Really, a tree fell last weekend in my neighbor's yard. There's ostensibly no damage; it missed the house and shed, even the patio furniture is fine. (Although, we haven't gone into their yard to really see... that would be rude) The problem, I guess, is that it's still there... just hanging. The neighbor is obviously on vacation. Should we call the town and have someone come and remove the fallen tree? It's not a hazard, there's no damage, but it's someone else's property.
Is this the neighborly thing to do? Do we just wait for the neighbor to come home and do it himself?
nov04LIbride
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
I think if it is on their property the town won't take it away. Even if it hit your house, and the tree was from their yard, you would be responsible for your damage.
So I wouldn't call.
ETA: I found this...
If your tree falls on your land, but doesn't damage anything, you pay to have it removed.
If it's your tree and it damages your property, your insurance covers that claim.
tourist
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
Are you sure there is no danger? If it is near power lines, or if it is suspended & could fall more onto something or someone, than you should call the town.
And if they are on vacation, why not go in their yard & look at their patio furniture!
MonkeyLuv
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
I'm not just going to trespass on their property! I'd feel so wierd!
None of it landed in our yard, so I guess it really is the neighbor's problem?
nov04LIbride
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
Posted by MonkeyLuv
I'm not just going to trespass on their property! I'd feel so wierd!
None of it landed in our yard, so I guess it really is the neighbor's problem?
I think so.
MonkeyLuv
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
Beth, thanks for the info!
I still feel guilty for just leaving it there.
wc0143
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
Posted by MonkeyLuv
Beth, thanks for the info!
I still feel guilty for just leaving it there.
Can't you peek into their yard?
july06bride
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
cant you call the town and tell them, see what they say? if they will come and remove it, great, if not then you wait til the owners come home
LoriH
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
Are any of your other neighbors friendly with the one who's tree fell? Maybe they would feel comfortable checking in the back yard.
palebride
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
one time, tom was sleeping and the neighbor was having a tree cut down and they misjudged. it crashed into tom's bedroom and missed his head by a foot. they paid for the damages.
no idea what to do in your situation - but it reminded me of tom's near-death experience
dpli
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
If it is not in the town's right of way (road, utility strip in front of the house, possibly the sidewalk) the town is not going to remove it. If I were friendly with them, I might go in the yard and see if there was any damage to power lines, and maybe try to contact them. Otherwise, I would leave it alone.
MonkeyLuv
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
Posted by dpli
If it is not in the town's right of way (road, utility strip in front of the house, possibly the sidewalk) the town is not going to remove it. If I were friendly with them, I might go in the yard and see if there was any damage to power lines, and maybe try to contact them. Otherwise, I would leave it alone.
We're fairly friendly with them, and it's not like there's a fence. I have a direct and clear view into their yard and easy access. I'm just concerned about overstepping boundaries? The tree is definitely only in their yard.
Maybe after work tonight I'll scamper over there and take a quick peek just to make sure. I still feel wierd about it though!
wc0143
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
Posted by MonkeyLuv
Maybe after work tonight I'll scamper over there and take a quick peek just to make sure. I still feel wierd about it though!
Yes, definitely!! If only just to scamper!!!
LFitzy79
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
Posted by MonkeyLuv
Posted by dpli
If it is not in the town's right of way (road, utility strip in front of the house, possibly the sidewalk) the town is not going to remove it. If I were friendly with them, I might go in the yard and see if there was any damage to power lines, and maybe try to contact them. Otherwise, I would leave it alone.
We're fairly friendly with them, and it's not like there's a fence. I have a direct and clear view into their yard and easy access. I'm just concerned about overstepping boundaries? The tree is definitely only in their yard.
Maybe after work tonight I'll scamper over there and take a quick peek just to make sure. I still feel wierd about it though!
I would totally want you to check it out if it was my yard, just to make sure everything was ok. I would leave a note on their door too, that I hope they don't mind, but I checked and there was no damage, etc. I'm sure they'll appreciate it.
MonkeyLuv
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
Hmm, I was thinking a note might be in order too...
And there's a possibilty I'll be scurrying instead of scampering. But there will be no moseying.
dpli
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Re: If a tree falls in someone else's yard...
I was just thinking what a bummer it would be to come home from a vacation to no power or phone working. If they could be reached, maybe they could arrange for another family member or close friend to get in the house to check on things.
