feuding neighbors (insurance, live, move)

[1966]

My neighbor planted a serviceberry tree/bush,between our properties the problem is, it is 10 feet away from my driveway should I be concerned. She has assured me that berries are few the roots are not evasive. I just don't agree with that type of tree being so close to my driveway and especially my cars. I'm foreseeing a big problem in the future with growth and staining of the cars and driveway. We voiced our concern to her she refuses to remove it. The tough thing is we're friends so it was already awkward telling her we didn't want the tree there. Does anyone have any personal experience with this type of tree

[Stampede]

Originally Posted by 1966

My neighbor planted a serviceberry tree/bush,between our properties the problem is, it is 10 feet away from my driveway should I be concerned. She has assured me that berries are few the roots are not evasive. I just don't agree with that type of tree being so close to my driveway and especially my cars. I'm foreseeing a big problem in the future with growth and staining of the cars and driveway. We voiced our concern to her she refuses to remove it. The tough thing is we're friends so it was already awkward telling her we didn't want the tree there. Does anyone have any personal experience with this type of tree

No need to worry. You have full rights to trim back 100% of any portion of a tree or shrub that crosses your property line. When it comes over, cut it back. Maybe your neighbor will eventually move it.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by 1966

My neighbor planted a serviceberry tree/bush,between our properties the problem is, it is 10 feet away from my driveway should I be concerned. She has assured me that berries are few the roots are not evasive. I just don't agree with that type of tree being so close to my driveway and especially my cars. I'm foreseeing a big problem in the future with growth and staining of the cars and driveway. We voiced our concern to her she refuses to remove it. The tough thing is we're friends so it was already awkward telling her we didn't want the tree there. Does anyone have any personal experience with this type of tree

I'm not an expert, but I wouldn't be too worried about it. Serviceberrys are more shrublike than a treelike and don'tr get very big. The roots really aren't an issue and will most likely have zero affect on your yard or driveway. There are different kinds of service berry trees but many do not get taller than 20-25 feet and around 10' wide. If the tree is 10' feet away from your driveway now, then it will most likely never hang over your driveway and if it does it will be a long long time before it gets that big if ever. If I were you I would live and let live as a tree like this is nothing to get in a huff about and certainly not worth fueding over. A service berry is a nice native shrub for this area and should provide some nice looking foliage next spring! Good Luck!

[1966]

Thanks NRG I read up a bit on the species it grows between 1 to 2 ft. annually. I'm just a little concerned on all the berries staining my driveway, cars and us tracking it into the house. Your post makes me feel a little better thank you.

[saturnfan]

If you start to see evidence of possible damage, send the neighbor a certified letter explaining the issue and that you will expect them to take care of any damage.

After this, they cannot defend a claim and their homeowner's insurance will need to pony up for the necessary cleaning and repair.

The letter need not be nasty, just state the possibility of injury and request the neighbor to take steps to eliminate the risk.