Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

So my behind neighbors have these two huge trees in their back yard. We end up raking all their leave because the tree hangs over our property. No big deal. The big deal is, these badboys are old. When we have these wild winds they sway like mad. If they fell, it would be right on my sons room. We want them to have them cut in half or down. How do i ask them? Do i offer to pay half, do i ask them to just foot the bill? Wwyd?

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

I believe if any limbs hang over your property line you can cut them.

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

I could do that, but im more concerned about the main part of the tree like the body of it. Its so damn tall, it would really damage my house if it went down.

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

In the end its their property their tree. If it falls onto your property and does damage you (homeowners insur) will have to pay for its removal.

If you are willing to pay for the trees to be removed perhaps your neighbors might remove them but if not I highly doubt they will take them down if asked.

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

I would talk to them, assuming they are reasonable people, and start off by asking if they are willing to trim back or cut off some of the branches. This may help a lot with the swaying issues. If that doesn't work, then I would offer to split the cost of trimming or removal of the tree. I would not offer to pay for the whole thing unless it was a last resort.

ETA: and like someone else said, if the tree falls on your property, it's now your problem and your insurance which will have to cover. I would not however take it upon myself to cut their tree w/out first consulting them.

Message edited 3/3/2011 9:42:42 AM.

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

We had a lot of trees on our property when we moved in. On one side, they were all ours, but infringed on my neighbor's house. I asked if they would mind if we took them down. They said it was our tree to do what we wanted, but yes, they would appreciate us taking it down.

On the other side, there was a neighbor's tree that was infringing on OUR house. So I went to them and told them that we were taking some trees down in our yard, would they mind if we took down their tree as well. They didn't mind, and we paid for it.

I would approach them and explain your concern-but be willing to pay for their removal.

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

I would go talk to them, and offer to pay for a portion of the removal.

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

my DH cut any branch that hung over onto our property...and there was A LOT!! he was up on the top step of the ladder (they are REALLY TALL TREES) and used a saw attatched to a 7 ft pole...

he never asked and we never got complaints!

Message edited 3/3/2011 11:46:47 AM.

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

My neighbors trees hang over my pool. In turn, all the leaves and NEEDLES (one is pine) fall into my pool...last year, we had a tree service come and cut straight up the property line. We didn't ask...they're hanging into my yard and the way I see it, ya don't have to!

If you want the tree cut down, I suppose you'll have to ask and offer to pay at least half, if not the whole thing.

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

This is a tricky situation. I have a ginormous tree in the middle of my yard and a few smaller ones scattered along the backyard. A few neighbors have asked us about taking down the trees but honestly we do not have the money to do it right now. The neighbors told us that they had asked the previous owner to take down the trees but she refused because she loved trees.

Anyway what I am trying to say is beware you may have a tree lover on your hands who might not want to take the trees down even if you offered to help pay for the removal.

Re: Neighbors tree issues how to approach?

Maybe talk to them about trimming the parts that fall over your property, and then see if you can have a tree company come out and give you a health assessment on the trees.
Just because they're old, doesn't mean they're going to fall over. If you had a tree company assure you they were healthy, maybe that would give you peace of mind?

ultimately, they're the neighbors trees though and if they bother you that much that you want them removed, you should offer to pay for it