I really like how shady our yard is, but I'm not so excited about cleaning up everything that drops off the trees. I can't pick the fruit from the very top of the trees, so it rots and falls to the ground, and then it attracts mice and birds unless I clean it up straight away. I'm getting the trees all lopped back so I can get a break from all the cleaning up all this fallen fruit. This blog is all about how to get your backyard fruit trees lopped so that you don't have to clean up as much fallen fruit.
Lopping back the trees
Who Pays For Tree Removal In South Australia?
Kenneth Kim
There is a legal side to tree removal that a large number of homeowners in South Australia are often not aware of. This often proves to be a reality when there's a dispute between neighbours about who should be responsible for the cost of tree removal.
This article provides a guide for homeowners to determine who should pay for tree removal and related services when a residential tree dispute arises.
When Leaves Or Branches Fall Over The Fence
Many times, trees that grow close to the boundary between neighbouring houses cause disputes when the time comes for their removal. Because the growth of trees is a natural affair, a large number of homeowners don't think they should be responsible for the cost of removal when branches and leaves fall over the fence.
Homeowners need to know that they're responsible for taking care of trees that grow from their side of the fence. Thus, the occurrence of dangerously-hanging branches on the boundary would be considered negligence. If one such branch falls on the neighbour's roof (for example), the homeowner would have to pay for its removal. Additionally, the homeowner would have to pay for repairs to damaged parts of the neighbour's roof after the branch has been removed.
In order to prove negligence, the neighbour (in this context) would have to provide evidence that the homeowner was aware of the danger posed by the errant branch and (s)he failed to act. This evidence is often in the form of a written notice informing the homeowner of the situation at hand.
Problematic Roots
Tree roots will spread and expand in search of water and soil nutrients. Many times, these roots grow below the boundary that separates adjacent homes, thereby "trespassing" into the neighbouring property.
In such a case, it isn't automatic that the homeowner is the one to pay for tree removal and related service. According to the law, the neighbour is permitted to cut the roots off at the boundary line (the right of abatement) without necessarily informing the homeowner.
However, the neighbour should be careful not to cut off the roots in a manner that destabilises the subsequent growth and development of the tree. Should this happen, it would be considered an act of negligence and the neighbour can be forced to compensate the homeowner for damages caused.
The neighbour would be responsible for the cost of removal if a tree service expert is hired to cut off the roots from his/her side of the boundary.
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