Neighbors tree fell

[Tim B.]

Hi folks. I am a new landlord and don't know all of the ins and outs, I've found that this is a great place to get advice from the more seasoned landlords.

My tenants called and said that a tree had fallen in the yard. The tree was actually in my neighbors back yard and has been leaning over my property for several years but it was a healthy tree. The recent ice in NC has apparently been too much for it and it fell into my yard. My question is: Who is responsible for cleaning it up? I am in another state and we never really knew those neighbors (their property is behind ours) so I can't really contact them directly.

Thanks in advance for the input.

[Robert Leonard]

@Tim B.

I think you just came up with your easy approach for the neighbor. "Would you like the wood for firewood?" If he says yes, "well just make sure you have somebody insured come to cut it and you can have it."

If he says no, then let him know you have a quote to cut and remove it and "it's going to cost $XXXX, can you offer anything to help with that cost?" He doesn't owe you anything, but it won't hurt to ask. You have nothing to lose by asking.