Tree on property line (grew through fence)

[Onyedika On]

Hello BP,

I have a situation where a tree on the property line may need to come down. The fence that also separates my property from my neighbors runs right through the tree (or more accurately the tree grew through the fence). The tree definitely predates me, and by the size, possibly the neighbor as well. From a responsibility standpoint, who "owns" the tree and thus cost to cut it down? Is it a shared responsibility?

Thoughts?

[Thomas S.]

It is shared however if only one party wants it down and the other does not care then the cost is the responsibility of the party wanting it removed.

You could pay to cut down only the portion on your side and leave the other side to let nature take it's course..