A renter was left frustrated and searching for answers after a dispute over trees caused a neighbor to overstep their bounds.
The renter took to the r/neighborsfromhell subreddit to explain their situation, stating that their neighbor previously complained about a healthy tree dropping leaves on their yard and suggested that the landlord should cut it down. Now, the neighbor took matters into their own hands by damaging a newly planted tree that isn't on their property.
"Flash forward 3 years I have a new tree growing close to the fences line and I just noticed they have been cutting down the branches that would even cross the fence," the OP explained. "I don't have any money stakes in this as I'm the renter but I want to be real petty. Do I have any ground to stand on that they cut down my new trees?"
🗣️ Should HOAs be able to force homeowners to change their yards?
🔘 Absolutely not 💯
🔘 Yes — it's part of the deal 🤝
🔘 Only in extreme circumstances 🏚️
🔘 We should ban HOAs 🚫
🗳️ Click your choice to see results and speak your mind
While the OP's "petty" idea to cut down the branches of their neighbor's trees that cross over into their property received some support, two wrongs don't make a right. Either way, commenters agreed that the neighbor has no right to damage the tree simply because leaves are falling into their yard.
"There are no laws anywhere (I believe) that says an owner of a tree is responsible for leaves that do not fall on their property," one commenter stated. "It just depends which way the wind blows."
Unfortunately, disputes over trees like this are far too common in many areas across the United States and worldwide. In some cases, there are legal ramifications that come from the destruction of these natural beauties.
For example, a landlord resorted to pressing charges against a neighbor who destroyed a tree that caused their tenant to lose shade and privacy, as the tree was not on the neighbor's side of the property line. The neighbor had previously complained about a bird feeder in the tree attracting squirrels, but they are learning the hard way that it isn't a worthy excuse to overstep and remove the tree themselves.
Trees are aesthetically pleasing and play a crucial role in our ecosystems by providing shade, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity. They are amazing allies in keeping our planet healthy and cool because they absorb planet-warming gases from the atmosphere and release oxygen, which helps combat air pollution.
If you find yourself in a similar situation where trees are being destroyed without permission, it's important to document such incidents and seek legal advice when property lines and personal rights are overstepped.
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