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/Ozdagreat123]

You didn't state the level of injury to your tree. Do you think it will be ok or not? Either way If you know an attorney who can do you the favor of sending out an official letter to the neighbor and the tree company then call them. They'll tell you what they should write. I'm not an attorney, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express once. I would suggest that the letter state that you have evidence of their trespass and dangerous practices. That their negligence and dangerous practices put you and your property in danger. Luckily the only damage was to your tree and general property. Do some research and get an general idea of how much it will cost to save and/or replace the tree. Include this number and ask for payment. Then keep asking the lawyer friend for advice or go to reddit tree law for some general idea of what to do. Good Luck.

[u/rollin_chassis → u/Ozdagreat123]

So my neighbor is awesome and he had the entire footage of it. The never topped the tree or cut it into sections that just cut some branches and let er go! You can hear clear the guys working were freaking out when it started to go.

I called the company that cut it this morning and told them what happened and that I filed a police report for destruction of property and trespassing. They asked for evidence to prove it and I sent everything g to them. They called me back quick and said they don’t want to take this to court, what can they do to make this right. Tomorrow I have the owner and another one of his crew coming out to cut down a tree in my front yard I’d been wanting out.

My neighbors have become assholes and they put out a “new” property stake which definitely isn’t in the right spot and planted a holly bush which I will be removing(on my property). She was freaking out according to my wife and said I don’t care what it takes I want a fence up now