how do I kill a tree that is growing on my property line?

This message was edited Jun 30, 2010 2:59 PM

First thing I'd worry about is whose side of the property line it's really on...if it's on your neighbor's side then you could get in big trouble for killing or cutting it down. Second question is how far is the property line from your house? If it's far enough away from the house then you don't need to get rid of the tree. And lastly what kind of tree is it? Some trees have more problematic roots than others. So it'll really be the combination of what type of tree it is and how far it is from your house that will determine whether this is something you ought to do something about or not (assuming that the tree is on your property to begin with). Unless it's a tree with a really invasive root system like a weeping willow and/or you've got a really tiny yard I suspect there's a good chance it'll be OK to leave it alone.

It is a maple tree and it is 61/2 feet from my house.

If the tree does not belong to you, but poses a threat to your home and property, there is civil recourse. I am sure there are property inspectors and province/state/federal agencies that can come to your aid. Many things can be done depending upon the size of the tree.

How big is the tree? If it's a small maple like a Japanese maple then it may not be a problem, but if it's one of the big ones then that does sound like it's too close to the house (even if the roots don't cause problems, the branches will be running into the house).

If you're absolutely 100% sure that it's on your property then you can do whatever you'd like to it--if you like the tree and have another good spot for it then you could try digging it up and transplanting it, or if you don't like it or it's too big to transplant easily then you can cut it down--if you have someone come out and grind the stump that should hopefully prevent it from re-sprouting (and if you do get a few sprouts coming up, promptly spraying them with Roundup ought to take care of them)

If it's actually on the neighbor's property or literally right on the property line then I'd try working something out with your neighbor first about removing it, but if that doesn't work then as themoonhowl mentioned if you can prove that the roots pose a threat to your house then you should have recourse to force them to remove it (or to work with you to remove it).

drill a hole in the tree and pour something toxic in it jk.my dad was super made when the neighboor planted a silver maple close to the property line,this was after my dad cut down a 80ft one in his front yard.my dad jokes all the time bout climbing up there and killing it.now that maple the roots ruin the lawn and foundation on house's.if the nieghboors a dink,put up a wooden fence and any branch's that cross the property line cut.

City ordinances dictate the side-yard allowance on each side of your house. I think our city ordinance states a side-yard must be a minimum of 8 feet (so 16 ft between houses) for fire containment purposes. If the tree is between your house and your combined side-yards equal the minimum distance, you can probably make your case with the city to have the tree removed to comply with fire ordinances. Find a property survey, locate the property line marker, or contact the city to double-check.

This is just my interpretation, based on my town's ordinances. It may be different for your town.

I have an Elm close to my house that grew in 7 years to the largest tree in my yard and broke up my patio. We cut most of it off last year, but it is sprouting and we have to get it down to the stump. I got stump killer, but someone told me to drill the longesr holes we could in it all over and dump with rock salt and that would kill it. I hope something will.

Any Maple that close to the house except the small Japanese maple will quickly destroy your foundation. They are not a joke, and your neighbor must be a fool to think it is funny. Try to get their cooperation, if you can't take pic's and keep a log of when and how you tried to get the neighbor to work with you. That way if it is their tree you have all your efforts recorded for any future law suit...Hay

How tall is the tree? We had several tree removed when we first moved in and we hired tree experts because it is not an expertise that we know how to do. They have the know how and has the right tools and are insured.It is always good to be on the safe side. Belle

Don't most local ordinances say you may do whatever you wish with a neighbors plant growth that invades your side of the property line? It may have to be at your effort and expense, but why not cut out the root system on your side? It may just kill the tree and the neighbor won't have recourse. Just thinking outloud... Feedback? Or is there a lot more to it?

The rules are different in different areas. In my area you can cut off branches that are overhanging onto your property, but you can only do it if it won't kill the tree. So doing what you suggested would get you in big trouble if you lived here. But other areas have different rules so it's important to look up what the rules are in your area before doing anything.

Hi, I just registered for Dave's Garden today and came across this spread. I am just this very morning in the process of planting an Emerald Elf Amur Maple approx. 10 feet from my house foundation, six feet from the porch and 4 feet from the garage foundation. Is this a bad idea? It was advertised to get no taller or wider than 5.5 feet and I was planning to prune it to keep it even smaller than that. Let me know if I am making a big mistake.

Thank you,
Sarah

A tiny tree like that will be fine--it's big trees right up close to houses that can cause problems.

Thank you, ecrane3. :-)

My mom always talks about putting Copper nails into the cedar trees that are in her line of view. Dont know if it actually works.

You may need permission from your city to cut it - however, they will quickly grant you a permit (if required) if the tree is obstructing a structure or too close to a foundation. Usually they only require permits for street trees but if you're in a designated area they may not allow trees to be cut down at all.

In your case it sounds like you may be able to argue that it is also a safety issue and therefore needs to be cut down. Call a tree removal service for a quote and they'll even grind the stump below soil level - plant a nice bush or low-growing garden. (Plant a new tree in proper location? Please?)

In all cases, I'd say never cut a tree if you don't have to. There are always special cases, though, and this sounds like one of them.

If there is an issue with the property line, have an official land surveyor do a re-survey of the property. depending on the age of your property, this may even be a service offered for free as many areas are in the process of updating registered property records.

Hope this has helped you out.