The following is a February 2020 article from TreeCareTips.org, a website maintained by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).
Home Inspections Outside the House
Imagine purchasing a nice, new home, only to have a large, old oak tree fall on your roof a few weeks later. Or imagine learning that an old poplar tree is plagued with dangerous root rot and will cost $6,000 to be removed.
"Wouldn't it be better to know the condition of large trees on a property before the purchase-and-sales agreement is executed? “ asks Tchukki Andersen, CTSP, BCMA* and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association. There are many factors to consider when assessing the trees and landscaping on a property, but many homeowners overlook these unless there is a serious, visible problem.
Some of these concerns include:
All these things can be dealt with after the purchase of a home but can be expensive. According to Lew Bloch, a registered consulting arborist in Potomac, Maryland, “Large trees are usually an asset and a valuable amenity to the property, but weak, damaged or diseased trees are actually liabilities.
“If a large tree has a serious defect, removal may be the best option,” advises Andersen. “Quite often these defects are hidden from view. They may be underground in the roots, or they could be hidden in the tree trunk. Depending on the location of the tree and other factors, treating or removing the tree could cost thousands of dollars.”
This situation becomes dangerous when the hidden defects are so serious that the tree falls over without any warning. This can happen during a severe weather event or even on a calm day. It can cause heavy property damage or personal injuries or fatalities.
If your tree falls on a neighboring home, there may even be a negligence lawsuit. Therefore, before purchasing a home with large trees, always have the trees inspected by a qualified arborist. Most home inspection companies do not even look at the trees or have the expertise to analyze them. An experienced arborist can often detect the hidden problems mentioned above and outline remedies.
“Obviously dead or declining trees are easy to spot – at least when leaves are out,” says Bloch. “Healthy-looking trees with structural defects, however, require a professional diagnosis.” A professional arborist can also advise the purchaser of a new home about future maintenance the trees will need and how to care for them.
Home Inspections Outside the House
Imagine purchasing a nice, new home, only to have a large, old oak tree fall on your roof a few weeks later. Or imagine learning that an old poplar tree is plagued with dangerous root rot and will cost $6,000 to be removed.
"Wouldn't it be better to know the condition of large trees on a property before the purchase-and-sales agreement is executed? “ asks Tchukki Andersen, CTSP, BCMA* and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association. There are many factors to consider when assessing the trees and landscaping on a property, but many homeowners overlook these unless there is a serious, visible problem.
Some of these concerns include:
- poor past care or previous topping;
- improper planting of the trees;
- too much mulch on the root system;
- damage during construction;
- the wrong tree in the wrong place;
- insect or disease damage;
- overwatering from the lawn’s irrigation system; or
- limbs rubbing on the siding or roof.
All these things can be dealt with after the purchase of a home but can be expensive. According to Lew Bloch, a registered consulting arborist in Potomac, Maryland, “Large trees are usually an asset and a valuable amenity to the property, but weak, damaged or diseased trees are actually liabilities.
“If a large tree has a serious defect, removal may be the best option,” advises Andersen. “Quite often these defects are hidden from view. They may be underground in the roots, or they could be hidden in the tree trunk. Depending on the location of the tree and other factors, treating or removing the tree could cost thousands of dollars.”
This situation becomes dangerous when the hidden defects are so serious that the tree falls over without any warning. This can happen during a severe weather event or even on a calm day. It can cause heavy property damage or personal injuries or fatalities.
If your tree falls on a neighboring home, there may even be a negligence lawsuit. Therefore, before purchasing a home with large trees, always have the trees inspected by a qualified arborist. Most home inspection companies do not even look at the trees or have the expertise to analyze them. An experienced arborist can often detect the hidden problems mentioned above and outline remedies.
“Obviously dead or declining trees are easy to spot – at least when leaves are out,” says Bloch. “Healthy-looking trees with structural defects, however, require a professional diagnosis.” A professional arborist can also advise the purchaser of a new home about future maintenance the trees will need and how to care for them.
The following is a June 2019 article from TreeCareTips.org, a website maintained by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).
Holes in Trees: Hazardous or Harmless?
Hazardous trees pose a danger to people and property. When storms or high winds hit, limbs – and often whole trees – fall to the ground.
“Many fatal accidents and millions of dollars in property damage can be averted if homeowners heed the warning signs of a hazardous tree,” explains Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP* and staff arborist for the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). “By not paying attention to your trees, you are potentially placing your property, even your life, in jeopardy.”
Tree defect clues
Fortunately, one can often read the clues that indicate a tree is prone to failure. For instance, if a tree has large branches attached with tight, V-shaped forks, those attachment points are often weak and could break or fail during strong weather events. However, those branches can be removed or reduced in length to reduce the risk while maintaining the tree’s aesthetic appearance.
Other warning signs of structural instability include cracks in the trunk or major limbs, hollow and decayed areas or the presence of extensive dead wood. Mushrooms growing from the base of the tree or under its canopy may be a sign of root decay, which could cause the entire tree to fail. Remember to be thorough in your evaluation; the absence of fungus growth does not necessarily mean the tree is healthy.
“It also pays to be highly suspicious of any tree that has had construction activities performed near it – such as cable or utility trenching, addition or removal of soil, digging or heavy equipment movement – anywhere under the spread of its branches,” says Andersen. These activities can cause root death, which in turn, again, could lead to the structural instability of the tree.
Holes in trees
The indicator most people recognize is a hollow in a tree. But even a large hollow does not always imply that a tree has become hazardous. Nor does it mean the hollow should be filled. Filling of hollow trees, a process called “cavity filling,” was practiced by arborists for many years. However, thanks to recent research, it has been discovered that cavity filling is not needed to support or improve the health of hollow trees.
Tree experts found that cavity filling with cement can damage a tree. According to Andersen, “The column of cement created in the tree by a cavity fill doesn’t move, just like a column on a building, but the tree is always moving. It sways with the wind constantly. The rubbing created by the swaying tree and the solid column of cement can further damage the tree.”
Wood decay fungi that created the hollow tree defect may take advantage of new injuries created by the rubbing. They could invade the remaining healthy tissue of the tree. When cavity filling is desired for aesthetic reasons, synthetic foams can be applied by professional arborists. These materials will bend with the swaying tree, reducing injury. However, there is really no reason to fill a cavity other than for aesthetic reasons; it doesn’t improve the tree’s health and doesn’t offer extra support. If structural support of a tree is required, a professional arborist will recommend alternative options. Cabling, bracing, propping, tree guying or removing the tree are preferred.
What can you do?
Find a professional. A professional arborist can work with you to determine the best course of action to care for and maintain your landscape.
Holes in Trees: Hazardous or Harmless?
Hazardous trees pose a danger to people and property. When storms or high winds hit, limbs – and often whole trees – fall to the ground.
“Many fatal accidents and millions of dollars in property damage can be averted if homeowners heed the warning signs of a hazardous tree,” explains Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP* and staff arborist for the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). “By not paying attention to your trees, you are potentially placing your property, even your life, in jeopardy.”
Tree defect clues
Fortunately, one can often read the clues that indicate a tree is prone to failure. For instance, if a tree has large branches attached with tight, V-shaped forks, those attachment points are often weak and could break or fail during strong weather events. However, those branches can be removed or reduced in length to reduce the risk while maintaining the tree’s aesthetic appearance.
Other warning signs of structural instability include cracks in the trunk or major limbs, hollow and decayed areas or the presence of extensive dead wood. Mushrooms growing from the base of the tree or under its canopy may be a sign of root decay, which could cause the entire tree to fail. Remember to be thorough in your evaluation; the absence of fungus growth does not necessarily mean the tree is healthy.
“It also pays to be highly suspicious of any tree that has had construction activities performed near it – such as cable or utility trenching, addition or removal of soil, digging or heavy equipment movement – anywhere under the spread of its branches,” says Andersen. These activities can cause root death, which in turn, again, could lead to the structural instability of the tree.
Holes in trees
The indicator most people recognize is a hollow in a tree. But even a large hollow does not always imply that a tree has become hazardous. Nor does it mean the hollow should be filled. Filling of hollow trees, a process called “cavity filling,” was practiced by arborists for many years. However, thanks to recent research, it has been discovered that cavity filling is not needed to support or improve the health of hollow trees.
Tree experts found that cavity filling with cement can damage a tree. According to Andersen, “The column of cement created in the tree by a cavity fill doesn’t move, just like a column on a building, but the tree is always moving. It sways with the wind constantly. The rubbing created by the swaying tree and the solid column of cement can further damage the tree.”
Wood decay fungi that created the hollow tree defect may take advantage of new injuries created by the rubbing. They could invade the remaining healthy tissue of the tree. When cavity filling is desired for aesthetic reasons, synthetic foams can be applied by professional arborists. These materials will bend with the swaying tree, reducing injury. However, there is really no reason to fill a cavity other than for aesthetic reasons; it doesn’t improve the tree’s health and doesn’t offer extra support. If structural support of a tree is required, a professional arborist will recommend alternative options. Cabling, bracing, propping, tree guying or removing the tree are preferred.
What can you do?
Find a professional. A professional arborist can work with you to determine the best course of action to care for and maintain your landscape.
The following is a March 2019 article from TreeCareTips.org, a website maintained by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).
What to Do When Your Tree Is Dying
Have you ever heard of the children’s book, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein? It’s a story about a tree that gives a boy everything it has, such as apples, wood and shade, to make him happy throughout his life. Every tree is a giving tree, isn’t it? Trees are wind obstructors, fresh air makers, pollutant reducers, shade producers, and block us from the cold. They entertain kids for hours with tree houses and swings. Trees let us relax with a hammock and a good book. One of the best parts about trees is they only require a little maintenance and care in return. But what happens when your tree looks a little down in the dumps? An undiagnosed sick tree could kill your other surrounding trees, leaving your yard treeless. It could also fall, which can harm you and your property. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an eye on your tree to be aware of any symptoms that point to it being unhealthy. Here’s some information to help you know what to do when your tree is dying.
Symptoms of a Sick or Dying Tree-There are several common symptoms of sickness that you can watch out for to determine if your tree needs help. Then, it’s all a matter of diagnosing and taking action! A few common warning signs are listed below:
· Poor structure: Sometimes trees can lean more to one side, or have an odd shape that is caused by an unnatural growth pattern. Severe storms and poor pruning are usually to blame for this; rectify this issue soon to prevent the tree from falling!
· Decay: This one can be hard to spot, as decay usually affect the inside of the tree first. Visible symptoms include: mushroom-like spores, an expanded base, dead branches, and soft, breakable wood.
· Weak unions or joints: These are also an indicator that your tree is sickly. If your tree’s branches don’t look very attached to the tree, there is a problem. This is caused by branches growing close together with bark in between. Weak branches mean they could fall at any time.
· Cracks: Cracks in your tree are tricky to diagnose because some are normal and some are not. Overall, the cracks don’t necessarily hurt the tree unless they become too deep and affect the tree’s infrastructure and branches, or if they host detrimental pests.
· Cankers: Cankers are areas of dead bark on your tree. A canker is similar to a human canker sore; both are painful sores from a disease caused by stress. A tree canker is caused by bacteria/fungi that infect a tree through an open wound. Once it’s inside, it attacks the tree and causes it stress, and in turn, a canker. Fortunately, these can usually be pruned off the tree.
· Deadwood: The last symptom of a sick or dying tree is deadwood. Deadwood is exactly what it sounds like; wood that is dead. The branches are usually easy to break and are dry.
All of these symptoms are warnings that your tree’s health is threatened. The faster you identify these indications, the faster your tree can get back to normal.
Disease Prevention: So now that you’re familiar with some of the common illnesses and symptoms, what about actually saving the tree? Prevention is key.
There are certain things you can do to boost your tree’s health so it won’t get sick in the first place:
· Avoid injuring your tree while doing any yard work. Wounds on trees are like open cuts to humans; they can easily catch an infection.
· Watch out for any exposed roots, too, since root rot can be lethal.
· Take care of your tree’s basic needs. If you have mulch around your tree, leave some room around it so it can breathe and absorb things.
· Keep an eye on the weather. If you have been in a drought, your trees will need some watering.
· Properly prune your tree. A pruned tree is a happy and healthy tree because it allows for proper growth and a strong immune system.
Arborists Are Your Friend
If prevention fails and your tree becomes sick, the best thing to do is to consult your local tree doctor, a.k.a., an arborist. They are certified arborist that promote tree growth.
What an arborist can help you with:
· Identify at-risk trees
· Know the laws about chemicals and deforestation
· Properly spray trees with chemicals
· Alert you about any spreading diseases
· Brace your trees for support
· Recommend trees that would work well with your yard
· Identify valuable trees you can sell
· Give you pruning tips
· Remove your tree
· Climb up high
· Use heavy equipment
An arborist will do all of the dangerous things for you to keep you and your home safe. So, no rickety ladders for you! If there is any way to save your tree, an arborist will know and will be able to help. If you have any questions about your trees or see any of the symptoms listed above, give back to your tree and call an arborist in your neighborhood today. Alpha Tree Service, LLC does have an arborist that we consult with when needed.
What to Do When Your Tree Is Dying
Have you ever heard of the children’s book, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein? It’s a story about a tree that gives a boy everything it has, such as apples, wood and shade, to make him happy throughout his life. Every tree is a giving tree, isn’t it? Trees are wind obstructors, fresh air makers, pollutant reducers, shade producers, and block us from the cold. They entertain kids for hours with tree houses and swings. Trees let us relax with a hammock and a good book. One of the best parts about trees is they only require a little maintenance and care in return. But what happens when your tree looks a little down in the dumps? An undiagnosed sick tree could kill your other surrounding trees, leaving your yard treeless. It could also fall, which can harm you and your property. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an eye on your tree to be aware of any symptoms that point to it being unhealthy. Here’s some information to help you know what to do when your tree is dying.
Symptoms of a Sick or Dying Tree-There are several common symptoms of sickness that you can watch out for to determine if your tree needs help. Then, it’s all a matter of diagnosing and taking action! A few common warning signs are listed below:
· Poor structure: Sometimes trees can lean more to one side, or have an odd shape that is caused by an unnatural growth pattern. Severe storms and poor pruning are usually to blame for this; rectify this issue soon to prevent the tree from falling!
· Decay: This one can be hard to spot, as decay usually affect the inside of the tree first. Visible symptoms include: mushroom-like spores, an expanded base, dead branches, and soft, breakable wood.
· Weak unions or joints: These are also an indicator that your tree is sickly. If your tree’s branches don’t look very attached to the tree, there is a problem. This is caused by branches growing close together with bark in between. Weak branches mean they could fall at any time.
· Cracks: Cracks in your tree are tricky to diagnose because some are normal and some are not. Overall, the cracks don’t necessarily hurt the tree unless they become too deep and affect the tree’s infrastructure and branches, or if they host detrimental pests.
· Cankers: Cankers are areas of dead bark on your tree. A canker is similar to a human canker sore; both are painful sores from a disease caused by stress. A tree canker is caused by bacteria/fungi that infect a tree through an open wound. Once it’s inside, it attacks the tree and causes it stress, and in turn, a canker. Fortunately, these can usually be pruned off the tree.
· Deadwood: The last symptom of a sick or dying tree is deadwood. Deadwood is exactly what it sounds like; wood that is dead. The branches are usually easy to break and are dry.
All of these symptoms are warnings that your tree’s health is threatened. The faster you identify these indications, the faster your tree can get back to normal.
Disease Prevention: So now that you’re familiar with some of the common illnesses and symptoms, what about actually saving the tree? Prevention is key.
There are certain things you can do to boost your tree’s health so it won’t get sick in the first place:
· Avoid injuring your tree while doing any yard work. Wounds on trees are like open cuts to humans; they can easily catch an infection.
· Watch out for any exposed roots, too, since root rot can be lethal.
· Take care of your tree’s basic needs. If you have mulch around your tree, leave some room around it so it can breathe and absorb things.
· Keep an eye on the weather. If you have been in a drought, your trees will need some watering.
· Properly prune your tree. A pruned tree is a happy and healthy tree because it allows for proper growth and a strong immune system.
Arborists Are Your Friend
If prevention fails and your tree becomes sick, the best thing to do is to consult your local tree doctor, a.k.a., an arborist. They are certified arborist that promote tree growth.
What an arborist can help you with:
· Identify at-risk trees
· Know the laws about chemicals and deforestation
· Properly spray trees with chemicals
· Alert you about any spreading diseases
· Brace your trees for support
· Recommend trees that would work well with your yard
· Identify valuable trees you can sell
· Give you pruning tips
· Remove your tree
· Climb up high
· Use heavy equipment
An arborist will do all of the dangerous things for you to keep you and your home safe. So, no rickety ladders for you! If there is any way to save your tree, an arborist will know and will be able to help. If you have any questions about your trees or see any of the symptoms listed above, give back to your tree and call an arborist in your neighborhood today. Alpha Tree Service, LLC does have an arborist that we consult with when needed.
The following is a October 2018 article from TreeCareTips.org, a website maintained by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).
Home Inspections Outside the House
Imagine purchasing a nice, new home, only to have a large, old oak tree fall on your roof a few weeks later. Or imagine learning that an old poplar tree is plagued with dangerous root rot, and will cost $6,000 to be removed.
“Wouldn’t it be better to know the condition of large trees on a property before the purchase-and-sales agreement is executed?” asks Tchukki Andersen, CTSP, BCMA and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association. “When homebuyers contemplate owning a home for many years, the quality and safety of the trees is usually overlooked in the negotiations.”
There are many factors to consider when assessing the trees and landscaping on a property, but many homeowners overlook these unless there is a serious, visible problem. Some of these concerns include:
All of these things can be dealt with after the purchase of a home, but can be expensive. According to Lew Bloch, a registered consulting arborist in Potomac, Maryland, “Large trees are usually an asset and a valuable amenity to the property, but weak, damaged or diseased trees are actually liabilities.”
“If a large tree has a serious defect, removal may be the best option,” advises Andersen. “Quite often these defects are hidden from view. They may be underground in the roots, or they could be hidden in the tree trunk. Depending on the location of the tree and other factors, treating or removing the tree could cost thousands of dollars.”
This situation becomes dangerous when the hidden defects are so serious that the tree falls over without any warning. This can happen during a severe weather event or even on a calm day. It can cause heavy property damage or personal injuries or fatalities. If your tree falls on a neighboring home, there may even be a negligence lawsuit.
Therefore, before purchasing a home with large trees, always have the trees inspected by a qualified arborist. Most home-inspection companies do not even look at the trees or have the expertise to analyze them. An experienced arborist can often detect the hidden problems mentioned above and outline remedies.
“Obviously dead or declining trees are easy to spot – at least when leaves are out,” says Bloch. “Healthy-looking trees with structural defects, however, require a professional diagnosis.”
A professional arborist can also advise the purchaser of a new home about future maintenance the trees will need and how to care for them.
Home Inspections Outside the House
Imagine purchasing a nice, new home, only to have a large, old oak tree fall on your roof a few weeks later. Or imagine learning that an old poplar tree is plagued with dangerous root rot, and will cost $6,000 to be removed.
“Wouldn’t it be better to know the condition of large trees on a property before the purchase-and-sales agreement is executed?” asks Tchukki Andersen, CTSP, BCMA and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association. “When homebuyers contemplate owning a home for many years, the quality and safety of the trees is usually overlooked in the negotiations.”
There are many factors to consider when assessing the trees and landscaping on a property, but many homeowners overlook these unless there is a serious, visible problem. Some of these concerns include:
- poor past care or previous topping;
- improper planting of the trees;
- too much mulch on the root system;
- damage during construction;
- wrong tree in the wrong place;
- insect or disease damage;
- overwatering from the lawn’s irrigation system; or
- limbs rubbing on the siding or roof.
All of these things can be dealt with after the purchase of a home, but can be expensive. According to Lew Bloch, a registered consulting arborist in Potomac, Maryland, “Large trees are usually an asset and a valuable amenity to the property, but weak, damaged or diseased trees are actually liabilities.”
“If a large tree has a serious defect, removal may be the best option,” advises Andersen. “Quite often these defects are hidden from view. They may be underground in the roots, or they could be hidden in the tree trunk. Depending on the location of the tree and other factors, treating or removing the tree could cost thousands of dollars.”
This situation becomes dangerous when the hidden defects are so serious that the tree falls over without any warning. This can happen during a severe weather event or even on a calm day. It can cause heavy property damage or personal injuries or fatalities. If your tree falls on a neighboring home, there may even be a negligence lawsuit.
Therefore, before purchasing a home with large trees, always have the trees inspected by a qualified arborist. Most home-inspection companies do not even look at the trees or have the expertise to analyze them. An experienced arborist can often detect the hidden problems mentioned above and outline remedies.
“Obviously dead or declining trees are easy to spot – at least when leaves are out,” says Bloch. “Healthy-looking trees with structural defects, however, require a professional diagnosis.”
A professional arborist can also advise the purchaser of a new home about future maintenance the trees will need and how to care for them.
The following is a March 2018 article from TreeCareTips.org, a website maintained by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).
Before You Cut Your Neighbor’s Tree
It is a common occurrence: You look out your window and all you see is your neighbor’s tree dropping branches and nuts and bark all over your yard. Or, you can’t see anything at all because of that tree. Or, you are certain that large branches of that tree will eventually fall onto your garage. Before you take the chainsaw into your own hands and cut off the offending limbs, you will want to know some tidbits to keep you out of “neighbor jail” – and possibly real jail.
Does a tree’s limbs or trunk crossing the property line give you the right to prune it?
Yes? No? Both Yes and No? It all depends on where you live. Check with your town, city, county and state municipalities for regulations about trees and property lines. In some areas, you are entitled to prune the parts of a tree overhanging your yard as long as the work does not damage the tree.
But why don’t you first ask your neighbor if he, she or they mind if you go ahead and have it pruned? They might actually appreciate it.
Should I just cut it straight up over the property line?
While that might seem to be a good way to shear a boundary hedge, large trees rarely respond well to inter-nodal (random) pruning cuts on their branches. This type of indiscriminate pruning invites diseases and insect pests that could eventually kill the tree entirely. Then you’re at risk of not only non-compliance to a municipal ordinance (see above), but to the ill-feelings this action will certainly develop in your neighbor.
How about if I just have my lawn person cut the tree back?
If you have your heart set on cutting back your neighbor’s overhanging tree branches, your best bet would be to have a qualified tree care provider perform the work. Tree care providers who are members of professional associations, are insured and who have certified personnel performing the work will know the local laws regarding which types of trees can be cut, and to what extent. Plus, they have the right equipment and training to perform the work correctly and safely. Finally, if your neighbor does have concerns, having it done by a professional might put them more at ease.
Steps to take:
1. Find out who actually owns the tree and where the property line is. Can you be certain that, just because it appears to be on your side of the fence, the fence is on the actual property line? How many times has that fence line been moved? If the tree is large and mature or particularly valuable, you would benefit from having the property surveyed to make certain of ownership.
2. Have a qualified tree care provider write up work specifications on exactly how the tree should be cut back. It is usually a bit more complex than simply stating, “cut limbs back to property line.” The work order must reference the ANSI A300 tree pruning standards to assure the procedures being proposed take into consideration the tree’s future health. Oh, and check to see that your tree care provider has a copy of their current liability insurance policy on hand. Check their references as well – why not?
3. This is probably the most important step when dealing with trees on a property line: If at all possible, get the tree owner’s written consent to the work being prescribed. Cutting a neighbor’s trees without that neighbor’s knowledge or consent will only lead to un-neighborly disputes that might lead you to court. If the pruning makes a drastic difference in the tree’s appearance or health or your tree care provider needs to access your neighbor’s property, the tree owner must be made aware of this action and sign off on it. Ignoring this step, or telling your tree care professional to “go ahead, it’s OK,” is actually not OK.
Hire a tree care professional. The best advice is to hire a tree care professional with the experience, expertise and equipment to assess and safely prune, remove or otherwise care for your or your neighbors’ trees. Alpha Tree Service, LLC is a member of Tree Care Industry Association.
Before You Cut Your Neighbor’s Tree
It is a common occurrence: You look out your window and all you see is your neighbor’s tree dropping branches and nuts and bark all over your yard. Or, you can’t see anything at all because of that tree. Or, you are certain that large branches of that tree will eventually fall onto your garage. Before you take the chainsaw into your own hands and cut off the offending limbs, you will want to know some tidbits to keep you out of “neighbor jail” – and possibly real jail.
Does a tree’s limbs or trunk crossing the property line give you the right to prune it?
Yes? No? Both Yes and No? It all depends on where you live. Check with your town, city, county and state municipalities for regulations about trees and property lines. In some areas, you are entitled to prune the parts of a tree overhanging your yard as long as the work does not damage the tree.
But why don’t you first ask your neighbor if he, she or they mind if you go ahead and have it pruned? They might actually appreciate it.
Should I just cut it straight up over the property line?
While that might seem to be a good way to shear a boundary hedge, large trees rarely respond well to inter-nodal (random) pruning cuts on their branches. This type of indiscriminate pruning invites diseases and insect pests that could eventually kill the tree entirely. Then you’re at risk of not only non-compliance to a municipal ordinance (see above), but to the ill-feelings this action will certainly develop in your neighbor.
How about if I just have my lawn person cut the tree back?
If you have your heart set on cutting back your neighbor’s overhanging tree branches, your best bet would be to have a qualified tree care provider perform the work. Tree care providers who are members of professional associations, are insured and who have certified personnel performing the work will know the local laws regarding which types of trees can be cut, and to what extent. Plus, they have the right equipment and training to perform the work correctly and safely. Finally, if your neighbor does have concerns, having it done by a professional might put them more at ease.
Steps to take:
1. Find out who actually owns the tree and where the property line is. Can you be certain that, just because it appears to be on your side of the fence, the fence is on the actual property line? How many times has that fence line been moved? If the tree is large and mature or particularly valuable, you would benefit from having the property surveyed to make certain of ownership.
2. Have a qualified tree care provider write up work specifications on exactly how the tree should be cut back. It is usually a bit more complex than simply stating, “cut limbs back to property line.” The work order must reference the ANSI A300 tree pruning standards to assure the procedures being proposed take into consideration the tree’s future health. Oh, and check to see that your tree care provider has a copy of their current liability insurance policy on hand. Check their references as well – why not?
3. This is probably the most important step when dealing with trees on a property line: If at all possible, get the tree owner’s written consent to the work being prescribed. Cutting a neighbor’s trees without that neighbor’s knowledge or consent will only lead to un-neighborly disputes that might lead you to court. If the pruning makes a drastic difference in the tree’s appearance or health or your tree care provider needs to access your neighbor’s property, the tree owner must be made aware of this action and sign off on it. Ignoring this step, or telling your tree care professional to “go ahead, it’s OK,” is actually not OK.
Hire a tree care professional. The best advice is to hire a tree care professional with the experience, expertise and equipment to assess and safely prune, remove or otherwise care for your or your neighbors’ trees. Alpha Tree Service, LLC is a member of Tree Care Industry Association.
The following is a June 2015 article from TreeCareTips.org, a website maintained by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).
Why Plant a Tree?
Planting trees is a natural way to add value to your property, reduce energy costs, spruce up your landscape, and nurture the surrounding wildlife.
Add Value to Your Property
Maybe money does grow on trees! Any realtor will tell you that trees add tremendous value to your property. Don’t believe us? Check out these quick facts on trees and property value:
§ In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a ‘strong or moderate impact’ on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%. (Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests)
§ Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent. (Management Information Services/ICMA)
§ In an analysis of 2,608 real-estate transaction over 10 months, researchers found that homes with “street trees,” those planted between the sidewalk and street, sold for $7,130 more, on average, than homes without street trees. (Wall Street Journal)
§ Homeowners get 100% or more return on the money they put into landscaping. (Clemson University)
§ A mature tree can often have an appraised value of between $1,000 and $10,000. (Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers)
§ Keep in mind: tree ownership is just like owning property; there are overhead costs and responsibilities involved. But as long as you’re willing to put in the time, money and effort to properly care for your trees, you can reap the financial benefits if you ever need to resell or refinance your home.
Reduce Your Energy Bills
Not only do trees help you earn money, they can help you save a tidy bit of cash! Trees provide year-round protection against the elements. They can protect your house from strong winds, heavy snow, summer heat, and raging storms – all while drastically reducing your energy bills. Check out these quick facts on trees and energy costs:
There are many planting strategies you can use to maximize your energy savings. The best strategy will take your regional climate into account; check out this guide from the U.S. Department of Energy to see which planting strategies match your region.
You can also read the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Energy Saver 101 Infographic” to learn more about how climates, microclimates, tree species, and planting locations can influence your energy conservation efforts.
Nurture the Surrounding Wildlife
As the old proverb goes, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
The trees you plant now provide more than just personal financial and aesthetic benefits for you; they will linger long after you are gone, and the environment will benefit from your efforts. Here are some quick facts about trees and the environment:
Why Plant a Tree?
Planting trees is a natural way to add value to your property, reduce energy costs, spruce up your landscape, and nurture the surrounding wildlife.
Add Value to Your Property
Maybe money does grow on trees! Any realtor will tell you that trees add tremendous value to your property. Don’t believe us? Check out these quick facts on trees and property value:
§ In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a ‘strong or moderate impact’ on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%. (Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests)
§ Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent. (Management Information Services/ICMA)
§ In an analysis of 2,608 real-estate transaction over 10 months, researchers found that homes with “street trees,” those planted between the sidewalk and street, sold for $7,130 more, on average, than homes without street trees. (Wall Street Journal)
§ Homeowners get 100% or more return on the money they put into landscaping. (Clemson University)
§ A mature tree can often have an appraised value of between $1,000 and $10,000. (Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers)
§ Keep in mind: tree ownership is just like owning property; there are overhead costs and responsibilities involved. But as long as you’re willing to put in the time, money and effort to properly care for your trees, you can reap the financial benefits if you ever need to resell or refinance your home.
Reduce Your Energy Bills
Not only do trees help you earn money, they can help you save a tidy bit of cash! Trees provide year-round protection against the elements. They can protect your house from strong winds, heavy snow, summer heat, and raging storms – all while drastically reducing your energy bills. Check out these quick facts on trees and energy costs:
- Strategic placement of trees can reduce air conditioning cost up to 50%. (American Power Association)
- The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
- Strategically placed trees can cut the average household’s energy consumption by 25%. (U.S. Department of Energy)
There are many planting strategies you can use to maximize your energy savings. The best strategy will take your regional climate into account; check out this guide from the U.S. Department of Energy to see which planting strategies match your region.
You can also read the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Energy Saver 101 Infographic” to learn more about how climates, microclimates, tree species, and planting locations can influence your energy conservation efforts.
Nurture the Surrounding Wildlife
As the old proverb goes, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
The trees you plant now provide more than just personal financial and aesthetic benefits for you; they will linger long after you are gone, and the environment will benefit from your efforts. Here are some quick facts about trees and the environment:
- Planting trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of the ground water supply. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams. (USDA Forest Service)
- A tree can absorb as much as 48% of carbon dioxide per year, and can sequester 1 ton of carbon dioxide by the time it reaches 40 years old. (NC State University Cooperative Extension)
- Planting trees in an urban environment provides shelter for wildlife that otherwise would not have a home.