I have the same problem with tree roots, but it is the HOA that actually owns the tree just out side of my property line. I've considered asking them to remove the tree. The only problem is that I like it from a cosmetic perspective. It also provides a lot of nice shade in the yard and even our house, which helps to reduce the air-conditioning bill. Some branches are getting too close to the house and over the chimney, which is definitely an issue. I've asked them to cut the branches back from the house, and they said they will, though it hasn't happened yet. I guess this is all kind of funny to me, because there are trees everywhere where I live. It's part of the charm. Many houses from the 50s all the way through the 80s were built around the trees. If people were trimming all the oak trees on their property from encroaching in neighbor's yards, they'd be spending thousands of dollars every year. I just had a single large oak tree in my front yard pruned for $450, and that was a bargain considering one guy quoted me $1800. Maybe the issue with trees is more prominent in Texas. It just seems very petty to me. I totally agree with you that there are cases where trees need to be dealt with. I just don't see it as a required maintenance issue that falls under some neighborly respect code. Sounds too much like a dis-incentive to even bother growing trees.
on one side, our yard has a row of old maples that sit right on the edge of the property line, against our driveway. they provide some lovely shade, and in the fall, a huge amount of leaves for us to rake. they also provide the perfect spot for a rope swing. i checked w/ the neighbor, and he was cool, so we have great swing for the kids. the limb is totally on our property, but it just seemed like the neighborly thing to ask first. plus, i gave him a bottle of good wine as thanks for being cool.
Well, we're on half acre lots... So between my back yard and the other lot there's probably room for both. I can make this happen for around $120k +/-, and I have almost $11k saved. If anyone here's willing to chip in we can do this. I'd even pay to have the Clutchfans logo painted on the blacktop at center court. Teamwork makes the dream work!
What if its blocking your view out a window? what if its in the way of a playset or trampoline? what if it doesn't fit in with the backyards esthetic? If its not your property then don't assume the neighbor feels like you and wants it there. not what i said.
Maybe we're talking past each other. I totally agree with you that there are cases where the neighbor might have an issue with a tree. And I think the first step should always be the neighbor communicating that there is an issue. I thought you were implying that the OP should have trimmed the limbs the moment they grew over into the neighbors' yard. If that's not what you were saying then I apologize. If that is what you are saying, then I disagree.
The proper passive-aggressive way to get at a neighbor with an annoying tree is to cut it so severely to the fence line that it dies. If you can't kill it that way, cut all the roots that go under your property (be careful to not have it fall on you). But, you still have to dispose of the limbs yourself. Another method might be to talk to your neighbor about how the limbs are bothersome to you and ask if he might have a company come out and prune it back. Expecting a neighbor to read your mind and do what you think should be done without being told is more insane than expecting it of your spouse -- which never works either. So, yeah, your neighbor's a jerk.
You neighbor clearly never gets laid. Just feel sorry for him and move on. OR Throw the limb on the ground by the tree where he cut it, but first break it into little pieces.
You should place a few of these around the tree and maybe even hang some on the limbs. If he has HBO he'll probably not do that again.
