Save Yourself From the Neighbor’s Dangerous Tree

Everyone loves their trees, well, in most cases. But then there are the neighbor’s trees, which can present danger to your property. What are the parameters in this instance? There is a specific rule referred to as the “Self Help Rule, that may save you from damage, injury, or financial loss.  See the definition in Minnesota Statute. Read more about it here.

Here is a quick summary: Property owners in every state have the right to trim the branches or roots of a neighbor’s tree that encroach onto their property, up to the property line, at their own expense. This right is called “self-help.” Self-help is an alternative to going to court.

If a neighbor’s tree is dead, diseased, or damaged and presents a threat to your property you have several options.

• First, you can talk with the neighbor and ask them to remove it.
• Next, you can contact the City and ask that an arborist check the tree, in which case the City may find it to be dangerous and order it to be removed.
• Finally, talk with your insurance company. They may recommend you put your neighbor on notice with a certified letter. This step may protect you financially if the tree damages your property.

It pays to take action before the tree falls on your structure. Once it falls, it becomes yours, at your property line, and your neighbor is off the hook.