Neighbors tree looming over our property

[Kate Stoltzfus]

There is a very large, old, looming tree that is in a neighbor's yard that is leaning over one of our properties. We purchased the house at a great discount because another tree had fallen in the backyard and totally demolished a shed. We have had the original tree and shed removed.

Now we are worried that this second tree is going to do the same thing. The kicker is that the owner of the property where the tree is located is absentee and his house is inhabitable. What are the laws if we cannot get ahold of him and we still want to remove the tree? Anyone been through a scenario like this before?

Thanks in advance for your help.