How Can You Prevent Your Trees from Damaging Your Neighbour’s Property?

by | Mar 28, 2025 | Tree Service | 0 comments

Imagine this: You’re sipping coffee in your backyard, admiring your towering oak tree, when suddenly—you hear a loud crash! Your neighbour’s fence is now lying in pieces, courtesy of your tree. Awkward, right?

Tree damage is no joke, and preventing it can save you from costly repairs, insurance nightmares, and uncomfortable neighbourly tension.

So, how can you prevent your trees from damaging your neighbour’s property in Bloomington, Indiana? Here’s what you need to know.

Regular Tree Maintenance is Key

Neglecting tree care is like skipping oil changes for your car—eventually, things will go wrong. Keeping up with regular maintenance can prevent weak branches from breaking off and causing damage. Here’s how:

  • Prune your trees regularly to remove weak, dead, or overhanging branches.
  • Check for signs of disease or decay, as unhealthy trees are more prone to falling.
  • Trim back branches that extend over your neighbour’s property to reduce the risk of breakage.
  • Hire a professional arborist to assess trees that seem unstable or too large to handle on your own.
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How often should I trim my trees to prevent property damage?
Most experts recommend trimming trees once a year, but fast-growing trees may need pruning every 6-8 months.

Understand Tree Responsibility Laws

If a tree falls, who is responsible? The answer isn’t always straightforward.

  • If a healthy tree falls due to an unforeseen event (like a storm), your neighbour’s insurance typically covers damages.
  • If your tree was neglected, diseased, or already weak, you might be liable for damages.
  • If a tree straddles the property line, both property owners may share responsibility.

Who is responsible if my tree falls on my neighbour’s property?
If you’ve ignored clear warning signs—like dead limbs or leaning trees—you could be held responsible for any damage caused. Regular maintenance can help protect you from legal issues.

Check out this article to learn more:

Who is responsible when a tree falls on my property or that of my neighbour?

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Storm-Proof Your Trees

Weather is unpredictable, but you can minimize storm damage by:
✔ Planting wind-resistant trees like live oaks and hickory
✔ Removing unstable or dead trees before storm season
✔ Avoiding shallow-rooted trees near property lines
✔ Tying down young trees during high winds

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Real Experience: What We’ve Seen in the Field

While out doing estimates, we’ve seen our fair share of tree-related damage. One property had a backyard tree that completely crushed a neighbour’s fence! The Mini Cooper parked nearby miraculously survived, but the homeowner learned a valuable lesson—regular tree checks are a must!

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Bonus Tip: Tree Inspections Can Save You Thousands

A simple tree inspection now could prevent thousands of dollars in property damage later. If you’re unsure about a tree on your property, don’t wait until it’s too late—reach out to a professional.

Learn more about our service locations in Indiana here: [Areas We Serve]

Need Professional Tree Maintenance? We Can Help! 🌳

At Anthony’s Lawncare and Landscaping, we’ve seen what happens when trees are left unchecked—and trust us, it’s not pretty. Whether it’s pruning, storm prep, or full tree removal, we’re here to help you keep your property (and your neighbour’s) safe

Need a tree check-up? Contact us today (812) 567-1952 for an expert assessment!