Neighbor's tree branches rubbing on my house

[SHRED]

Yeah I know I can legal cut them at my property line but I don't feel I should have to pay for it.

Anyone know what the owner's responsibility is here?

[rug]

1. You can call your town's zoning officer.

http://realestate.findlaw.com/neighbors/conflicts-involving-trees-and-neighbors.html

[SHRED]

2. I did

They told me is a civil matter they stay out of.

[rug]

3. They're brushing you off.

They enforce setbacks and a slew of other zoning rules involving building footprints, septic fields, lawns and trees. Go down and get a copy of the zonng code.

In the meantime, get someone to cut the limb, get a receipt and file for reimbursement in Small Claims Court. The same law that allows you to cut it gives you the legal basis for compensation.

[SHRED]

5. it's a pretty big job

Four large ficus trees hitting about 30 feet of my second story roof area.

[rug]

6. Do you know the Small Claims limit in your jurisdiction?

If the cost is above that, you may have to send a demand letter to your neighbor and then hire an attorney to follow through if you don't come to terms. Either way, I'd get an estimate. Your chances improve if you can establish the trees pose a risk of structural damage.

[mimi85]

4. Time to contact Judge Judy. nt

[Orrex]

7. It sounds so dirty when you put it that way.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. Unfortunately you will have to pay for this.

At least that's the law in my state. I've been through this a couple of times from both sides of the issue, researched it thoroughly and there was no question about it. Legally you "own" the tree branches above your property so you have to pay for removing them.

[SHRED]

9. I haven't spoke with the neighbor yet

I am confident I can negotiate something that benefits us.
At least I hope so. LOL

[likesmountains 52]

10. I have a large willow tree

that extends in to my neighbor's yard. They are adding a second story, and the tree would have been in the way...they asked me if it was ok for them to trim it, and they paid for it. Not sure if this is the normal procedure, but that's how they handled it.

[blackcrowflies]

11. talk to your neighbor

They may be happy to have it trimmed by someone they hire and pay, lest the people you hire massacre the tree.

Unless you know the neighbors are scum, assuming they are okay people until proved otherwise reduces neighborhood messes.

[B Calm]

12. If I lived nearby I would come over with my Sthil Farm Boss and cut the limb down.

[SHRED]

13. Nice!