By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
AmextaFinanceAmextaFinance
  • Home
  • News
  • Banking
  • Credit Cards
  • Loans
  • Mortgage
  • Investing
  • Markets
    • Stocks
    • Commodities
    • Crypto
    • Forex
  • Videos
  • More
    • Finance
    • Dept Management
    • Small Business
9
Notification Show More
Videos
How the new Trump accounts for kids works
1 hour ago
Videos
The New Soap Operas Are Just 2 Minutes Long — The Power Of Micro Dramas
2 hours ago
News
Oakmark International Strategy Q2 2025 Commentary (Mutual Fund:OAKIX)
5 hours ago
Videos
“Politics moves markets.”
1 day ago
Videos
Why U.S. businesses are jumping on the Dubai chocolate craze
1 day ago
News
Upslope Capital’s Q2 2025 Investor Letter
1 day ago
News
The UK’s laggard approach to stablecoins reveals so much
2 days ago
Videos
How Trump’s megabill could “quietly destroy professional gambling” in the U.S. 🎰
2 days ago
Videos
Why Americans Keep Moving Into Gated Communities
2 days ago
Aa
AmextaFinanceAmextaFinance
Aa
  • Banking
  • Credit Cards
  • Loans
  • Dept Management
  • Mortgage
  • Markets
  • Investing
  • Small Business
  • Videos
  • Home
  • News
  • Banking
  • Credit Cards
  • Loans
  • Mortgage
  • Investing
  • Markets
    • Stocks
    • Commodities
    • Crypto
    • Forex
  • Videos
  • More
    • Finance
    • Dept Management
    • Small Business
Follow US
AmextaFinance > Finance > ‘It provides shade and privacy’: My neighbor wants me to cut down my 20-year-old oak tree. Can he force me to?
Finance

‘It provides shade and privacy’: My neighbor wants me to cut down my 20-year-old oak tree. Can he force me to?

News Room
Last updated: 2023/09/11 at 1:53 PM
By News Room
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE

Dear Quentin,

I have a healthy 20-year-old oak tree that my neighbor is convinced is going to fall on his house. It provides shade and privacy for me, and it’s a beautiful specimen.

Contents
Dear Quentin,Dear Neighbor,

How do I explain to my neighbor that removing the tree is not going to happen? Our community consists of small lots with large homes. 

Who is liable if a tree falls onto a neighbor’s property? My tree is in a corner of my lot abutting three other homes in our neighborhood.

I want to be a good neighbor, but I also don’t want to be a pushover.

Good Neighbor in Georgia

Dear Neighbor,

It’s illegal to cut down a neighbor’s tree without their permission or a ruling from a local court, so you have the upper hand — or branch, in this case — in this dispute. If you woke up one morning to find your tree had been cut down while you slept, you would have the right to file a police report. You’d also want to talk to your insurance company, your attorney and — of course — your neighbor.  

But before it comes to that, you should remind your neighbor of your rights, which differ depending on the state you live in. A neighbor cannot make you cut down your beautiful tree, but he could — in theory — take you to court and ask a judge to give him permission to cut down the tree if he can prove that it, or its roots, is interfering with or could reasonably cause damage to his property.

Brian M. Douglas, an attorney in Atlanta, Ga., writes: “First, the homeowner cannot trespass onto their neighbor’s property or cut anything beyond their property line. Second, the homeowner’s actions should not lead to permanent damage to the tree. If a homeowner trims branches, cuts tree roots, or treats part of the tree with a chemical and this damages or kills the tree, then the homeowner can be held liable.”

“‘If there are branches hanging over his property, he may have the right to trim them back, especially if they were interfering with his view or causing other obstructions.’”

Surprisingly, if a tree falls onto a neighbor’s property in Georgia, it’s the owner of the property where the tree fell and not the owner of the property with the tree who bears the financial responsibility in most cases, unless the tree was diseased or dead and clearly presented a risk of falling. In your case, it may be wise to consult an arborist to write a report on the tree and the risks to your neighbor’s property. That could cost about $250 to $400.

“If your neighbor’s tree falls onto your yard, the first step is to make sure the area is safe,” Douglas adds. “Trees can often pull power lines down with them, and trees are also conductors of electricity. So it’s important to make sure that there are no downed power lines or live wires. Your second step should be to take photos. A picture can show whether the tree had visible signs of disease or decay.”

The good news is that your neighbor has spoken to you. If there are branches hanging over his property, he may have the right to trim them back, especially if they are interfering with his view or causing other obstructions. Before he does that, however, he should speak to the local housing association to make sure he is not running afoul of any local ordinances.

So what should you say to him? “The tree is healthy and strong, has been here for 20 years and provides shade and privacy. What are your specific concerns? Perhaps an arborist can address them. I’m sorry you feel like the tree is interfering with your property, but cutting down such a beautiful tree is not an option.”

Be firm, cordial, stick to the facts, and neither you nor neighbor should cross any lines — in this case, property lines. 

Readers write to me with all sorts of dilemmas. 

By emailing your questions, you agree to have them published anonymously on MarketWatch. By submitting your story to Dow Jones & Co., the publisher of MarketWatch, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.

The Moneyist regrets he cannot reply to questions individually.

More from Quentin Fottrell:

I gave my divorcing daughter $5,000. She lashed out when I refused to give her more. When will enough be enough?

‘I grew up dirt-poor’: I am 43 and have $2.5 million in stocks and an IRA. Can I retire early?

‘I’m conflicted’: My fiancé earns less than me, and racks up credit-card debt. Is it a bad idea to get married?

Read the full article here

News Room September 11, 2023 September 11, 2023
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Copy Link Print
Leave a comment Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Finance Weekly Newsletter

Join now for the latest news, tips, and analysis about personal finance, credit cards, dept management, and many more from our experts.
Join Now
How the new Trump accounts for kids works

Watch full video on YouTube

The New Soap Operas Are Just 2 Minutes Long — The Power Of Micro Dramas

Watch full video on YouTube

Oakmark International Strategy Q2 2025 Commentary (Mutual Fund:OAKIX)

MARKET ENVIRONMENT International equities finished higher during the quarter with all GICS…

“Politics moves markets.”

Watch full video on YouTube

Why U.S. businesses are jumping on the Dubai chocolate craze

Watch full video on YouTube

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You Might Also Like

Finance

4 Ways To Avoid Fake Shipping Fee Swindles

By News Room
Finance

Dell Supports Endeavor Miami’s Quest To Empower Black Founders

By News Room
Finance

The World’s 10 Most Expensive Cities To Live

By News Room
Finance

Biden Sends Student Loan Forgiveness Emails To 800,000 Borrowers

By News Room
Finance

New Student Loan Forgiveness Application For Those With Medical Issues

By News Room
Finance

Who Really Owns Nursing Homes, And How The Feds Are About To Learn More

By News Room
Finance

Gone Are America’s Cushiest Federal Prisons

By News Room
Finance

Can You Still Get Insurance After A Cancer Diagnosis?

By News Room
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Youtube Instagram
Company
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Press Release
  • Contact
  • Advertisement
More Info
  • Newsletter
  • Market Data
  • Credit Cards
  • Videos

Sign Up For Free

Subscribe to our newsletter and don't miss out on our programs, webinars and trainings.

I have read and agree to the terms & conditions
Join Community

2023 © Indepta.com. All Rights Reserved.

YOUR EMAIL HAS BEEN CONFIRMED.
THANK YOU!

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?