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Live in the northeast and I know the threat of "widow maker" tree's. I've always trimmed or pulled risky trees as we live in an urban area and the potential damage is not worth the risk. So, I have a neighbor behind me that rents his house and his trees in his backyard have me worried. Their large, maybe 60 to 75 ft. pin oak tree's. We just had a storm come thourgh and I had one of my own trees lose a 40 ft. branch in my yard from a tree I had trimmed this summer and it's fairly young. I turned my attention to my neighbors tress with the storm from last night as the snow with rain combo could have threatened the stability of many trees.
I'm thinking to send a letter documenting the tree's lack of maninenance (visible to the eye are large branches with dangling dead wood as well as dead spots where branches have just fallen. There are also tons of small branches on the lower base of the tree that would point to no maintenance)
as well as document the dead wood and the sheer size of the tree and its' potential to cause terrible damage.
Any input on writing a "nice" letter that is received well so that the neighbor actually wants to act on it and not get a ********* attitude? Thanks.
*****Wanted to add these trees all have brown dried leaves still intact on mostly the lower part of the tree--any idea why this occurred?****
Last edited by Skatergirl; 01-27-2011 at 12:40 PM..
Reason: added question
Write the letter to the property owner, not the tenant, the owner is responsible for the property and any damage that could happen. Just keep the letter short, polite and sincere.
Dear Sir, In regard to your property at _____. We are concerned about the amount of deadwood in your trees and what has fallen off in recent storms, that someone or our property could be damaged from falling branches in the next bad storm. We would appreciate it if you would give some consideration to having your trees trimmed to minimize these potential risks. Sincerely...
We were advised the same thing by our insurance agent. You can't force someone to remove a tree, but if you have documentation that the owner was made aware of the risk, then any damage the tree does to your property, his insurance will pay.
i was going to say, make sure to keep a copy of the letter, and get is sent registered with recipt so that should something happen you have proof that not only you sent the letter but that he recived it.
Write the letter to the property owner, not the tenant, the owner is responsible for the property and any damage that could happen. Just keep the letter short, polite and sincere.
Dear Sir, In regard to your property at _____. We are concerned about the amount of deadwood in your trees and what has fallen off in recent storms, that someone or our property could be damaged from falling branches in the next bad storm. We would appreciate it if you would give some consideration to having your trees trimmed to minimize these potential risks. Sincerely...
Agreed...although I would add to the "minimize these potential risks" to read "minimize these potential risks and your liability". Just as a reminder of WHO will be held financially responsible in the event of property damage or injury.
A good friend of mine was almost killed in October due to an event such as what you fear...the story made national news. While these risks are often overlooked they are VERY REAL and you have valid reason to be concerned.
I would basically mention it in talkigto him plus make sure I have good insruance coverage. Its doubtful that sueing will happen and mos likely your insurnce would cover it from a storm.It woud be up tot hem to decide if they sue to recover but doubt they will from my experience in storms like hurricanes.Always good to be on good terms with a neighbor really because of thsi type thing.Don't count solely on his insuranc eis my advise becuase acts of god are not counted and hard to make a case aginst i a storm type situation.Even then it can take years to get to the final payment.
I know in 'Yankeeland' if someone slips on your unshoveled sidewalk... it's an act of god.
If you shovel it and the same thing happens... it's your fault.
I'd assume the trees would be the same.
Sides, property rights and all that.
You can ask, but if they like em...
That's what you have insurance for.
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Thanks to all for the posts
