Neighbor cut down our tree (1 Viewer)

[eoMMan]

Will your wife/significant other update this thread if this neighbor goes nuts and murders you?

 

[shadyridr]

This is a good learning lesson for folks.

Most people would think, 2k for a tree? Take it and run....I PAID $2300 to cut down a tree in my yard and you're thinking 2k for a tree is not enough?? 

People like me would chock this up to a mistake and I'd want to be the nice guy and would probably feel bad accepting any money.

I would have had no knowledge of the law or my rights....meanwhile Joe neighbor (imo) went through this whole process knowing it's easier to deal with a tree that is now gone than try to convince you to take it down. On the off chance Joe neighbor didn't know about tree laws...now he will.

I know nothing about tree laws but interestingly enough I am an expert in bird law.

 

[culdeus]

We've covered this already.

Acorns

@belljr

You got the acorns comment from the guy that didn't actually cut down the tree, right?

 

[jonessed]

Am I the only one who thinks the neighbor is full of crap about telling the tree guys not to cut that down?  I'm guessing he thought it would be easier to claim it was an accident then go through the hassle of having to deal with if it could or could not be cut down.  

Since he owns a construction company I would be inclined to say there’s no way he’s hiring a tree company that accidentally cuts down a 50’ tree on a marked property line.  

That doesn’t explain why he tried so hard to make contact beforehand though.  If they met prior “accidentally” cutting the tree down would have been out.  My guess is he flagged it to be removed, but asked the tree company to hold off until he gave the OK.  Someone didn’t talk to someone else and bam, there goes the tree.

Edit:  I just realized I’m way behind on this one.  I’m going to cancel a few meetings and get caught up before I comment again.

 

[Van Dyman]

Tell him you want a 50 year old Hickory.

TREBLE damages = one 240 ft tall 150-year old hickory tree

 

[SWC]

in ancient sumarian if a man cut down your tree you got to cut down his entire house and there wasnt nothing he could do about it take that to the bank bromigo

 

[belljr]

You mother ####ers

 

[jonessed]

I can’t believe you talked to him beforehand and he did it anyway.  Screw this guy.  Your last offer was an easy out for him at this point.  If he doesn’t take it in full I would go straight to an attorney.

 

[WDIK2]

Will your wife/significant other update this thread if this neighbor goes nuts and murders you?

Death by acorn bludgeoning sounds like a terrible way to go.

 

[shadrap]

Since he owns a construction company I would be inclined to say there’s no way he’s hiring a tree company that accidentally cuts down a 50’ tree on a marked property line.  

That doesn’t explain why he tried so hard to make contact beforehand though.  If they met prior “accidentally” cutting the tree down would have been out.  My guess is he flagged it to be removed, but asked the tree company to hold off until he gave the OK.  Someone didn’t talk to someone else and bam, there goes the tree.

Edit:  I just realized I’m way behind on this one.  I’m going to cancel a few meetings and get caught up before I comment again.

dang right you are going to cancel some meetings.  this is important!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[shadrap]

in ancient sumarian if a man cut down your tree you got to cut down his entire house and there wasnt nothing he could do about it take that to the bank bromigo

now your talking.  let's get this escalated!

 

[shadrap]

and by the way Gman I like the route you are taking.   somewhat firm but not a total douchenozzel.

I think you should keep it that way.  IMHO

hopefully in 8 years you can have him over for a BBQ & laugh about it.

 

[SayWhat?]

Brief email update from him:

1) His appraisal was $2500

2) 20% of the tree was his, so the value of what we lost is $2000.

3) The spruce trees we asked for are far more than the value of the tree.

4) He's willing to put $2K value in of trees or cut us a check for $2K.

This is, without a shred of doubt, what his approach is going to be...that he’s responsible to you for 75% of the value of the tree.  My call is that he’ll claim a replacement tree would be $2,000, so he’s going to offer you $1,500. What a #### stain.

Well, I was close in my assessment of what an as shat this guy is.  

Go get em’ Gian. 

 

[Sand]

10k is getting off easy? You can buy a lot of cool stuff with 10k(a lot cooler stuff than tree anyways).  even if you have money he will not want give that much up for a tree (not saying he shouldn’t have too but it’s still a lot).   It will go to court before that happens imo.  

Actually, yes, 10k is really light.  A big, healthy hickory tree is worth a ton of money.  Damages can be up to 3x the value.  Numbers can get large really quick.  It wouldn't surprise me that this is a 10k tree, leaving the guy with a 30k liability.  10k would be a steal for getting out under this.

 

[Van Dyman]

Death by acorn bludgeoning sounds like a terrible way to go.

I've been told Hickory acorns are squishy and wouldn't even dent a street sign.

 

[Van Dyman]

This is, without a shred of doubt, what his approach is going to be...that he’s responsible to you for 75% of the value of the tree.  My call is that he’ll claim a replacement tree would be $2,000, so he’s going to offer you $1,500. What a #### stain.

Nailed it

 

[gianmarco]

Nailed it

Actually he was off. He offered $150, not $1500.

At least to start.

 

[chet]

Actually he was off. He offered $150, not $1500.

At least to start.

The guy seems like a complete doosh.  He's probably bragging at work how he worked you.  0% chance he thinks the tree he cut down is worth $150.

 

[SayWhat?]

Actually he was off. He offered $150, not $1500.

At least to start.

Valid.  He did start much, much lower.  I think he assumed you might allow him an easy way out but since you didn’t I think this was now his “worst case scenario offer.” I don’t see him moving much off of $2K.  Hope I’m wrong, and hope he ends up on the hook for $10K+ as a life lesson not to #### on other people.

 

[TheIronSheik]

Actually he was off. He offered $150, not $1500.

At least to start.

Yes, but along with that $150 you get a friendly neighbor.  And isn't that really worth it in the end?

 

[TheIronSheik]

The guy seems like a complete doosh.  He's probably bragging at work how he worked you.  0% chance he thinks the tree he cut down is worth $150.

Yeah.  I'm guessing this isn't his first rodeo of doing things like this.

 

[Worm]

I'm sitting here thinking to myself what it would be worth to "save" a neighborly friendship with someone I don't know, who is just moving in.

I currently live in a normal suburban neighborhood. Maybe average just under half acre lots, so slightly different scenario. We had a giant Halloween party with probably 10+ families from the 'hood plus other friends. Only one of the families was a direct property adjacent neighbor (behind us). The other direct neighbors keep to themselves, are older, or are just not friendly to begin with (not a single one walked over and said hello after we moved in).

I just don't think I'd work very hard to "save" a relationship with someone that I don't know that is moving in next to me.

Probably anything over a couple thousand bucks and I'm going to make sure I get made right in a situation like this. Under that amount, maybe not.

I think OP has handled this pretty perfectly.

 

[belljr]

I'm sitting here thinking to myself what it would be worth to "save" a neighborly friendship with someone I don't know, who is just moving in.

I currently live in a normal suburban neighborhood. Maybe average just under half acre lots, so slightly different scenario. We had a giant Halloween party with probably 10+ families from the 'hood plus other friends. Only one of the families was a direct property adjacent neighbor (behind us). The other neighbors keep to themselves, are older, or are just not friendly to begin with (not a single one walked over and said hello after we moved in).

I just don't think I'd work very hard to "save" a relationship with someone that I don't know that is moving in next to me.

Probably anything over a couple thousand bucks and I'm going to make sure I get made right in a situation like this. Under that amount, maybe not.

I think OP has handled this pretty perfectly.

minus asking for 9" trees

with teeny tiny HICKORY NUTS

 

[beer 30]

Will your wife/significant other update this thread if this neighbor goes nuts and murders you?

This is important and not to be taken lightly. We need closure and if Gian doesn't make it through this we need to know. Please inform Mrs. Gian of this thread, get her familiar with the ebb & flow here, maybe even let her post as you a few times to get a feel for handling this finely tuned machine and then hope for the best. We need a line of succession here.

Yes, but along with that $150 you get a friendly neighbor.  And isn't that really worth it in the end?

Are you banging his wife at this point or no?

 

[jb1020]

The guy seems like a complete doosh.  He's probably bragging at work how he worked you.  0% chance he thinks the tree he cut down is worth $150.

Yeah,  If I got that response I'd probably just go ahead and have an attorney friend write a letter.  Just go silent on the neighbor.  Screw this guy.  

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

We moved to a new house at the end of May. We were in the house for five days before going on a three-week trip abroad to visit family. Things were hectic, to say the least. 

I scheduled ATT/DirecTV to set up TV and Internet. Dude comes and asks where to put the satellite dish. We walk around the house, consider options, and decide on an out-of-the-way spot on the side of my garage where it could A) hit the satellite, B) be supported by the wall (can't go on roof anymore) and C) be out of the way. Dude does the install.

Two nights later, we are having dinner outside with a friend and the neighbors, who we had met and liked, poke their head over the fence and mention that the satellite dish is now smack in the middle of their view of the San Francisco Bay, a view they had enjoyed for more than 30 years in their home.

We were mortified. In our haste, we didn't consider how our (my) decision would affect our neighbors. We called DirecTV and asked them to move the dish asap and they did so before we left on travel. We also delivered a care package with some crackers and wine as part of our apology.

Our speed and effusive apologies went a long way to repairing a rough start to a neighborly relationship. We screwed up. We admitted we screwed up. We apologized. And we fixed the problem as quickly as possible.

Point is, it's not on you to compromise in order to establish/maintain a good-neighbor relationship, it's on him. He should be over the top in his effort to fix this. Absent that, I'd take it to him. Don't let him get over on you.

 

[shuke]

 

[AAABatteries]

minus asking for 9" trees

with teeny tiny HICKORY NUTS

I'd be ok with the small nuts to get the 9".

 

[gianmarco]

Side update:

As I will now be paying far more attention to what is going on next door, foundation stakes are out and they are digging in preparation for the foundation.  Setback lines from the property line are a little over 22'.  One of the foundation stakes on our side is only 19' from the property line (right next to where our tree used to be).

I'll be putting in a call to the city tomorrow to have them come and evaluate this before the foundation is poured.

 

[DaVinci]

I'm sitting here thinking to myself what it would be worth to "save" a neighborly friendship with someone I don't know, who is just moving in.

I currently live in a normal suburban neighborhood. Maybe average just under half acre lots, so slightly different scenario. We had a giant Halloween party with probably 10+ families from the 'hood plus other friends. Only one of the families was a direct property adjacent neighbor (behind us). The other direct neighbors keep to themselves, are older, or are just not friendly to begin with (not a single one walked over and said hello after we moved in).

I just don't think I'd work very hard to "save" a relationship with someone that I don't know that is moving in next to me.

Probably anything over a couple thousand bucks and I'm going to make sure I get made right in a situation like this. Under that amount, maybe not.

I think OP has handled this pretty perfectly.

The new neighbor wasn't concerned with the relationship when he chopped down the tree. Screw that guy. 

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Side update:

As I will now be paying far more attention to what is going on next door, foundation stakes are out and they are digging in preparation for the foundation.  Setback lines from the property line are a little over 22'.  One of the foundation stakes on our side is only 19' from the property line (right next to where our tree used to be).

I'll be putting in a call to the city tomorrow to have them come and evaluate this before the foundation is poured.

Excellent 

 

[Mario Kart]

Side update:

As I will now be paying far more attention to what is going on next door, foundation stakes are out and they are digging in preparation for the foundation.  Setback lines from the property line are a little over 22'.  One of the foundation stakes on our side is only 19' from the property line (right next to where our tree used to be).

I'll be putting in a call to the city tomorrow to have them come and evaluate this before the foundation is poured.

I was afraid of this type of thing. He knew he wanted the tree gone. He knew it was going to inhibit some plan on his. He knew.

I was not in favor of you getting a couple of trees out of the deal. I was more in line of, "put up a fence for me and I get to pick the material," type of thing. Look at those stakes and imagine the worst case scenario... some 20 foot addition that now blocks your view or blocks sunlight or whatever... make his view the worst possible view and if that is a privacy fence 10 feet tall... so be it.

 

[yellowdog]

I'm really starting to hate your neighbor.

 

[belljr]

Gianmarco....I have hundreds of Acorns in my yard from the oak trees around my house.

Willing to ship you boxes to throw in his yard

Not schtick

 

[belljr]

The new neighbor wasn't concerned with the relationship when he chopped down the tree. Screw that guy. 

Um...you agreed with Worm there....

 

[Hoos First]

Now imagine the acorns were black

 

[Sand]

Side update:

As I will now be paying far more attention to what is going on next door, foundation stakes are out and they are digging in preparation for the foundation.  Setback lines from the property line are a little over 22'.  One of the foundation stakes on our side is only 19' from the property line (right next to where our tree used to be).

I'll be putting in a call to the city tomorrow to have them come and evaluate this before the foundation is poured.

I'm sure that's just coincidence.  What's code in your area of the world?

 

[jhib]

Side update:

As I will now be paying far more attention to what is going on next door, foundation stakes are out and they are digging in preparation for the foundation.  Setback lines from the property line are a little over 22'.  One of the foundation stakes on our side is only 19' from the property line (right next to where our tree used to be).

I'll be putting in a call to the city tomorrow to have them come and evaluate this before the foundation is poured.

If you wait until the foundation is poured and then point out the setback violation to the city, would he have to tear down and redo that part?  

 

[gianmarco]

If you wait until the foundation is poured and then point out the setback violation to the city, would he have to tear down and redo that part?  

Possibly. Or he gets a variance and is allowed to proceed. Given his business and the fact he likely knows and is familiar with building and zoning, I wouldn't count against his ability to get a variance.

 

[Hoos First]

You are gonna make some great money/trees of choice when all is said and done

 

[gianmarco]

So far, no response to our email last night.

I'll be making calls tomorrow (building/zoning, attorneys) and will reach out once more to him later tomorrow requesting a deadline for response.

If I don't hear back by the end of the weekend, I'll likely be filing a police report and retaining an attorney.

 

[culdeus]

So far, no response to our email last night.

I'll be making calls tomorrow (building/zoning, attorneys) and will reach out once more to him later tomorrow requesting a deadline for response.

If I don't hear back by the end of the weekend, I'll likely be filing a police report and retaining an attorney.

I wouldn't do this.  Let the attorney handle the comms at this point.  If he comes back in meantime then fine. 

 

[jhib]

Possibly. Or he gets a variance and is allowed to proceed. Given his business and the fact he likely knows and is familiar with building and zoning, I wouldn't count against his ability to get a variance.

Good point.

 

[gianmarco]

I wouldn't do this.  Let the attorney handle the comms at this point.  If he comes back in meantime then fine. 

Hmm, good point. You may be right.

 

[gianmarco]

Another side note:

The previous owner of our home is incredibly nice. We've become friendly, I've helped her with a couple things, dropped off mail, etc. and she's helped familiarize us with the house even after the fact. 

She reached out today to let us know about Halloween in the neighborhood with our kids (she's quite thoughtful). While speaking to her, she asked how things were going and I brought up the tree situation since it looked like he bought the place next door a few months prior to us moving in and she may have met him.

Apparently they met once and he wanted to meet again after May to discuss the tree line. They never got around to meeting due to selling the house to us. She was not happy hearing the tree came down.

She asked me for permission to reach out to her agent who has ties throughout the city. I said of course.  Turns out her agent also sits on our town's architectural board and will be looking into this herself.

Just more ammo if needed......

 

[EYLive]

 

[krista4]

I'm really starting to hate your neighbor.

Seriously.  I was thinking earlier today that I had posted in the PSF that I couldn't imagine how someone could hate a person they only knew online, but now...I really, really hate gian's neighbor with a freaking passion.

 

[Man of Constant Sorrow]

Has anyone thought of the squirrels?!

Dammit!!!!

 

[DJackson10]

Metal folding chair to the head off the top rope, FTW IMO. 

I'm more barbed wire camel clutch and into a flaming table wrapped in barbed wire. 

 

[DJackson10]

dang right you are going to cancel some meetings.  this is important!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yo Tree murders are serious business especially a mature 50 ft one