Neighbours Conifer Dead, What can I do?

Evening fellow Lawyers,

Neighbours decent size conifer seems to be dead.
The last couple of weeks when it has been windy, I will awake to my entire car windscreen and the vents covered in dead tree.

Neighbour is renting and a really nice guy.
I can't go cutting it down because its not on my side of the fence, I have tried to cut some sections on my side but it has deteriorated the last 2 weeks.

Whats the best course of action here if any?

Haven't really dealt with a tenant before and I don't want to cause a scene but it's fairly annoying waking up to a dirty driveway with a car covered in dead conifer!
Photo attached:
https://ibb.co/L87bhKy

I did not pee on it.

Comments

  • +16

    The issue of a dead tree is for the landlord.

    Just be polite, explain to the tenant you'd like the tree removed and why - then ask them for their property managers' contact details.

    Hopefully the landlord isnt too painful, and gets it sorted out quickly.

    • Yeah it looks like I may have to! Only met the tenant a couple of times feel slighty awks already asking for the property manager, wish I could cut it down during the night haha

      • +13

        Why feel awkward? Nothing wrong with knocking on the door and saying, Hi I'm from next door. That tree over there has died, really would like to get something done about it. I know its not your issue, can you supply the property manager contact so I can chase them up. Thanks

        • Yeah I shall do, just wasn't sure if he was allowed to cut it down or it had to be the landlord:)

          • +2

            @iNeed2Pee: In theory its 'dead' and any decent landlord would be happy for someone else to remove it saving them the cost and hassle of doing it.

            So you can always get the landlords permission, and hack it down it down yourself, but I wouldn't be expecting the tenant to be removing it, it'll be either you with the LL permission, or the LL.

            • @JimmyF: Will that come back to bite me though?
              It's 2021 so I am sure I will be sued for something.

              • +3

                @iNeed2Pee: Mate you neeed to chill, the whole world isnt full of those out to get you. Although the conifer probably is.

                You want help but you dont.

  • Just ask him for the real estates details so you can take it up with them direct.

  • +3

    Looks pretty dry. A few lit matches at 2am should fix it up.

    • +7

      As a lawyer I support this course of action

      • +3

        As a fire fighter I support this course of action

    • +1

      Might make a nice Roman Candle, Guy Fawkes night is 5 Nov.

  • +1

    Maybe try Googling the address and see if you see the rental ad, that might give you the contact details of the agent if there is one. Or you could ask the local council for the property owner's details

    • +1

      Worked a treat, I will just double check with the tenant. I guess now is a good time to get the details anyway for other issues down the track if they arise!

  • +2

    Go to SCA and buy a Car Cover,
    Pin a Note to the Conifer with RUOK?

    I'm glad we had this chat… :+)

  • +2

    Have you spoken to the neighbour in any way about the tree?

    If not, you're just setting yourself up for trouble.

    Not sure why so many people are frightened at the prospect of actually speaking to someone these days.

    • -1

      Did you see what you just said there.

      I am setting myself up for trouble…..but then you are not sure why people are frightened at the prospect of speaking to someone?

      • +5

        Did you see what I just said there?

        If you haven't spoken, you're setting yourself up for trouble.

        • Yeah well I gave them the benefit of the doubt, but with the wind lately the tree has gotten worse.

  • +1

    Bikies?

  • It'll stop shedding in a couple months if the landlord does nothing

  • Material for campfire?

    Could just be me, but it doesn't look that big? Neighbour could just use a lopper to cut most of it down?

    • It really is not that big. I tried to save it but it just spread:(

  • +1

    Stick your hose over the fence and give the tree some water.

    • I am happy to water it:) But is it too far gone?

      • Once they are dead like that they aren't coming back even with water

      • It should be fine, I hacked mine down last Summer when it got too big and the inside was all dead looking like that. 6 months later it's growing fine and getting dense with colour again.

  • +2

    What can I do?

    Pine for its demise?

  • Talk to the real estate agent. Just ask the neighbour who it is.

    That's about it… Otherwise, get a car cover…

  • Neighbours Conifer Dead

    The one outside Mrs Mangles house ?

    That is terrible news…

  • Connifers are a source of vitamin c

  • It is in the landlords (and yours too) best interest to remove it as dead trees can attract termites, then everyone's faaaaarked. So you can ask the tenant for their agents email and contact them yourself.

  • I did not pee on it.

    Spoken like someone who peed on it

  • Perfect opportunity to say gidday, introduce yourself, offer to help with the tree. They may also have a problem with it and too shy to contact the real-estate about it…

    Good to touch base with neighbours occasionally, even if they are not permanent. All part of networking, community, …. and sharing benefits! Once you have spoken they won't hesitate to give you excess produce from their garden, or offer to keep an eye on your home while you are away, Empty your letterbox… Even if you never manage to remember their name!!

    Take the plunge!

    • Neighbour is renting and a really nice guy.

      Your post makes no sense or you didn't read the original post.

  • -1

    Nothing… you can do absolutely nothing. Soon it will not be bothering your car.

  • just get the owners address from the council

    call them and followup in writing (above all - be friendly! the LL probably doesnt even know theres a problem)

    If no response - stage 2- again tell them the tree is dead, its dropping larger branches, any damage sustained to your property they'll be held liable. its all in writing, send it to the agent as well, leave a massive audit trail everywhere - you'll get it fixed soon enough

Login or Join to leave a comment