fence companies that also take down trees? (Durham: renters, HOA)

[NM posts]

Does this exist?

I need to replace my privacy fence, and add a length down one side that is currently bordered by my neighbor's decrepit fence. But, there are two trees there- one relatively young and nonessential.

Was kind of hoping I could find a fence company that would just take the tree down too ... ?

Thanks!

[StanFischlerHockE]

Why? Fence guys are good at putting up fences. Tree cutters are good at taking down trees. I don't think one would have the correct insurance to do both jobs. I would recommend two companies.

[NM posts]

I dunno - first time homeowner and I get overwhelmed about finding people to call and finding good people to call

Yeah, I'll get a tree cutter...thanks!

[poppydog]

Why don't you call and ask the fence people? They can come out and give you an estimate. They're the experts (not me or you) and would be able to better advise you on what, if anything, needs to happen to those trees. Your lot absolutely cannot be more wooded than mine (no grass at all, just trees) and when we had an extensive, long 6-ft privacy fence put in no trees needed to be removed to the best of my recollection. I think there was one that was already down between us and the neighbors that had to be cut up. They might have removed a few very small saplings, but no real tree work. Call the fence people first and if they say you need to call a tree company then do that, but if you do it the other way around you're most likely end up paying for both.

[NM posts]

Thanks, will do - have a weird situation where neighbor's decrepit privacy fence is right on the property line and a few inches from this tree - that neighbor rents out his place to the people with the maniacal chihuahuas (LOL) - per our HOA bylaws he needs to maintain his fence, but isn't as of yet and I just want to put my own fence down that line (I guess the guy who previously owned my house just attached his fence to that one). But I either have to surround the tree or cut it down. I'm ok with cutting that particular one down, but definitely should consult about it first.

[poppydog]

You're sure it's your tree, right? Don't wanna go cutting down the neighbor's tree by mistake. I have another neighbor-friend down the street whose next door neighbor cut down trees on neighbor-friend's property. Neighbor-friend was NOT happy.

A fence company might be able to offer you some alternatives like butting the fence up against the tree or something I can't think of, or they might agree with you that the tree needs to go. I'd call a couple and get different estimates because in addition to different costs they might have different approaches to the tree. If you need to take the tree out that will add to the overall cost of the fence as well.

[Starglow]

Originally Posted by NorasMom

Thanks, will do - have a weird situation where neighbor's decrepit privacy fence is right on the property line and a few inches from this tree.

Depending on where you live, your neighbor's fence being located right on the property line may in fact be illegal because some areas have set-back code requirements where the fence must be located back within a certain distance inside the property line. Call your local building inspections department to find out if such set-back requirements exist for your property and if so, what they are.

Your fence contractor should already be aware of this, but some are not which is why you should call for verification. Also check your property survey document to verify exactly where the property lines are located before putting up a fence.

[VickiR]

Make sure you are SURE of where your property lines are. Don't assume the neighbor's fence is "on the line". Most neighborhoods recommends that you place your fence a few inches in so you are not on the property line.

If you don't have a survey, now would be a great time to purchase one.

If you do have a survey, I would check with your HOA to determine how many inches over your fences needs to be.

Vicki

[NM posts]

Thanks all - yeah my survey tells me the fence is right on the line. nothing in my HOA covenants about it and not sure about Durham regulations. My main concern about putting up a more solid privacy fence near it is mold between them and the renters next door maybe letting theirs fall down entirely into mine. I have to talk to them about it but we're not on great terms, sigh. I'm going to call the building inspector and ask about it.

Definitely my tree - I have a few that are problematic - of all the trees that previous owners removed, why the ones there? ugh !