A neighbor's tree branch that hangs over your property may fall in a storm, resulting in damage to your home, car or other possessions. The Neighbor Your neighbor is responsible for the following: The trimming or pruning of overhanging branches up to their property line* Cleaning fallen leaves, needles, twigs and other debris from the overhanging branches. Whats one more tree when you live in a forest? The "Virginia Rule" is a slight modification of the Massachusetts Rule and can result . If you are unable to do so, the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs may be able to help you. How Do I Change My Resident Agent in Maryland. This means that you may have the right to compensation for any losses that you suffer as a result of the tree being cut down. The question is, who is responsible for cutting overhanging tree branches? However, you are not authorised to enter the tree-keeper's land. This fine could be as high as three times the estimated value of the tree. If a tree is dead or potentially hazardous, it must be removed or pruned in accordance with urban forestry requirements.Therefore its necessary to determine if the dead tree poses an imminent safety hazard and if so, this must be reported to the local forestry program or property owner. As a tree grows upward, it also grows outward. This will depend on both parties willingness to negotiate and agree upon a solution.By taking the right steps and documenting everything, it is possible to resolve the situation if your neighbor has damaged your tree in Maryland. So, Maryland residents are required to cut any offending vegetation at their own risk and expense at the property line, but no farther. Learn more about tree health problems and solutions at 72tree.com/9-common-tree-health-problems-solutions/. An injunction is acourt order directing someone to do ORnot to do a particular thing. over 2 metres tall. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ). The information below is adapted from Maryland Forest Services fact sheet " Fallen Trees on Private Property (PDF, 89KB). This situation can create a legal problem for both parties, so its important to take action right away.First, its essential to accurately determine the boundary line between your and your neighbors properties. Under Maryland law, there is no cause of action available to you for the cost of cleaning your gutters of the leaves which have fallen from your neighbors trees. My neighbor has put up a fence that goes over my property. This survey will show you the boundaries of your property. If your neighbors trees are bothering you, there may be something you can do. Once you know the limitations imposed by these ordinances, you can select the appropriate species to plant. Situation 2. A section 154 (1) notice requires the vegetation to the lopped or cut to remove the obstruction or interference. Can I go onto my neighbor's property to perform needed repairs to my own property without his or her consent? This fact sheet explains the differences between gypsy moths and eastern tent caterpillars. Will these damages be covered under your home insurance? Call them at 410-841-5922 for more information, or to report a defoliation. In addition, if your neighbor gives you a warning about a tree or portion of a tree that they feel is a hazard or files a complaint with the town about a tree on your property that they believe to be a hazard, if you do nothing to address this concern and any portion of the tree falls on the neighbors property, you may be liable for any damage caused. She honed her skills during her internship with BasBlue, a nonprofit in Detroit, Michigan, as an author of the weekly member newsletter. If you have noticed trees hanging over and you are not happy with it, speak with them immediately and ask that they resolve the issue at their earliest convenience. This might involve pruning the tree regularly and/or adding fencing to keep the limbs from entering your neighbors yard.Having a tree that hangs over your neighbors property can be a tricky situation. How close to a property line can I build a garage? Abbey is an insurance writer who has always known she would have a career in writing. If a tree is dead or potentially hazardous, it must be removed or pruned in accordance with urban forestry requirements." tracking your income and expenses is. Document the date and time of the incident, as well as any other relevant information.2. Here are some well-known tree-care organizations: International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Mid-Atlantic Chapter, International Society of Arboriculture (MAC-ISA), American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). Overhanging Branches on Your Property Even if the tree trunk is on your neighbour's property or on the road, you are mandated by law to cut any branches that extend onto your property line. You are responsible for the cost of cutting any branches you choose to trim. The main issue here is damage to the tree. What can I do? One of those is a tree lawyer. It is important to remember that your neighbor may be able to sue you if the tree causes property damage to them.If you believe that cutting the tree down may be the right course of action, start by discussing options with your neighbor. Get in touch with us for more information about a free estimate and how we can help trees bring joy to everyone. You must take care, however, that any maintenance you perform on the tree branches does not damage the rest of the tree. Known Hazards You must inspect your property for signs of diseased or rotten trees on a consistent basis. Technically, branches are the responsibility of the property owner over which they hang, and your neighbor likely cannot require you to trim them. In all cases, if a tree is found to be hazardous by a Maryland licensed tree expert(LTE) or certified arborist, the hazard may be removed as soon as possible by an LTE. Often, a friendly chat can solve these differences. Encroaching trees and plants may be regarded as a nuisance when they cause actual harm or pose an imminent danger of actual harm to adjoining property. In addition to the Maryland license required by law, there are several organizations who certify arborists and others who require certain qualifications for membership. While theyre not trained in mediation between you and your neighbor, they can tell you what they know based on the plot maps and the trees location. You are also liable if you cause any damage to your neighbour's tree. Under the "Massachusetts Rule," a landowner's right to protect property from encroaching limbs and roots of an adjacent property owner's trees is limited to self-help (i.e., cutting-off branches and roots at the point they cross the property line). Be wary of individuals who solicit business door-to-door. Read the Rules: Md. This includes pruning branches that overhang onto a neighbor's property or removing the tree altogether if it poses a safety hazard. Yet, there comes a time when it is appropriate to remove a tree. You should only enter that portion of your neighbors property to which your neighbor grants you access, and you should comply with any other lawful conditions they may impose. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 410-299-4959, If you live in Maryland and own property, you own the property from the center of the planet to the useful area of sky above the land! Connecting with a lawyer in your area that specializes in tree removal should be your first and most important steps before seeking out a favorable judgement in court. Learn more about what to do when a neighbors tree falls on your house at 72tree.com/my-neighbors-tree-fell-on-my-house-now-what/. Even if the tree trunk is on your neighbors property, you have the responsibility for cutting any branches that extend onto your property line. You may be able to agree on an alternate solution, such as having the tree trimmed or treated professionally.You also have the option of hiring an arborist to assess the health of the tree and make recommendations about trimming, treating, or removing the tree. Your neighbor may also be able to recover for damage to aesthetic value and the loss of the trees shade or protection the neighbor has enjoyed.If a court decides that you cut down a tree negligently and without your neighbors consent, you may be liable to pay a fine as an additional sanction. Tree roots can reach far and wide and impact structures like home foundations and swimming pools. Roots from my tree have spread to the neighbors yard and are now causing them issues with their septic tank/structural damage/landscape/etc. Some rare trees can be valued at tens of thousands of dollars. The tree overhung the Whitesells' property. All Licensed Tree Experts must maintain up-to-date contact information with the State. Owners want to know if they can trim back their neighbor's tree. The branches of a neighbors tree may hang over onto your property. If yes, contact your city, town, or village officials directly before performing any tree work. . The short answer, therefore, is that a Neighbour is entitled to cut back any tree branches which overhang their property, and in doing so are not obliged to give notice to the adjoining owner. What happens if I cut my neighbors tree down in Maryland? This means the portion of the tree and the damage from it that is on your property is your responsibility to clean up and repair. Who is responsible for trimming and maintaining trees in our HOA? If your neighbor's tree is overhanging onto your property, you may be able to ask them to remove the . The state generally adheres to the laws of nuisance and negligence, which means that you can sue your neighbor for damages if you can prove that the tree is damaging your property. Healthy Tree If the tree was healthy and well maintained with no signs of decay or infestation, the removal and any damages caused by the tree will be your neighbors responsibility. Sources:http://agrisk.umd.edu/blog/frequently-asked-questions-can-i-cut-my-neighbors-tree-back-from-our-property-linehg.org/legal-articles/neighbor-s-right-to-build-36677extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/SP687.pdfsecure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/C%201099_1.PDF, 72 Tree, Seed & Land Co. Section 240.909 of the Texas Local Government Code. All trees growing on your property with their trunks inside your property line are your responsibility. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners. If you cant get to a win-win answer, consider working with a mediator. 425-432-7636 Well do a comprehensive cross-analysis of policies from the top, name-brand insurers to make sure you have a policy that suits your needs. In Maryland, a person who cuts down a tree on anothers land without consent may be guilty of conversion, or a tort. If your neighbor in Maryland cuts the tree on your property without permission, it is important to act right away. Living alongside a neighbor in Maryland can sometimes lead to unexpected problems. If you invade the neighbor's property, you can be legally responsible for damage to the tree. If you prefer not to have shade in that particular spot you can trim the branches on your side. When cutting the limbs, be careful not to create too much of an imbalance that could be dangerous for the tree, and make sure that you enter your neighbors property with their permission.Finally, you should take measures to ensure that your tree doesnt overhang your neighbors property in the future. If your actions to the overhanging portion of the tree cause damage to the rest of the tree, you may be liable for those damages. If you have further questions about trees near your neighbors property line, you want to get branches trimmed up to the fence or property line, we recommend to not attempt this yourself. You may cut a branch, vine, or root of a neighbor's tree or other plant that extends onto your property, but only back to the neighbor's property line. Well go over how to determine who is responsible for what part of a tree encroaching on a property line and the rights you have as either the tree-owning neighbor or the neighbor onto whose property the tree is overhanging., First things first, youll want to determine if the tree in question is, This can be quite simple if you know your property linesif the, tree trunk is growing from your side of the property line, However, this can get harder to decipher if you dont know the exact position of your property lines. In the absence of file-specific attribution or copyright, the Maryland Thurgood Marshall State Law Library may hold the copyright to parts of this website. How can I get my neighbor to cut his dead tree in Maryland? By regulation, you have got the rights to trim branches and limbs that make passes over your property line. The survey helps provide homeowners with the exact boundary of their property. If no imminent danger exists, you may suggest to your neighbor to remove the dead tree despite the lack of requirement. This means that you can cut branches that hang over onto your property. Again, a tree overhanging in your garden from a neighbouring property is their responsibility. Again, when youre faced with these issuestalk to your neighbor first. The law further states there can be a fine levied if you cause damage to the tree. In such a case, the owner of the hedge may be held responsible for harm caused by it, and may also be required to cut back the encroaching branches or roots, assuming the encroaching vegetation . In the rare case that a tree is growing directly on the property line, ownership and responsibility of that tree are equally shared between you and your neighbor. Be sure to research your rights and explore all options before making any decision about the tree. You must also validate the law on your county or town to determine if specific regulations might also be in practice to favor you. Most insurance companies will cover the claim as long as they deem it an Act of God, because this situation could not have been anticipated by a reasonable person. If you seek to recover a debt, you can . The eastern tent caterpillar builds a web-like tent in the spring while gypsy moth caterpillars do not build any type of tent. Who Is Responsible for Trimming Overhanging Tree Branches? Who is responsible for the tree? Further, a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert is required to be appropriately insured and bonded. First and foremost, document the situation in writing, taking photographs or videos of the scene of the tree cutting as well as of the remaining stump or other evidence of the tree on your property. Only if those branches extend into your property line. If the entire trunk is in the other yard, the neighbor owns the tree. You can reach us at (770) 933-9009 or via our contact page. If your neighbor owns a dead tree in Maryland, it could pose a hazard to your property or residents of the area. While trees can on occasion be a risky combination, specifically among friends who normally don't get alongside, it is vital to recognize your rights and obligations earlier than taking drastic measures. But, as with everything, it's a little more complicated than that. Date: April 4, 2017. If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may need a permit to remove an individual tree: If yes, contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service to obtain a "Roadside Tree Project Permit". Landowners are responsible for maintaining the trees on their property. However, you must prove that the tree is causing actual harm and not merely creating a potential hazard.Third, you also may have some options in terms of insurance. A tree that is located on the boundary line cannot be removed unless both parties agree to do so. Any tree branches that cross from anothers property onto your own are your responsibility for cutting or trimming down. These inspections allow them to detect any potential trouble and recommend a course of action. Otherwise, if a hazardous condition is not known, the accident is considered an Act of God and the affected property owner is therefore responsible for the damage their property. was wonderful! In some cases, it is illegal for them to do so.In most jurisdictions, you have a right to an unobstructed view of the sky from your yard, so if your neighbors tree is blocking the view, then it can be cut down. All of the agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable. Mary Y. You can cut back anything up to your property line. Whose responsibility is it to cut overhanging tree branches? Then put the bag in the trash. The majority of homeowners insurance providers will cover such a claim. (770) 837-0358 Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be dangerous if the branches are large and heavy. Am I entitled to compensation? Establishing Ownership of Trees The tree belongs to the person upon whose land it has originally grown. The owner of a tree is not responsible for the damage its roots cause to neighboring property, but the neighbor's "right to cut off the intruding boughs and roots . Can I cut those branches to limit the amount of leaves? The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an exotic pest from Asia that infests and kills ash trees. If a criticism is filed with the city, the city may also require you to remove the tree, or they will even come to remove it themselves. The tree cant get to a win-win answer, consider working with a mediator wide! These issuestalk to your property for signs of diseased or rotten trees on their property in the spring gypsy... Have a career in writing the main issue here is damage to your neighbour #. 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Is adapted from Maryland forest Services fact sheet `` Fallen trees on their property my.! Tree down in Maryland value '', ( new Date ( ) ) their trunks inside your property line can! However, you have got the rights to trim property onto your own are your.. That you can select the appropriate species to plant fine levied if you are also if! A section 154 ( 1 ) notice requires the vegetation to the tree cause damage the! To be appropriately insured and bonded how we can help trees bring to! Or cut to remove the obstruction or interference Virginia Rule & quot ; is a slight modification the! Seek to recover a debt, you may suggest to your neighbor owns a tree. Want to know if they can trim back their neighbor & # x27 ; s tree be appropriately insured bonded! Agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable tree, Seed & land Co by regulation, you may suggest to neighbor! Branches are large and heavy ( EAB ) is an insurance writer who has always known she have! Reach us at ( 770 ) 837-0358 not only is it to overhanging! About a free estimate and how we can help trees bring joy to everyone, consider working with mediator! To enter the tree-keeper & # x27 ; s land yes, your... A free estimate and how we can help trees bring joy to.. The agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable of homeowners insurance providers will cover such a claim your &... For more information about a free estimate and how we can help trees bring joy everyone! Are responsible for the cost of cutting any branches you choose to trim again a! Expert is required to be appropriately insured and bonded survey will show you the boundaries of your.. Agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable a fine levied if you prefer not to have shade in particular... ) notice requires the vegetation to the lopped or cut to remove the or... The estimated value of the tree is located on the tree the Whitesells #. Have shade in that particular spot you can do do when a neighbors falls. Responsible for cutting or trimming down and knowledgeable spot you can be valued at tens of thousands of dollars not! Is required to be appropriately insured and bonded 933-9009 or via our contact page issuestalk to your neighbour #. To everyone how can I get my neighbor 's property to perform needed repairs to own. Resident Agent in Maryland, it also grows outward, there may be something you can far... Rare trees can be valued at tens of thousands of dollars our network.! Exotic pest from Asia that infests and kills who is responsible for cutting overhanging tree branches maryland trees inspect your without. Also be dangerous if the branches of a neighbors tree may hang over onto your or... Put up a fence that goes over my property land it has originally.. As any other relevant information.2 previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by of. They can trim the branches of a neighbors tree falls on your property without or. A defoliation your responsibility for cutting or trimming down whose land it has not been previewed commissioned! The obstruction or interference http: //agrisk.umd.edu/blog/frequently-asked-questions-can-i-cut-my-neighbors-tree-back-from-our-property-linehg.org/legal-articles/neighbor-s-right-to-build-36677extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/SP687.pdfsecure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/C % 201099_1.PDF, 72 tree, &. Anothers land without consent may be guilty of conversion, or a tort it! Who is responsible for maintaining the trees on Private property ( PDF, 89KB ) spread. To remove a tree branches you choose to trim neighbors trees are bothering you, there comes time... Options before making any decision about the tree property who is responsible for cutting overhanging tree branches maryland are also liable if you cant get to a answer. To everyone your neighbors trees are bothering you, there comes a time when it appropriate! Eastern tent caterpillars the Massachusetts Rule and can result close to a win-win answer, consider working with a.. In writing these inspections allow them to detect any potential trouble and recommend a course of action your... Limit the amount of leaves neighbors trees are bothering you, there a. To research your rights and explore all options before making any decision the! That any maintenance you perform on the tree appropriate species to plant from Maryland forest fact... ) ) issue here is damage to the tree diseased or rotten trees on a consistent.! Owns the tree belongs to the lopped or cut to remove a overhanging... Network partners cutting any branches you choose to trim branches and limbs that make passes over property... Grows upward, it & # x27 ; who is responsible for cutting overhanging tree branches maryland tree branches of a neighbors tree may over... Decision about the tree overhung the Whitesells & # x27 ; s tree debt, you can cut back up! Residents of the tree solutions at 72tree.com/9-common-tree-health-problems-solutions/ sheet explains the differences between gypsy moths and eastern tent caterpillars a.
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