Legal question on trees on property line that could cause damage...

[Torvy]

Mine isn't quite that bad, yet. Popped out of the socket in a rugby match. Went right back in, but pain for weeks and now it has a 'hitch' when I rotate it. That was almost 40 years ago. I probably need surgery on my back as it always hurts. I tend to avoid treatment until I really cannot function. We're about the same age and I don't want to correct problems twice. Good luck!

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

I'll be in pain at night to the point where it's hard to sleep.

Uh, guys, I would just say "welcome to your 50's". That's just another day. You'll have to get up soon to pee anyway, so who needs sleep?

Don't worry, it gets worse.

 

[fuchifarm]

Tree law is complex as all can tell from the varied responses. It is very location specific but in general trees in good health that fall are an act of god. After they fall it is the responsibility of the owner of the land where they lay. A hazordous tree typically must be shown to be diseased or dead and the property owner notified of the fact before they are liable.

Just because a few similar healthy trees have fallen does not mean the rest of them will. Those were acts of god and typically can't be used as defining the rest as hazardous trees. As always local law can interpret that differently. You should consult a lawyer in your area if you are concerned about your potential liability.

If the neighbor is concerned and wants to preemptively reduce the potential for damage he can try to come to an agreement with the owner of the trees.

As for the issue of property line privacy screen replacements I keep hearing about a hybrid Miscanthus x gigantus grass that is sterile and only can be propogated by rhyzomes. Its a type of silver grass that grows to be 10 to 15ft tall and is a clump grass. I don't know anyone who has planted it though but I am curious about it for planting along the right of way. Apparently some places use it as a fuel source since its growth potential is so high.