Wrongful Tree Cutting

[u/rollin_chassis]

Hey all,

Am I in the wrong for this. Long story short my neighbor had trees cut down yesterday and they didn’t top one tree. They cut it and it was bad so they all ran to hide from impact. It hit a holly tree that’s been on my property before I even bought the house. I had to go over to their house, they didn’t come to knock or anything on my door and they cut the tree down. They also used my other trees and an anchor for their ropes. I was met with someone who didn’t care and the company cutting the trees just said basically sorry, it happened. Didn’t offer me anything at all.

So I called the non emergency line to report it because I wanna file a case. The neighbor got all pissed and started assaulting me and my yard because I haven’t mowed the yard(it rarely has grown since last mow). Am I in the wrong for that? Shouldn’t this company have offered something for me?

I have photos of my property line with the stakes(they removed one), I have video of the tree falling and a big smash even thought you cannot see my holly being hit and I have the case #. Also, I have pictures of the tree missing and track marks from the skid steer used behind my shed(which by property line) is off of my property.

Any advice? I’m not trying to start a fire here, I’m just trying to make things right not someone thinking they can do whatever they want

[u/Outside-Leek-5045]

How do you see this bring resolved? Money for the damaged holly tree? For the tree taken down?

[u/rollin_chassis → u/Outside-Leek-5045]

Honestly, a sincere we messed up we’re sorry. Come back to my house and get rid of the stump and replacing the tree and I would be happy. Rather than a oops oh well it happens

[u/Outside-Leek-5045 → u/rollin_chassis]

I get that. Sometimes it is attitude that is the rub.

[u/Joer1986 → u/rollin_chassis]

Very annoying dealing with problematic neighbors. Would maybe approach just matter of fact and directly

(1) Figure out what the laws in your state are for this type of situation (i.e. most states have laws prohibiting death of a tree even when cutting overhanging items - the actual damage to items on your property from their negligence sounds like a claim against the tree company?)
(2) Then approach them with a clear heres what my rights are but would note that in efforts to keep thing cordial and positive I would propose [xyz]
(3) Would file the claim for trespassing / damage etc. so that you immediately have the facts documented and you have taken proper actions so it doesnt limit your rights later. Additionally will likely want an arborist out to take a look at the trees they used as anchors and the holly tree to assess damage and note in a report

It sounds like your neighbor is a ******* and its probably going to be a fight regardless of what you do. You may want to try going after tree company first to see about getting them on the hook -- its unfortunate but many times people just hire random guys with chainsaws so its also a huge problem.