What to do about tree roots on your property?
If you’re worried that the tree roots are causing damage to your property you should notify the owner of the tree of your concerns: it’s worth nothing that the owner of a tree will not be liable for any damage caused by its roots if they have not been given notice of the damage being caused.
Can a neighbour Chop back the roots of a tree?
Home Neighbour Disputes Removal of encroaching tree roots from a neighbours tree. A tree belongs to the person who owns the land on which it grows. However, where the roots of a tree encroach on land owned or occupied by you, you are entitled to chop back the roots to the boundary line.
Who is the owner of the roots of a tree?
The owner of the land on which the tree grows remains the owner of the tree roots even after they have been removed. You should therefore return the roots to the owner of the tree or obtain their consent for disposal. If you fail to do so, your action will amount to theft.
Who is entitled to cut back the roots of a tree?
A tree belongs to the person who owns the land on which it grows. However, where the roots of a tree encroach on land owned or occupied by you, you are entitled to chop back the roots to the boundary line.
What happens if you have tree roots under your house?
Roots can cause sidewalks to buckle and water pipes to burst, and provide tripping hazards on your property. There are ways to deal with these stray roots. However, it becomes more difficult if the tree roots find their way under your house.
Who is liable for the roots of a tree?
Laws vary somewhat but most states say that if the roots of a homeowner’s tree damages a neighbor’s drive or home, then that’s the neighbor’s problem to deal with.
How old are the roots of my tree?
Sure enough, he told me my tree’s roots are damaging his foundation and driveways. He’s owned the building for 10 years and the tree he’s referring to is 40 years old. He said I should cut the tree back to help rectify the problem, but that chopping it down could lead to more damage as the root support would give way underground.
What happens if you cut down your neighbor’s tree?
If you or your neighbor decide to trim branches, cut tree roots, or treat parts of the tree with a chemical that ultimately causes damage to the tree or your neighbor’s trees, you could be liable for damages. Overhanging branches, or underground roots, can reach over into a neighbor’s property — or from theirs to yours.
