Get matched with top tree service pros in Albion, WA

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.

There are two types of arborists: certified and consulting. A certified arborist is licensed and equipped to provide tree pruning, planting, fertilizing, monitoring, transplanting, treatment, and removal services. A consulting arborist specializes in tree appraisals, diagnosing problems and recommending treatments for illnesses. However, they will not provide these services themselves. Most consulting arborists are certified arborists who can refer you to a tree service that can administer the correct treatments.

Generally, if your neighbor’s tree hangs over your yard, you can legally trim overhanging branches. Keep in mind that you cannot cross your property line to cut the trees, and if you damage the tree by trimming it, your neighbor could sue you. Depending on the type of tree and value, this could mean dishing out two to three times the value of the tree.

It’s worth noting that the specifics of this type of tree maintenance and the guidelines around it may vary by location. Do your research and, most importantly, consult with your neighbor.

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.