While getting ready to move, a homeowner said on Reddit that they returned to find a cut tree lying across utility lines, with the home's paneling torn and the wood left behind. They still had no clear answer about who did the work.
Here's what to know
After the damage, the homeowner asked the r/homeowners subreddit whether to start repairs, contact the internet provider about the line, or try to identify who cut the tree. They said it landed on utility lines and "pulled paneling from my house."
According to the Reddit post, neighbors could only say people had been "working on the lines" behind the property. Those neighbors, however, were renters and could not name the company involved.
Efforts to track it down through local providers produced little clarity. After calling around about trimming or maintenance in the area, the homeowner said the power company would have someone call back, the internet company "didn't see anything since April," and another provider was no help.
The incident came at an especially difficult time, with the household already "getting ready to move and prepping to just dump everything all at once."
More background
Not everyone in the thread thought a utility was necessarily responsible.
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"Telephone companies dont trim service drops," one wrote. "Some clown cut a limb or one just fell on it."
That suggested several possibilities, from a contractor to someone doing unauthorized tree work near the lines. With neighbors able to provide only limited details, the homeowner still had no firm explanation.
That left the homeowner dealing with exterior damage, possible service-line issues, time spent contacting utilities and providers, and uncertainty about reimbursement while trying to move out.
"This is wild especially that nobody seems to know who was working back there," a user observed.
What can be done?
The most immediate advice centered on creating a record before any cleanup or repairs begin.
"First step is to document everything with photos and notes before you touch anything, utility companies love to play dumb when there's no paper trail," a user advised.
The original poster responded: "I've got photos and our side down. I guess I should have my neighbors shoot me a text or something of what they saw also?"
Some commenters said the search should extend beyond the companies already called. One commenter wrote, "Your city or county would have a copy of any work permits," which might show whether a crew was authorized to work near the home.
Several people also recommended involving their insurance.
"You should contact your insurance company," a visitor wrote. "They will get their lawyers involved, and get to the bottom of it."
Other suggestions in the thread included asking the renters for their landlord's contact information, filing a police report, and posting on neighborhood apps to see whether anyone nearby witnessed the tree being cut or had video footage.
Where can I learn more?
Other homeowners have run into similar questions about tree work, property damage, and who may be responsible.
• A homeowner feared contractors would damage or kill a decades-old tree during electric company work.
• After a neighbor's neglect led to thousands in property damage, calls for legal action followed.
• One homeowner said a neighbor bulldozed private land for a construction project without consent.
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