Trees and Property – What You Need to Know

Trees are fantastic for communities. They cool our streets and buildings, manage stormwater, absorb carbon dioxide while producing oxygen, provide a calming environment, and offer homes for various animals. However, large trees can also present challenges in neighborhoods. Here’s what you need to know about tree ownership and management.

Tree Location

• On Your Property: If a tree is entirely on your property, it’s your job to keep it healthy. This means calling an arborist if it shows signs of disease or gets damaged by a storm.
• On the Border: If a tree straddles the border between two properties, both owners share the responsibility for its upkeep.

Tree Encroachment

• Branches and Roots Crossing Property Lines: If your tree’s branches or roots extend into your neighbor’s yard, they can trim them, but only up to the property line. They must avoid damaging the tree. This can be tricky if the tree is close to the line. For instance, if a neighbor wants to install a pool near the property line, they could damage the tree’s root system, potentially killing it. Similarly, if your tree’s roots damage your neighbor’s septic tank, you could be facing a problem. Consulting a tree expert before planting near property lines is a good idea.

Leaves

• Leaf Cleanup: Even if you don’t have any trees, you might still need to clean up leaves from your yard in the fall due to neighboring trees. Unfortunately, you can’t claim your neighbor’s trees as nuisances just because of falling leaves.

Tree Removal

• Increasing Tree Canopy: Many cities are working to increase their tree canopy, which means removing trees might become more difficult. However, if a tree is diseased or dangerous, it’s essential to remove it. Check with your local municipality for regulations on tree removal.

Hiring Tree Professionals

• Need an Arborist? If you need tree work done, it’s best to hire a professional. Don’t rely on a friend with a chainsaw. Look for licensed, bonded, and insured professionals to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

Preventative Tree Maintenance

• Insurance Concerns: Insurance companies are increasingly concerned about mitigating risks, which includes looking at trees with overhanging branches. Now is a great time to perform preventative maintenance on your trees to avoid potential problems.

Keeping your trees healthy and well-maintained is crucial for your property and community. If you need recommendations for tree professionals, I’m here to help!