Question about a backyard boundary and tree conflict

There are two fast growing elm trees that are right on the boundary between our backyard and our neighbor’s backyard. We used to have one single boundary fence and the trees were on our neighbor’s side of the fence, until they built a fancy new second fence sandwiching the trees between the two fences. We have a major objection to one of the trees as it’s roots are causing our brick and slate patio to buckle and heave, and it is getting increasingly worse every year. Additionally we feel the tree is too close to the house and could be hazardous if there was a major storm some day. We’ve emailed with the neighbors about our concerns about the tree, and they are unwilling to do anything about it as they like the tree and the shade it provides. Which comes to my question: When they built their new fence excluding the trees from their backyard, did they legally abandon “ownership” of the trees? We’d like to cut down one of the trees, and we’d like to notify them that we’ve investigated and found out that they trees are legally ours since they put their fence on the ot her side of the trees. One more detail is that visually the tree in question looks to be more on our property than theirs. Is there anyone here who has the legal know-how to advise on this question? Thanks a million in advance!!

nan14

in General Discussion 5 years and 11 months ago

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slopefarm | 5 years and 11 months ago

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If branches are growing too close to your house, I believe you are within your rights to trim those branches within your property are. So you can reduce the threat of the tree doing damage to your house.

greenworks | 5 years and 11 months ago

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You should have a survey — people generally keep it with their closing docs.

One can assume things regarding boundaries, but if you want a firm leg to stand on in any potential correspondence or dispute with a neighbor, a survey is the best way to do it.

nan14 | 5 years and 11 months ago

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Thanks for writing back. Honestly if we ever had a survey I have no idea where it is now. Our house is a row house/town house, and I’m assuming the boundary is the line where our house touches the neighbor’s house. Is this a correct assumption?

freckles1 | 5 years and 11 months ago

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https://ny.eater.com/2018/6/7/17437744/adam-harvey-bar-salumi-tree-crime-brooklyn

randolph | 5 years and 11 months ago

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Just pour a massive bottle of Roundup over the fence at the base of the tree. Problem solved.

stevecym | 5 years and 11 months ago

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see above and then this: if those are partly on their property and they want those trees there, then placement of the fence will not matter. if they want them, they will make an issue out of this; if they do not want them, it will be a non issue.

greenworks | 5 years and 11 months ago

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Instead of going by “it looks like” go by what your property survey says. My answer to you depends in large part on your survey.