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Tree roots can take weeks to years to die, depending on the method you use. Chemical herbicides take the least amount of time—typically between three and four weeks—while homemade methods, like covering an old stump with leaves, could take between seven and eight years. If you’re unsure which method to use or how quickly you need to act, consulting with a pro is always a good idea.

There are a few instances in which removing a tree is the best option. You might do this if the tree looks to be a major danger—potentially falling onto your home, your car, or other parts of your property—or it’s diseased beyond repair. A tree that is growing too close to your house might need to be removed to prevent mold growth.

Your neighbor is not in a good position to know if your trees are truly dead or pose any kind of danger. That’s why hiring an arborist or tree service expert can be such an important part of the process. If the trees are still alive and don’t pose any threat, you’re in the clear (but you may want to document and photograph everything in case events turn sour down the road).

But if a tree is visibly dead and near the property line, you should remove it to be safe. If a dead tree falls on a neighbor’s property, they may have grounds to sue for negligence. If any branches on trees have died, it’s a good idea to cut them back for similar reasons.

Since each tree is different, it’s impossible to say how long a dead tree can remain on your property. While it could be days, months, or even years, it’s highly likely that, at some point, the tree will fall. In the meantime, dying or dead trees can become a haven for pests, so it’s best to have them removed sooner rather than later.