Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia

Tree Responsibilities

My neighbor has a pool built next to the property line. There are several trees which are on my property & which far preceeded the construction of his pool. He is frustrated with the tree branches and believes that it is my responsibility to keep my trees from covering his pool. I have given him the permission to trim only those branches which overlap his pool. Recently, without my permission, he has cut all branches which overlap his pool, including a portion of the branch within my yard and going back to the tree trunk(which is in my yard). He then discarded the debris into my yard, claiming that he had done me a favor, since the debris is mine anyway. I believe that he has he violated my property and seeks unreasonable requests for my keeping his yard as he sees fit.


Asked on 6/23/02, 10:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Tree Responsibilities

Your neighbor may only reasonably trim back those

branches which overhang the property line onto

his side. He is not permitted to trim back branches which are on your side of the line.

There's no question that the neighbor has violated

your property. But what now, a lawsuit? What

are your damages: the cost of removing the debris pile?

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Answered on 6/23/02, 11:01 pm


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