Suffolk County, NY My backyard neighbor cut some branches off of a few of the trees in my backyard last week as they were overhanging his property. He cut them about 6 -10 inches past the property line and then dropped all of the cut branches back on my side of the property. I was never notified of any problem with the branches. When I noticed them yesterday afternoon I immediately drove around to his house to discuss it with him. Unfortunately he was not there. I returned to my backyard and returned the branches to his side of the fence hoping this would give him the message. When I returned home last night the branches were once again on my side of the fence, and a (nasty) note was left on my door. The handwritten note reads as follows.
Hi I live behind you. Your (underlined twice) trees are on my property. I cut them down and they fell on your property. So I am throwing them back over. If you have any question come on over and we will settle this. My number is xxx-xxxx ask for Joe. Clean up your act. Joe
I was never notified that the branches were a problem and I didn't cut the branches. From the size of the branches there is NO way that they "fell" on my side of the fence without assistance. The trunks of the trees that were cut are all firmly on my side of the fence. I called him last night and was told that he was asleep and have asked him to call or come over today to discuss.
I am less concerned that he cut the branches than I am over the fact that he thinks that he can cut the branches, drop them on my side of the fence and expect me to pay for their removal. If a neighborly discussion does not resolve this what steps should I take.
Mark
<JPS>
Posted
Reply to post by Mark, on August 12, 2001 at 06:47:06:
By the tone of the discussion I dont think yuo will resolve it to your satisfaction. Sounds like a tresspass/destruction issue if the cuts were made on your side of the property line.
I would ask him kindly to remove the debris he created before calling the authorites. Make copies of the note he left on your door to give to the police if called. You may be able to get an oder for him to clean it up.
