How can I minimize risks from property damage from falling tree limbs?
When trees are located near property lines with neighboring properties, property owners must be aware of risks associated with their trees and take steps to minimize those risks.
If you’re paying any attention to your property you may know in advance that there are trees or limbs of trees on a neighboring property that represent a potential risk to your property or vice versa. If you notice a tree on your property that represents a potential risk of damage to a neighboring property, you should take the necessary steps to eliminate or at least minimize the risk.
If you hire someone to remove or trim the tree, be sure that the person is properly licensed and adequately insured in case the work results in damage or injury related to the work, both regarding the neighboring property and your own.
If you recognize a potential risk of a neighbor’s tree falling or dropping a limb on your property that might result in damage to your property you might consider taking preventive action before your roof or the entire dwelling or an outbuilding such as a detached garage is damaged or destroyed.
If you and the neighboring property owner are on friendly terms you can simply discuss the matter with him and possibly arrive at a mutually acceptable resolution. If you and the neighbor are not on friendly terms or if a casual approach is not successful you can prepare for possible legal actions by writing a letter to the owner of the neighboring property