Homeowner Refuses to Remove a Tree with Sentimental Value After Their New Neighbor Demands It Be Cut Down Because It Casts Shade on Their Yard
The two property owners can't seem to come to a decision that satisfies both parties.
A tree with deep family history is now at the center of a neighbor dispute, and neither side wants to back down.
In this case, a Redditor says the apple tree on their property has sentimental value, but a new neighbor wants it removed because it shades the yard and blocks the spot where they want a hot tub. The disagreement has already turned tense, and the neighbor is even threatening legal action.
Now the question is whether the homeowner should protect the tree or give in to keep the peace.
The apple tree has stood since the original poster's grandparents moved into the property.
Late_Adhesiveness859It holds sentimental value for them.
Late_Adhesiveness859It's not "just" a tree.
Late_Adhesiveness859
The neighbor thinks the hot tub matters more.
The original poster has already explained their side, but for the neighbors, their hot tub is more important.
Late_Adhesiveness859
The neighbor shouldn't have moved in if something that's not on their property is going to be an issue for them.
Lobaby1414, Arisia118
We don't know the specifics of the tree, but the neighbors might not win the case if they file charges against the original poster.
tubbyx7, DuckingGolden
The original poster needs to know the value of the tree in case the neighbor does something illegal.
750More
The original poster also has to take extra steps to protect the apple tree.
johnny9k, dastardy740
That is where things start to get messy.
These people can't just waltz in and force others to do what they want.
General_Relative2838
The original poster had to warn their neighbors because they might hire someone to cut the tree down without permission.
Late_Adhesiveness859
The Redditors are suggesting some steps to protect the apple tree.
Jovon35
Some neighbors will stop at nothing to get what they want.
Paranoidkitten8
People who love plants and trees understand the original poster's dilemma.
Jovon35
The comments quickly took sides.
This echoes the fight over a neighbor’s cat, where the owner set boundaries after it used their yard as a litter box, in Neighbors Cat Keeps Using My Yard as a Litter Box.
The original poster might need the help of their other neighbors.
JKElemenopee, Late Adhesiveness859
This is for the best. Maybe a call or text would work in case the original poster isn't around.
MontanaPurpleMntns
Apparently, there are many disputes about trees that have led the government to create laws regarding them.
que_he_hecho
If they want the hot tub so much, why not just build it in another spot?
arseholierthanthou, RainbowCrane
The original poster needs to prepare all the necessary records since they now have a problematic neighbor.
ipsos_custodes420
They also need to perform some maintenance procedures for the tree, as it is already old.
Human-Zucchini-618
Let the neighbors waste their money just to get a hot tub.
Shaggymaggie
An Arborist's Take on the Situation
It has already come to a point where the two parties involved cannot reach an agreement. The only thing left to do is to take the advice of the Redditors so that the original poster can preserve the apple tree.
Wondering if you can confront a friend over an unauthorized business in shared space? Check out this AITA dilemma about telling a friend to move their business out.
