Homeowner shares before-and-after photos after neighbor cut down trees without permission: 'There's been no apology'

A neighborly relationship turned sour when one person decided to cut down several trees without the homeowner's permission. 

In the r/TreeLaw subreddit, the OP shared that they live in a densely populated urban neighborhood in Texas with a side yard along the property line, along with several mature trees that provide much-desired shade.

According to the OP, their neighbor, dubbed "Tyler," asked about fixing up the side yard by replacing the fence and trimming some overhanging branches, as well as possibly removing one of the trees. The OP agreed to the branch trimming, but said they wanted to think about the tree removal.

The next day, the tree plus three others were gone. It was clear the workers had to enter their property to perform the removal, all without the OP's permission. 

To keep things civil, the OP didn't immediately jump to litigation, but instead tried to speak with Tyler, who dismissed their concerns by saying they "haven't lived in this neighborhood long enough to have a say what happens with our yard." The OP was able to get documentation via his wife speaking with Tyler's wife over text, with Tyler's wife insisting he was apologetic about the whole mess.

"However, since then, there's been no apology," the OP wrote, adding that tensions are still high. They have now gotten an appraisal for the trees through a Registered Consulting Arborist, who valued the primary tree at $6,600. 

Neighbors like Tyler can cause major headaches for homeowners when they make these kinds of decisions without working with their neighbors, as well as holding back environmentally friendly upgrades and projects. 

Removing trees in urban areas can increase the impact of the urban heat island effect, which is when heavily paved areas in cities tend to be 15 to 20 degrees hotter than green areas. Adding trees can reduce the urban heat island effect by at least three degrees, per the EPA, while also reducing energy usage by up to 10%.

As the OP demonstrated, the best method to handle these kinds of conflicts is direct communication. If the neighbor is stubborn, it's best to turn to experts like arborists and lawyers. Sometimes even an HOA can help enforce rules or decisions. 

Redditors in the comments supported the OP's approach and offered additional advice to deal with the fallout.

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"I'm shocked the tree company would cross a property line. You should pursue things with them as well," one person wrote, which the OP agreed with and added that they're trying to get the contact information.

Another said, "Why a person would think they could just go onto your property and remove your trees like that, I'll never understand."

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