“Find a lawyer who knows tree protection laws”

Arguing over property lines with neighbors can become even trickier when a tree threatens to reach their space. Unfortunately, this Reddit post details a three-year battle with a neighbor who doesn’t like trees, which resulted in the tree dying from a toxic product an arborist allegedly used.

However, the arborist was not hired by the OP, he was sent by the neighbor.

The Redditor’s once-favorite gum trees are now deadwood because their neighbor wanted a better view.

The neighbors have been cutting the foliage in their yard while pestering the OP to do the same for three years. Not taking “no” for an answer, they took it upon themselves to send an arborist to the OP’s tree. If the poster caught the arborist in the act, it was too late because the damage was done: three months later, the leaves turned brown and fell on two trees.

Unfortunately, authorities can’t prosecute without video evidence, but the Redditor had to deal with a dead tree and possibly toxic soil.

As the poster sadly proclaimed: “It’s obvious that whatever they used poisoned everything around it.” » Before resorting to excavation, removal or bioremediation of soil with microorganisms, they should have it tested by a professional to identify contaminants – and use the results for action. justice, as some comments recommend.

If such an incident occurs in the United States (this OP takes place in Australia), the damaging party could be required to pay the owner two or three times the amount of the actual monetary loss, according to NOLA.

A similar headline-making incident, reported by the Portland Press Herald, cost Amelia Bond, former CEO of the St. Louis Community Foundation, $1.7 million in fines and settlements after using the toxic herbicide Tebuthiuron on neighboring trees. She wanted a better view of the ocean – ironically, this herbicide seeped into the nearby ocean that she was desperate to get a view of.

The comments were very sympathetic and gave some solid advice to the grieving tree parent.

Should HOAs be able to force homeowners to change yards?

Absolutely not

Yes, that’s part of the deal

Only in extreme circumstances

We should ban HOAs

Click on your choice to see the results and express your opinion

One person advised: “As a horticulturist I can assure you your neighbors will be in big trouble if they kill your trees if you take legal action against them. Have your trees evaluated by an arborist… find an attorney who knows about tree protection. laws.”

Considering where wildlife may go, someone else said: “Don’t remove the tree when/if it dies…dead, hollow trees can still provide habitat.” »

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