We live in Michigan. About 16 years ago our neighbor planted a weeping willow tree in the corner of his property. The tree's roots and branches have grown in to our property. The tree constantly drops leaves and small branches. Mowing my lawn requires that I rake leaves and brances for an hour to clear the debris. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to resolve this situation? My neighbor does not see it as a problem - probably because the prevailing winds drop leaves and debris on my property.

Reply to post by Ray Wilhelm, on February 02, 2002 at 17:08:28:

Contact a lawyer for a definitive answer, but what you are describing sounds like an inconvenience, which is quite different than a nuisance.

Lew

Reply to post by Ray Wilhelm, on February 02, 2002 at 17:08:28:

The most cost effective thing to do would be to landscape the corner into a perennial garden/mulch bed that need to be picked up every few weeks instead of mowing a couple times a week.

You may see it a s giving in, but legal remedies may not always work in your favor and may cost more.

Reply to post by JPS, on February 02, 2002 at 17:08:28:

I agree totally with the 2 responses.

I would add that weeping willows are not zero-maintenance plants. If your neighbor planted it 16 years ago and has done nothing to remove large dead branches or reduce long, end-heavy branches, they may fail in the next storm and impact your property.

I recommend you find a local professional experienced with these trees and encourage your neighbors to maintain what they planted. Failing that, you have the right to trim the part of the tree that grows over your property, as long as that work does not jeopardize the overall health of the tree.