I know I have the right as a property owner to trim branches that hang into my yard. However I do not have the extra funds to do this right now.
The tree next door is tall, hanging into my yard and is into the outside power lines. The couple next door rent.
How should I handle this? Should I talk to her to ask her landlord to take care of the tree, should I call the power company.
With the hurricane season coming, this tree can be a huge disaster for my home.
It is a beautiful tree, I do not want it cut down, just trimmed. I'm not sure what kind it is. It has huge brown leaves that fall into my yard every fall. Some kind of oak...
How do you think I should handle this situation?

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 06:28 am:

Keep it simple. Call the landlord first, and tell the landlord you are calling the power company. Then call the power company. The tenants probably don't have the right to do anything, and probably wouldn't want to if they had the authority. However, if the power company trims the tree they will only be concerned with the branches that are near the power lines, which might not include all the branches that pose a risk to your home. After you call the landlord, if it were me I'd send a letter saying that I am recapitulating our telephone conversation, that the tree on his property poses a danger to my home, and that I asked him to have it take care of promptly. If the landlord agrees verbally to take care of it, add "you agreed to promptly have the overhanging branches removed". Telephone calls don't leave a record - letters do.

By Annie2 on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 09:41 am:

Thanks, Ginny. I spoke with the tenant this am when we had the dogs outside. She was thinking the exact same thing. Not only for my house but the house that they rent may be jeapordized (sp)with a bad storm...and she does not want to move, if damages occur, because she loves the neighborhood.
She is going to speak to the management company to see if something can be done. If not, we'll follow up with letters, etc as you suggested.