A viral Reddit post on r/neighborsfromhell, the self-proclaimed subreddit for "stories of annoying neighbors," is demonstrating how shady neighbors can really be.
The post, titled "My neighbor cut down a tree on my property for sunlight," describes a homeowner returning from out of town to find their healthy backyard tree reduced to a stump after a neighbor allegedly hired a crew to remove it because it was shading his solar panels.
According to the post, the tree was entirely on the poster's property, and the suspect could be in violation of trespassing and property damage. Commenters directed the poster to look into "tree law," a niche but serious legal area that governs disputes over tree management.
Trees play a major role in cooling neighborhoods, managing stormwater, and storing carbon. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that urban trees can lower surrounding air temperatures by up to 10 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit and reduce household energy use. Mature trees can also be worth thousands of dollars in net annual benefits, according to the Arbor Day Foundation.
According to Forestry Journal, arborists and tree management play a vital role in "maintaining healthy, vibrant and sustainable urban environments."
Commenters overwhelmingly urged that the poster take legal action against the shady neighbor.
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"Legal action. Go over to r/treelaw for specific advice," one wrote.
Another responded, "Cutting down someone's tree isn't just rude, it's a legit offense."
Others pointed out that replacing a mature tree can cost tens of thousands of dollars and that contractors may also face liability.
As one commenter put it, "That's going to be an expensive mistake for your neighbor."
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How much money would someone have to pay you to tear out your lawn? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
$10K or more 🤑 One study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory states that shade can significantly reduce solar output; however, there is a sharp irony in destroying a mature tree, one of nature's most effective tools for stopping climate change, in the name of clean energy.
Environmental progress often starts at the local level, where neighbors, neighborhoods, and community groups make everyday decisions about land use, energy, and shared space.
When communities communicate, collaborate, and respect one another, they can expand clean energy, protect green spaces, and build solutions that strengthen the social fabric needed to sustain long-term change.
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