What do I do about problems with a neighbour tree?
In the close quarters of many Toronto neighbourhoods, along with larger spaces in the city and in GTA suburbs, neighbourly disputes are common. Everything from garbage bins to lawn maintenance to loud music can be a thing to argue about, and problems with a neighbour tree are no exception.
Perhaps you’re thinking of cutting your neighbours’ overhanging tree, or there are overgrown branches blocking sunlight. Maybe your neighbours’ tree is damaging your fence or roof, or their roots are creeping under your fence. Sometimes, it is a bigger issue like worrying your neighbours tree will fall on your home. How can you handle it?
The first thing to know is that you do have the right to prune parts of a tree growing on or overhanging your own property, as long as it will not damage or kill the tree to do so. However, the City of Toronto recommends that, prior to conducting any work on trees that share space, you discuss the issue with your neighbour first.
Who is responsible for a neighbour tree?
Your first question should really be whose tree is it? Do you know where the correct property line lies? Many fences or commonly acknowledged property lines differ from the actual property line.
What is a boundary tree?
Trees with trunks across a property line are considered “boundary trees”, meaning you and your neighbour are considered joint owners of the tree.
With issues where the tree poses a danger to your home or property, it gets more complicated. Small trees where the branches or limbs are only causing minor issues or damage are easy to address.
What about branches overhanging my property?
A branch or limb crossing the property line can be trimmed back to the property line, at minimum. With permission from your neighbour, you can trim the tree back to an appropriate place, which is usually a better option than cutting a branch off in the middle. This is an overlapping area of law – you’re entitled to trim your neighbour tree when it comes into your airspace, but under city bylaw you aren’t allow to injure the tree without a permit from the city.
What if the tree is growing across multiple properties?
Larger trees that straddle multiple properties are much more complicated to deal with and may have significant grey area with regards to the law, liability and ultimate ownership or responsibility should something go wrong or the tree needs to be removed.
Home and property owners in Toronto are required to maintain their trees to reasonable safety standards. If you feel a neighbour’s tree poses a hazard to you or your property, first reach out to your neighbour to see if the issue can be resolved amicably.
My Neighbours’ Trees Blocking Sunlight
If your neighbour’s trees are blocking sunlight, whether it’s a view from your windows or a shady back deck, this will typically be a tree trimming job you’re responsible for footing the bill for. When your neighbors’ trees are blocking garden light, the problem can be particularly annoying for avid gardeners.
What to do about a neighbour tree shading your garden
Your neighbour is under no obligation to prune or trim their tree for you. If leafy branches over your yard don’t let enough sunlight through to your flower garden or your view is blocked by a tree you don’t like, you’ll have to speak to your neighbour.
They may be open to trimming their trees or even sharing the cost, particularly if the tree needs other pruning. If they aren’t interested in having their tree pruned, however, you’ll have to respect their wishes and the property line.
What should I do if my Neighbours’ Tree is Damaging my Property?
If your neighbour’s tree is causing damage or is a hazard, your neighbour has an obligation to deal with the problem. This includes broken branches, dying branches, and dying or dead trees. Home and property owners are responsible for maintaining their properties to a reasonable degree of safety, and when they fail to do so, they can face fines under municipal by-laws and be compelled to remedy the issue.
If your neighbour’s tree has caused damage or fallen on your property, you should contact your neighbour and document the damage for insurance purposes. If you believe the tree to still be unsafe, or there is a hazard that needs to be removed, follow up by calling an arborist for a consultation.
If your neighbour refuses to act to remove the hazard on their property, you may want to call 311 to have a municipal by-law officer assess the situation. It is important to stay calm, document the steps you’ve taken to address the issue, and any costs incurred by you for insurance purposes.
Cutting Neighbour Tree Roots
Tree roots are one of the toughest problems, as cutting a tree root can compromise the health and structural integrity of the tree. If the root issue is minor in nature, such as a root growing under a fence, near the side of a yard, or in another outdoor location, it may be best to leave the root. You do have the right to remove some roots growing onto your property, but unlike with pruning, this is far more likely to cause serious problems, as root removal can cause significant damage to the tree. Not only can removing roots harm the tree’s health, it can make trees unstable and more likely to fall over, raising big liability and safety issues.
With a bigger root problem, such as roots growing into your plumbing or foundation underground, you’ll want to have an arborist assess the issue. Your arborist can assess the roots using a tool called an Air Spade and create a plan to address the problem. If the roots are from a tree that is not your own, involving the owner of the tree is an important first step to ensure a smooth resolution to the problem.
Who can help with problems with a neighbour’s tree?
Neighbour disputes over trees can get heated. Often, it’s best to involve a professional who can remain objective. An arborist can identify the source of the problem and suggest different solutions that balance the rights and interests of both affected parties.
Arborists are also trained to ensure damage doesn’t happen to the tree or property near it, and reputable companies will carry liability insurance to cover the work they undertake. The last thing you want in a dispute with a neighbour about a tree is to cause damage to your property or theirs trying to resolve the issue. For this reason, it makes sense to have an arborist do the work and ensure the work is done correctly without damage to the tree or either property.
When you’re in the early stages of assessing a potential neighbour tree problem and you’re not getting a response from the neighbour, you might also consider getting an arborist assessment to determine if the tree is actually a hazard.
How to Resolve a Tree Issue with Your Neighbour
First, be proactive! Talking to them directly is the most straightforward option, but if you don’t have a good relationship, it’s always advisable to have something in writing. The neighbour needs to be informed about the problem and given an opportunity to fix it.
When a tree needs pruning, you may be able to come to a mutual agreement and share costs. For boundary trees in Ontario, any pruning or removal needs to be agreed upon by both of you.
Do you and your neighbours need tree maintenance to keep your yards and your relationship healthy? Contact Vista Tree Management today for a free quote!
