Western
Super Member
:thumbsup: He may even help you over a "cold" one.
Can I cut my neighbor's tree branches that hang over my property?
- Thread starter beppington
- Start date
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:thumbsup: He may even help you over a "cold" one.
creekbend
Super Star Member
Perhaps this will be of some assistance? Laws on Cutting Down Trees | eHow.com
creekbend
Super Star Member
In regards to the website that I posted above, please scroll down and read the part about "Florida laws for cutting down trees". I lived and worked in Florida for well over 20 years and the laws are literally a PITA concerning the regulations. Even if you own the property, you are required to obtain a permit statewide in most cases. There are a few exceptions, such as for agricultural purposes; etc. Best wishes. I know this from personal experience.
OP
beppington
Elite Member
Thank you :thumbsup:
From your link:
"When it comes to dealing with trees that lie close to property lines, you have the legal right to trim tree branches that hang over your property line, but only up to the property line and not past. You must also stay on your side of the property line and make sure you do not destroy the tree itself."
creekbend
Super Star Member
You are quite welcome. I had a live oak tree in my yard in Florida that had branches reaching the roof and gutters. I started to trim the branches with the chainsaw, and before I finished, a code inspector approached me and made me stop. Unbeknownst to me, I was required to obtain a permit in Sarasota and Manatee County, even if I was the property owner. I didn't receive a fine, but the code inspector chastised me royally.
sfloggie
Gold Member
It is neighborly to discuss it with him.
That said, you can cut up to the property line, but do not cut anything on or over the line. I went through this is the past.
If on the line, there is joint ownership thus responsibility. If a tree is on the line, or even a fence, you or they can do repairs and you must pay half or they do. But back to neighborly which normally occurs until the other decides something is "not neighborly".
Sorry you have to decide. But still best to discuss.
Jim
That said, you can cut up to the property line, but do not cut anything on or over the line. I went through this is the past.
If on the line, there is joint ownership thus responsibility. If a tree is on the line, or even a fence, you or they can do repairs and you must pay half or they do. But back to neighborly which normally occurs until the other decides something is "not neighborly".
Sorry you have to decide. But still best to discuss.
Jim
OP
beppington
Elite Member
Sheesh.
OP
beppington
Elite Member
I will definitely be speaking to him; we get along fine. I was just curious. I do share another line with another neighbor where it wouldn't go so well. Not sure I even want tackle that one, yet anyway.
I expect & hope that he doesn't mind, because I think this 1 tree would definitely look better & just fine if I cut the branch all the way back to the tree trunk. If I lop it off directly above the property line, it's gonna look like a big stub dead-ending in space ... you know, like the utility company's "arborists" do :laughing: ... where they butcher trees, & do just that: Cut straight up from the right-of-way boundaries regardless of how bad the results look. I need to post a picture of the gas pipeline that crosses my property - no trees around the pipeline on my property, but both north & south of me the pipeline is totally surrounded by trees, & the utility guys cut the limbs straight up so there's a very unnatural looking square corridor thru the trees. Looks ridiculous, kinda sad looking actually.
radioman
Super Member
Yeah- I hate the unnatural look.
When I trim my trees, I look for the fork in branch and remove the lowest branch and work my way back. Quite often, you still have the major part of branch they weighs so much less it pops up out of the way and still looks natural.
Good luck with your neighbor. chances are if you have been good with you and you want to shape tree better. you never know, he might do the same on his side .
When I trim my trees, I look for the fork in branch and remove the lowest branch and work my way back. Quite often, you still have the major part of branch they weighs so much less it pops up out of the way and still looks natural.
Good luck with your neighbor. chances are if you have been good with you and you want to shape tree better. you never know, he might do the same on his side .