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Questions About Property Lines Answered

When you buy a Ripple Creek home, you are buying the luscious lot it sits on top of as well. The yards that our homes sit on give you and your family freedom to enjoy your space inside and out. There is a point where your property stops being your property, and that is where property lines come into play. Property line disputes among neighbors are all too common, but how do you know who is really at fault in these scenarios? Today we want to discuss a few common property line disputes that come up so that you can handle matters as quickly and peaceably as possible.

Whose Old Tree Is That?

Among some of the biggest disagreements are ones that involve trees. Things that you cannot control happen, of course. Like if a strong storm comes along, breaks branches off of your tree, falls onto your neighbor’s property and causes damage, your insurance will likely take care of that. But if it is an old tree on your property, and that damage was a result of your failure to properly trim or remove a dead tree, that would be your responsibility. And how can you know if a tree is your responsibility to begin with? For the most part, if the tree trunk resides on your property line, it is your responsibility.

Whose Roots are Those?

Another way that trees can cause disputes is if their roots start to become your problem, or vice versa. Tree roots have a nasty habit of sprawling and getting into places they shouldn’t. They can disrupt sewer lines and break apart walkways and driveways. If tree roots start to make an issue for you or a neighbor, the affected party has the right to trim and remove the trouble roots. Just be aware that removing roots can potentially kill the tree they are attached to. Make sure you have proper documentation so that your neighbor cannot come after you for tree damages as a result of removing roots.

Whose Grass Is It?

Lawn mowing can also be a source of contention among neighbors. For the most part, people appreciate when neighbors care for a portion of their lawn too. But if your neighbor has a problem with it, try to reach a solution by talking with your neighbor and identifying an agreeable stopping point when mowing the lawn. And, of course, installing a fence to properly mark property lines is an option as well as a way to formally dispel all confusion.

So the next time your neighbor has a problem with your tree or the grass, consider these points. A community is a valuable thing and the more peaceful you can be with your neighbors, the better.

By Ripple Creek Homes 1-26-2023