shade, and other environmental benefits to our landscapes, but they can also quickly become a source of conflict, especially when they fall on property lines with neighbors. That’s why it’s important to be somewhat knowledgeable about tree law in case any issues arise. 

Unfortunately, this man didn’t bother to look into the consequences of cutting neighbors’ trees without permission, which ended up costing him around $200K. His actions caused a whole ordeal with the next-door resident, which you can read about in more detail below.

Even though they have many benefits, trees can quickly become a source of conflict between neighbors

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As it happened with these neighbors, because one of them cut the other’s trees without permission

Legal dispute over neighbor cutting down white oak trees without permission resulting in large financial settlement.

Neighbor cuts down white oak trees without permission, facing a $190K legal settlement over property dispute.

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Diagram showing neighbor cutting down white oak trees without permission, resulting in dead trees and yard damage.

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Alt text: Neighbor cuts down white oak trees without permission leading to a $190K settlement over property dispute.

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Neighbors can’t ask owners to cut their tree that obstructs the view or sunlight

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Trees of value to neighborhoods and communities are often protected in different ways depending on age, size, location, and risk of development. This means that tree owners usually have to have permits for their removal, significant pruning, or construction near their root systems. 

This also means that even if the tree obstructs neighbors’ views or sunlight, they can’t do or demand anything about it. In fact, neighbors can’t ask owners to cut their tree that obstructs the view or sunlight, regardless of whether the tree is protected by authorities. 

“The right to a view is typically not protected by law unless a specific easement or agreement exists between the neighbors. Without such an agreement, a tree owner is not legally obligated to cut down a tree simply because it blocks a view,” says ISA-certified arborist and owner of Arborist Halifax, Tim Spence. 

ISA-certified arborist and owner of The Tree Nerds, Dennis Baum, added, “Individual states, cities, historic districts, and even HOAs (Home Owner Associations) have their own rules about trees. It’s possible that your property value is being severely impacted by your neighbor’s trees blocking your view, but demanding that they cut down trees is obviously a terrible idea. If you approach your neighbor in a friendly manner and offer to pay for the trimming or removal, things will probably go a lot smoother.”

In case neighbors decide to take matters into their own hands, it can lead to serious legal trouble and costly consequences, as it happened in this story. 

It’s best to maintain open communication with your neighbor to find an amicable solution

Real estate agent discussing property details outdoors with a couple near a suburban home and white oak trees.

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The only time a person can do anything about a neighbor’s tree is if its branches are overhanging into their property. But even this varies from case to case. 

“Even if the tree trunk is clearly on your neighbor’s property, in most areas you can trim branches that reach over the property line,” Baum said. “Your property line extends straight up and straight down. So branches over your property are technically your branches, even if the trunk is somewhere else. Always make sure to follow local ordinances, many trees are protected. A local arborist will know what you can do.”

On the owner’s end, they don’t have much control over what is outside of their property. Therefore, they aren’t usually responsible for taking action against branches that overhang their fence. 

“In many cases, tree owners are not obligated to take action unless the overhanging branches pose a clear risk, such as the potential to cause property damage or injury. If the neighbor notifies the tree owner of such risks and provides a professional arborist’s report documenting the hazard, the tree owner may bear some liability if they fail to address the issue and damage occurs due to negligence,” Spence explains.

In general, Spence says that it’s best to maintain open communication with your neighbor to find an amicable solution. There’s no need to get involved in disagreements or even worse, lawsuits over greenery. “Consulting a qualified arborist and understanding your local regulations is key to resolving disputes effectively and avoiding legal complications,” he concludes.

Commenters provided the original poster with all sorts of knowledge and advice about illegal tree cutting

Forum post discussing seeking an attorney and arborist estimate after neighbor cuts down white oak trees without permission.

Comment on a screen showing a warning about a neighbor cutting down white oak trees without permission leading to a $190K settlement.

Neighbor cutting down white oak trees without permission resulting in a $190K legal settlement over trespass.

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After that, the man came back with the first update

Cut white oak tree trunk and stump on forest ground representing neighbor dispute and $190K settlement.

Image credits: RDNE Stock project/Pexels (not the actual photo)

Red oak trees showing damage after neighbor cuts down white oak trees without permission, leading to a $190K settlement.

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Text describing a neighbor cutting down white oak trees without permission leading to a $190K settlement dispute.

Alt text: Dispute over neighbor cutting down white oak trees without permission leading to a $190K settlement over property rights.

Person waiting for certified arborist to assess white oak trees after neighbor cuts them down without permission.

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Later, he returned with the second update

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Text discussing an arborist visit and the impact of a neighbor cutting down white oak trees without permission leading to a settlement.

Alt text: Person explaining the complexity of white oak trees after a neighbor cuts them down without permission leading to a $190K settlement.

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White oak trees highly valued for woodcraft and furniture, difficult to grow in neighborhoods, leading to costly disputes.

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And finally, he concluded the story with the last update

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Alt text: Legal advice post about neighbor cutting down white oak trees without permission and resulting $190K settlement outcome.

Settlement of $190K awarded after neighbor cuts down white oak trees without permission, resolving property dispute.

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Commenters were glad to hear how the story unfolded

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Neighbor cuts down white oak trees without permission, resulting in a $190K settlement and legal compensation.

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Comment discussing a neighbor cutting down white oak trees without permission and facing a large settlement.

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