Full question:
My nieghbor is treating me, calling the police and other horible actions all because I want to trim back his tree limbs and branches back to my property line. He is saying that I cant cut a branch if it is over 2 inches thick??? The trees are blocking light to my 17 arborvities that are under these trees, stunting the growth, they also cause alot of litter every year that i have to clean up. Do they have the right to tell me what trees i can trim? Can I get into trouble for trimming there tree back only to my property line, If the tree is not adversely affected?
- Category: Trees
- Date:
- State: Georgia
Answer:
To address your situation, it's important to check local tree ordinances, as these can vary by area. Generally, property owners can trim branches and roots that extend into their property, but there are specific rules to follow.
A property owner must first notify the tree owner before trimming. If the tree owner does not address the issue, you can trim the branches back to your property line. However, you cannot completely remove the tree or harm its overall structure or appearance. If the tree is well-maintained and not a danger, the owner may not be liable for damage caused by fallen branches during a storm.
In cases where trees encroach on a neighbor's property and create a nuisance, the tree owner may be required to trim or remove the offending branches. If the encroachment causes actual harm, it may be considered a nuisance, which can lead to legal action.
For specific advice tailored to your situation, consider consulting with a local attorney or checking with your local city hall for applicable laws.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.