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Real Property
How can I make my neighbor cut his hedge back that is growing onto my property?

How can I make my neighbor cut his hedge back that is growing onto my property?

Q: What should I do if my neighbor refuses to cooperate about property boundaries?

If your neighbor refuses to cooperate, you might consider seeking legal advice. You can file a trespass to try title action or a quiet title action to formally establish your property rights. Document all interactions and communications, as this may be useful in any legal proceedings.

Q: What legal actions can I take against my neighbor for property encroachment?

You can file a claim regarding the encroachment, which may involve a trespass to try title action or a quiet title action. These legal actions can help clarify property boundaries and establish your rights. It's advisable to consult with an attorney to understand the best course of action for your specific situation.

Q: Can I call the police if my neighbor is damaging my property?

Yes, you can call the police if your neighbor is damaging your property. However, the police may not intervene in property disputes unless there is clear evidence of criminal activity. It may be more effective to document the damage and seek legal advice to address the issue.

Q: What is a quiet title action?

A quiet title action is a legal proceeding used to establish ownership of a property and resolve disputes over property boundaries. It can help clarify your rights and eliminate claims against your property. Consulting with a legal professional can help you understand if this action is appropriate for your situation.

Full question:

A neighbor has a hedge that originally was planted on his property several years ago. He let it grow out where it is clearly on my property. I have asked him many times to trim it back, and he refuses. I showed him a copy of my survey and showed him the property lines. He even had his land surveyed when he applied for a remortgage. I asked him again that while the flags were showing the boundary if he would trim them. He again refused. I went to the town hall and asked them to verify my property boundary, and they agreed with me, and said I had the right to trim his hedges if they were on my property. I sent him a letter, stating that I would appreciate it if he would trim the bushes or I would have to. He came over and screamed at me and said he would have me arrested it I touched his bushes, yet he's been hacking one of my bushes that I've had (on my property) for 13 years so his plants have more room to grow. I called him last night and said I was really getting stressed out over the whole matter (I want to sell my house when the market gets better, and I'm afraid that there will be a problem when it is surveyed for the new potential owners. I tried to offer that we could hire an independent surveyer, and if he was not on my property I would pay for the survey, and if he was encroaching on my property he would pay for the survey and cut his bushes back. He started screaming at me and I finally said if he didn't cut them, I would. He called the police on me, and they came over and said I could be arrested if I cut his bushes. (Why can he hack mine on my property and not be arrested? Oh, yeah, he owns the landscaping company that takes care of his lawn, and they cut them, not him himself). What is the next thing I should do since we can't work this out amicalby?

Category: Real Property
Subcategory: Encroachment
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Florida

Answer:

Please see the information and form at the following links:

http://definitions.uslegal.com/t/trespass-to-try-title/

http://definitions.uslegal.com/q/quiet-title/

http://definitions.uslegal.com/r/real-estate---encroachments/

http://www.uslegalforms.com/fl/FL-00761BG.htm

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.

FAQs

Can I trim my neighbor's hedges if they are on my property?

Yes, if your neighbor's hedges are encroaching on your property, you have the right to trim them back to the property line. However, it's important to proceed carefully to avoid potential legal issues. Consider documenting the situation and communicating with your neighbor before taking any action. If conflicts arise, it may be wise to consult with a legal professional.