Q: How long can a dead tree remain?

• <div><p>Since each tree is different, it&rsquo;s impossible to say how long a dead tree can remain on your property. While it could be days, months, or even years, it&rsquo;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&rsquo;s best to have them removed sooner rather than later. </p></div>

Q: Am I responsible if a tree falls on my neighbor’s property?

• <div><p>Often, it&rsquo;s the homeowner&rsquo;s responsibility to handle the aftermath when a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/my-neighbor-s-tree-fell-my-house-who-pays.htm">neighbor&rsquo;s tree falls on their property</a>. But if a tree has been obviously dead for a significant period of time and caused damage when it fell, a case can be made that the owner should have removed it, especially if the neighbor wrote you a letter about the tree or asked you to take it down. This can be grounds for a successful lawsuit in claims court and is a good reason to always pay attention to your trees and remove dead trees before they fall.</p></div>

Question 1

How long can a dead tree remain?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 2

Why is my tree bark peeling?

Accepted Answer

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Some trees, such as silver maples, birches, sycamores, and scotch pines, shed their bark naturally. If your tree is not one that does this, it might have fallen prey to pests, fungi, or diseases. It could also simply be suffering from an extreme weather change, such as a snowstorm or heat wave. If you’re still stumped, consulting with a pro can help you diagnose your tree’s specific problem.

Question 3

Am I responsible if a tree falls on my neighbor’s property?

Accepted Answer

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Often, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to handle the aftermath when a neighbor’s tree falls on their property. But if a tree has been obviously dead for a significant period of time and caused damage when it fell, a case can be made that the owner should have removed it, especially if the neighbor wrote you a letter about the tree or asked you to take it down. This can be grounds for a successful lawsuit in claims court and is a good reason to always pay attention to your trees and remove dead trees before they fall.

Question 4

Do palm trees require a lot of maintenance?

Accepted Answer

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In most ways, palm trees are incredibly low-maintenance. They don’t need a ton of water—which is why they’re so beloved in desert regions—and they basically prune themselves. But they do need an ample supply of sunlight and to be in soil that will allow for proper drainage so that their roots don’t become waterlogged and at risk of developing illnesses.

If the plant begins to wilt, develop spots, or change color, these could all be signs that your palm tree has a disease. But a few basic treatments, like pruning and applying fungicide, will usually be more than enough to return it to perfect health.

Question 5

Who is responsible for tree branches over property lines?

Accepted Answer

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If tree branches cross well into your property line, in many cases, these branches become part of your property, and you can trim them up until your neighbor’s property line. However, this issue will vary based on local ordinances, so you should do your research before making any decisions. Better yet, speak with your neighbor about how to handle any tree issues.

If you don’t mind the branches, you can leave them be, but if they’re becoming a hazard, it’s definitely worth having a conversation.