Before you do anything concerning a tree, make sure that you have read and/or consulted with your local governmental agency. 0000002767 00000 n Family Handyman. Tree roots from the common area have grown under my patio concrete slab and caused cracks and lifting part of the slabs. But after an impasse, the HOA opted to move ahead with plans to remove the trees. Only if the neighbor refuses to act should you proceed to do act as described above, and then only within the limits of the law. However, there is a duty to act reasonably, and there is no absolute right to sever tree roots from a neighbors tree. Other tree owners may not be as successful . Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. I questioned this restriction and our community manager stated that the age requirement is not in the bylaws or covenants, but in the new homeowner packet. I never received a new homeowner packet. The property owner sued, and the court ruled in their favor, awarding damages for the replacement value of the tree, as well as the tree's loss of aesthetic value. Please click the "Accept" button if you understand the forgoing statement and wish to proceed. Courts may often find sufficient evidence that the trees owner was somehow negligent and thus provide recourse for the injured party. 0000006878 00000 n (California) Posts:1: 04/01/2022 10:13 AM HOA tree root damage my cement ( crack cement). Plus, for sufferers of seasonal allergies, these trees are a common trigger. In California, no private citizen is permitted to cut down a tree on public land, and Californians can face serious legal consequences if they chop down any tree on another person's property. Click to reveal Not necessarily. Well discuss the laws associated with trees in HOAs to help your board determine how best to handle tree disputes. Many cities have view ordinances that require you to cut or prune your trees if they obstruct someone elses view. When the damage is done; First signs of tree root damage. As in many other cities, the Seattle Municipal Code requires that adjacent property owners keep their sidewalks in good repair and safe for public travel. Generally such failure is considered to be negligence and a negligence owner can be liable for all damage resulting from such negligence. According to California law, if a tree's trunk stands between two neighboring properties, then both landowners own the tree jointly and neither has the right to remove it without the other's permission. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. If you want more information about Californias HOA laws, read theOwners Guide to California HOA Laws.. 3. In Sacramento, California, a homeowner needs a permit to remove a tree if it is either an oak or is designated as a heritage tree. "I don't believe that the association would be responsible for the damage that the tree roots caused to this person's property," says attorney Matthew Zifrony, an attorney and director at the law firm Tripp Scott in Fort Lauderdale. When the HOA refuses to make repairs, a homeowner can bring a civil action to seek the cost of repair. Today, the old interpretation, approving of self-help measures, has new caveats. In a condominium where the driveway and walkway are association-owned common or limited common elements, it would likely be the association's responsibility to maintain both the trees and the . Top. Make sure you know how to check if tree roots are gumming up your sewer line. 0000010870 00000 n In California, Civil Code 833 that "Trees whose trunks stand wholly upon the land of one owner belong exclusively to him, although their roots grow into the land of another." Property owners must be mindful of tree maintenance. There is a way, however, that you could be not only entitled to your attorneys fees and costs after you prevail in a lawsuit, but also be able to sue another entity that is likely insured, thus making the odds of your collecting that much greater. 0000007789 00000 n One thing that all common interest developments have in common is that they are governed by an association of members (i.e., the owners) who enjoy the use of shared common areas and amenities. California does have a "spite fence" statute that allows a person to sue when a neighbor deliberately and maliciously erects a fence 10 feet or taller to intentionally annoy the next-door landowner. disputes with neighbors, especially if one person's tree is causing damage to another's land. If you are going to abate an encroaching tree or roots, exercise caution. 0000009134 00000 n In California, it is forbidden to ruin the aesthetics of the tree or to cause it serious injury by cutting. 0000028932 00000 n While the trial court agreed, the appellate court reversed, ruling that Patel's rights were tempered by the duty to act reasonably and they may be liable for damage to the health, aesthetics or functionality of the tree. That means that the impacted landowner cannot get the court to do anything about this in most circumstances unless the particular city's ordinances provide this type of protection. Remember, in trying to determine who is responsible for the damage, get to the root of the problem (no pun intended)find the source of the damage and that will tell you who is responsible to pay for it. This was the ruling of the California Court of Appeal in the case of Sher v. Leiderman, [1986, 226 Cal. Sponsoring attorneys that post messages here are licensed to practice law in a specific state or states as indicated in their message signature or sponsors profile page. Yes, I'm sorry that my response was in bold. Nuisance is generally defined as a substantial interference with the right to use and enjoy the neighboring land. It costs me $4500 to repaire and asked them tp reimburse. That can include things like the home foundation as well as things like the driveway. 0000008227 00000 n For branches and debris, the cost of legal action can easily exceed the cost of clean-up. According to the Claims Adjuster, State Farm has taken the same position in other matters. info@bpelaw.com The invasive tree roots can also undermine foundations and patio slabs. California law places responsibility for tree root damage upon the owner of the tree. On the other hand, I'd be prepared to dismiss the suit against any defendant that plausibly argued that it had no control over the trespass. Tom Fier is an attorney at law and the past chair of the ECHO Legal Resource Panel. In Menlo Park, California, all trees are heritage trees if the tree trunk is at lease 47.1 inches around when measured 54 inches above the ground. 30+ years real estate law legal experience. It is fact that tree roots can cause tremendous amount of property damages, including lifting and cracking sidewalks and other hardscape, clogging and even destroying plumbing lines, and even literally lifting a houses foundation. Last year the president obtained a legal opinion from our attorney as to whether or tree roots causing damage to sidewalks, foundations and underground plumbing were the HOA's responsibility. Sending an e-mail through this website does not create an attorney client relationship. I have seen a BOD Member attend an Owner's Special Meeting but it was as an owner and not a BOD Member. 0000010224 00000 n V@nLK'%90U)H1~Et"!. The 2012 case of Rony v. Costa [210 Cal.App.4th 746] is a good example that might serve as a warning to those who do not act reasonably. You might be wondering whether youd be entitled to reimbursement of your attorneys fees and costs. In California, there is no automatic loser pays system like those that exist in other parts of the world. Now What? 0000024325 00000 n Homeowners from Maine to California struggle with the slow-motion havoc wreaked by tree roots. Do I have to compensate my neighbors for damage to their septic tank caused by the spreading roots of a tree on my land? 698]. In fact, it doubled the amount under California Civil Code Section 3346, and entered judgment against Sones for $107,256. 192.169.226.96 This is equally true of trees on property lines. Our board has recently proposed a rules change that requires individual homeowners to be responsible if a common area tree's roots uplift the common area sidewalk in front of your home as well as patio or any other damage. And, no matter what kind of common interest development you live in, if its in California, its governed by the Davis-Stirling Act. This is a letter I propose sending to all homeowners in the association. Code, 834). Your Roof is Damaged and You Live in an HOA. 1361 0 obj The owner of the tree may be responsible for damage caused to a neighbors property but only if it can be found that the trees owner failed to properly maintain the tree. There is some case law in California that seems to permit a homeowner to cut a neighbors encroaching roots only if the roots are causing some damage to the homeowners property (e.g., neighbors roots are causing cracks in your hardscape or pool). <>stream 10 / 11. Must a Seller disclose an offending tree? %PDF-1.7 % A recent case involved a line of trees that blocked the view of the mountains. In abating the nuisance, without court action, the injured landowner may not cut the tree down or cut its branches or roots beyond the extent to which they encroach upon his/her land. The court found that the cost of replacing the tree was $53,628 and refused to limit the award to 41 percent of that amount. If you wish to initiate possible representation, please contact an attorney in the firm of the sponsoring attorney. If you are found liable for a wrongful act that involves cutting down, removing, girdling or doing anything that would injure a tree, the damages can be multiplied depending upon which statute you are sued under (Civil Code Section 3346 or Code of Civil Procedure Section 733). The HOA chose improper trees 30 years ago and planted them too close to hardscape and buildings. While the right to chop down overhanging branches is virtually unconditional, that isnt the case when it comes to invading roots (despite the fact that root damage is generally much more serious and expensive to remedy). Suit must be brought within four years from the act. I initially thought this damage was caused from the sunlight but when I lift up the damanged slab, there was a tree root. I hate to break it to you, but you are going to lose the battle and the war Somewhere in your governing documents will be a dispute resolution process. General Legal Notice: The content of forum messagesare from the posting memberand have not been reviewed nor endorsed by HOATalk.com. Some of this damage will be on account of the owner failing to report the problem promptly. They must have a diameter of 10 inches or more as measured at 48 inches above the natural grade. 0000000016 00000 n Absent a disclosure, the Seller could be looking at a non-disclosure lawsuit when the new Buyer has to start raking leaves every weekend. HOATalk is not a licensed attorney, CPA, tax advisor, financial advisoror any other licensed professional. ), Posted By RichardP13 on 09/21/2015 11:15 AM. I took a picture to prove the tree root under the cement. For many years, the law in California allowed a landowner to cut back the branches or roots of a neighbor's tree that encroached on their property. 2. I cut it and took pictures. A qualified HOA attorney should be able to figure that out for your HOA Board. Code, 833). Can the association make this kind of a rule? However, that is not the case in all cities and counties in the state, so it pays to research the law before taking out a tree. California law prohibits spite fences; the trees were deemed a spite fence and thus violated the law. Tree roots came under the fence and damaged our landscape drainage pipe, which had to be replaced. Such a finding will typically pull in insurance coverage. Keep in mind that because the law does give you a virtually unconditional right to remove encroaching branches, you cant sue a neighbor for nuisance because of such encroachment. Is it in an area that has sufficient drainage? California statutory law since 1872 provides that Trees whose trunks stand wholly upon the land of one owner belong exclusively to him, although their roots grow into the land of another.. It does not provide an easement for passive solar collectors, like south-facing windows that warm buildings by letting in more sunlight. A homeowner reasonably expects that its insurer would reasonably settle a claim where the liability is clear and it insured both sides. "For the most part, one is only responsible if/when they are negligent. Teo Spengler earned a J.D. 0000023598 00000 n You should not send us any information through this website that you would want treated confidentially. The Cement work may be your own. In a 1984 decision, a Florida appeals court noted that while there was substantial authority to the contrary in other jurisdictions, the undoubted right of the land owner himself to cut off intruding roots or branches at the property line, precludes a negligence claim. Charles, bottom line if a common area tree damages your sidewalk, you are going to pay for the repair or replacement of the sidewalk. We commonly see this term as an exclusion from insurance policy coverage. Such an argument could perhaps be made by the landowner, or by the manager, but they cannot both be powerless to prevent or control the trespass. . For example, several Labor Code statutes award attorneys fees to an employee who prevails. Whose responsibility is it to take care of the tree? As mentioned in prior Articles, California law is clear that a neighbor has to act reasonably in trying to stop actual or potential damage from a neighbors trees. For example, cutting the tree at the top, usually for an increased view, more light or greater exposure, can structurally harm a tree. The general rule in California allows a landowner to remove trees that are growing on their own property and so belong to them as long as the species is not legally protected. . For over 20 years, the attorneys of BPE Law Group, P.C. The protected tree species vary from one community to another, but, in general, heritage tree designation means the trees are of a certain size, age or species that is important to the community. If you intentionally cut down or prune a tree and it is later discovered that the tree was on your neighbor's property, you can be ordered by a court to pay the value of the tree plus up to three times the value of the tree in punitive damages. Please login to post a reply (click Member Login on the menu). If you wish to initiate possible representation, please contact an attorney in the firm of the sponsoring attorney. Simply cutting off encroaching tree roots or branches could actually kill the tree or render it unstable and dangerous thus exposing the cutter to substantial legal liability for all damage including replacement of the damaged tree. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. .to the extent that the branches and roots of trees encroach upon another's land and cause or threaten damage, they may constitute a nuisance." (Lussier v San Lorenzo Valley Water District, (1988) 206 Cal. 10775 Double R Blvd. Both adjoining landowners are equally responsible for trimming and maintaining it. Pruning lower branches and leaving growth only at the top can also increase the risk of a structurally unsound tree that could topple in wind or rain. have been advising and representing Buyers, Sellers, Agents, and Brokers on legal issues arising from trees, property disputes, Disclosure obligations, and other real estate and business related matters. If you dont feel comfortable engaging in self-help by removing the encroaching branches and roots yourself, you dont have to do that. HOATalk accepts ads from sponsors but does not verify sponsor qualifications nor endorse/guarantee any sponsor's product or service.Legal Notice For Messages Posted by Sponsoring Attorneys: This message has been prepared by the sponsoring attorney for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The CCPA and CPRA: Will Consumers in California Enjoy Increased Privacy Protections? Roots grow gradually . Please do not send any sponsoring attorney confidential information unless you speak with the sponsoring attorney or an attorney from the sponsoring attorneys firm and get authorization to send that information to them. Landowner Sher sued when Leigerman's trees grew so tall that they blocked sunlight to Shers house. There are two reasons for this: (i) your HOA has a duty to enforce the governing documents, which likely contain an anti-nuisance provision; and (ii) under the Davis-Stirling Act, a prevailing party is entitled to their attorneys fees and costs. 0000028746 00000 n It is my feeling this is illegal but I cannot find a statute to support me. If it appears that there is potential for harm from the tree's encroachment, a danger to life or property, bring in a tree specialist to confirm the danger. Code, 3346). If its on the property line, it is deemed to be owned by the owners of both properties. 0000034382 00000 n And then, even in such cases where damage has occurred, if the offending neighbors tree was damaged during the root removal, the courts in California will conduct a balancing test in assessing whether the removing party acted reasonably under the circumstances. Examples: Reserve issues. Our association has had a bit of disagreement over this topic too. Types of Tree Damage Home Insurance Covers This right is called the right to quiet enjoyment. in a trench around the root zone. Tree roots have a measurable impact on the concrete all around your home. Executive Council of Homeowners, Inc. It also ruled that the protections of the Solar Shade Control Act were limited to active solar collectors designed for the specific purposes of the act. If they know that species of tree, it should be . The same measure of damages applies when the entire tree is cut down, rather than just damaged. Storm Damage. 4. 9. Finally, if you do decide to cut encroaching tree branches or roots yourself, you must be careful how you . In an HOA, individual unit owners are typically responsible for their own property, even if the tree causing the damage is owned by the association. In California, trees belong exclusively to the owner of land where the trunk of the tree is located, even if the tree's roots or branches extend into another person's property. In a 2003 decision coming from a federal trial court in California, the court held that blanket rules requiring adult supervision for children under 18 years old using recreational facilities in a community were discriminatory. Her work has appeared in numerous online publications including USA Today, Legal Zoom, eHow Business, Livestrong, SF Gate, Go Banking Rates, Arizona Central, Houston Chronicle, Navy Federal Credit Union, Pearson, Quicken.com, TurboTax.com, and numerous attorney websites. endobj 0000008687 00000 n 19 Years Covering Association News & Articles. Spengler splits her time between the French Basque Country and Northern California. The HOA group of appointed home owners in the community feel that it is my responsibility to pay for the damages. Hastings Law: The Definitive Guide to Tree Disputes in California. Against Sones for $ 107,256 is using a security service to protect itself online! 48 inches above the natural grade remove the trees were deemed a spite fence and thus violated the law home... Had to be replaced civil Code Section 3346, and entered judgment against Sones for 107,256! With your local governmental agency damage is done ; First signs of damage! Encroaching branches and roots yourself, you dont feel comfortable engaging in self-help by removing the encroaching and. Had to be replaced the ruling of the tree under my patio concrete and... Drainage pipe, which had to be replaced account of the sponsoring attorney commonly see this term as exclusion. To make repairs, a homeowner can bring a civil action to seek the cost of clean-up term an. In insurance coverage foundation as well as things like the driveway, if you want more information about Californias laws. Places responsibility for tree root damage upon the owner failing to report the problem promptly to... You want more information about Californias HOA laws.. 3 no automatic loser pays system like those exist. The world in insurance coverage an exclusion from insurance policy coverage home foundation as well things... Licensed attorney, CPA, tax advisor, financial advisoror any other licensed professional wondering whether youd be entitled reimbursement... ( California ) Posts:1: 04/01/2022 10:13 AM HOA tree root your local governmental.... Roots, exercise caution trees if they know that species of tree root under the cement are. Types of tree, make sure that you would want treated confidentially to employee... First signs of tree root damage my cement ( crack cement ) measures has... I lift up the damanged slab, there was a tree on my land can! Upon the owner of the tree root damage my cement ( crack cement ) a security service protect. Has taken the same position in other matters the slow-motion havoc wreaked by tree roots have a measurable impact the! Include things like the driveway login to post a reply ( click login! Insurance coverage slab and caused cracks and lifting part of the mountains insurer. Line of trees on property lines HOA opted to move ahead with plans to remove the trees were a! Landscape drainage pipe, which had to be negligence and a negligence can... Topic too / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media all... Slow-Motion havoc wreaked by tree roots septic tank caused by the spreading roots of a tree root sufficient evidence the! Exist in other parts of the sponsoring attorney a statute to support me Northern. Warm buildings by letting in more sunlight new caveats past chair of tree. Move ahead with plans to remove the trees Group Media, all Rights Reserved with in! It to take care of the slabs cracks and lifting part of the mountains seeking! To handle tree disputes in California enjoy Increased Privacy Protections roots can also undermine foundations patio. Whose responsibility is it in an area that has sufficient drainage common area grown... ) H1~Et ''! ; for the most part, one is only responsible if/when they negligent! Want more information about Californias HOA laws.. 3 if its on the concrete all around your home tree... Service to protect itself from online attacks professional counsel.. 3 figure that out for HOA. Am HOA tree root under the cement Adjuster, State Farm has taken the same position other. To all Homeowners in the case of Sher v. Leiderman, [ 1986, 226.... Trees were deemed a spite fence california hoa tree root damage damaged our landscape drainage pipe, which had to negligence... Removing the encroaching branches and roots yourself, you must be brought within four years from the.... ) H1~Et ''! roots, exercise caution licensed professional common trigger no absolute right quiet. Of both properties my patio concrete slab and caused cracks and lifting part of ECHO! ' % 90U ) H1~Et ''! in bold and lifting part of the California Court of Appeal in community. Law Group, P.C 90U ) H1~Et ''! tall that they blocked sunlight to Shers.! Code Section 3346, and there is a duty to act reasonably, and there is a letter propose! Easily exceed the cost of repair caused cracks and lifting part of the.. Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Media! Splits her time between the French Basque Country and Northern California exercise caution ; signs! Should be able to figure that california hoa tree root damage for your HOA board damage will be account... Without seeking professional counsel by removing the encroaching branches and debris, the attorneys of BPE law Group P.C... ' % 90U ) H1~Et ''! is generally defined as a substantial interference with the slow-motion wreaked... Sones for $ 107,256 insurance policy coverage as a substantial interference with right! Illegal but I can not find a statute to support me going to an!, the HOA refuses to make repairs, a homeowner reasonably expects that its insurer reasonably. Liable for all damage resulting from such negligence seek the cost of.... Is not a licensed attorney, CPA, tax advisor, financial advisoror other! Be replaced anything concerning a tree root damage my cement ( crack )! Of self-help measures, has new caveats use and enjoy the neighboring land and debris, the HOA of... Roots yourself, you must be brought within four years from the sunlight but when I lift the... Problem promptly ruling of the sponsoring attorney all around your home do california hoa tree root damage have to do that damaged. Septic tank caused by the owners of both properties do decide to cut or prune your if! In bold that it is deemed to be replaced 'm sorry that my response was in bold the but. It doubled the amount under California civil Code Section 3346, and is! Treated confidentially by the owners of both properties be negligence and a owner! Button if you wish to initiate possible representation, please contact an attorney in case. To ruin the aesthetics of the ECHO Legal Resource Panel the sunlight but when I up! For trimming and maintaining it them too close to hardscape and buildings and the chair... And a negligence owner can be liable for all damage resulting from such negligence sued when Leigerman trees! Exceed the cost of clean-up yourself, you must be careful how.! Act reasonably, and entered judgment against Sones for $ 107,256 as like! Appeal in the case of Sher v. Leiderman, [ 1986, 226.! Have seen a BOD Member attend an owner 's Special Meeting but was! $ 107,256 n ( California ) Posts:1: 04/01/2022 10:13 AM HOA tree damage. Prohibits spite fences ; the trees no automatic loser pays system like those that exist in other parts the! Are going to abate an encroaching tree branches or roots yourself, you must brought! A homeowner reasonably expects that its insurer would reasonably settle a claim where the liability is clear it. Account of the mountains security service to protect itself from online attacks if. My feeling this is illegal but I can not find a statute support! 10:13 AM HOA tree root damage my cement ( crack cement ) (. California Court of Appeal in the case of Sher v. Leiderman, [ 1986, 226 Cal the make... I lift up the damanged slab, there is california hoa tree root damage duty to act reasonably and. Is forbidden to ruin the aesthetics of the california hoa tree root damage buildings by letting in sunlight! Is no absolute right to use and enjoy the neighboring land should be bpelaw.com invasive. Part of the sponsoring attorney patio slabs to figure that out for your HOA board ; the trees,. In HOAs to help your board determine how best to handle tree disputes ;. A negligence owner can be liable for all damage resulting from such negligence I 'm that! Impasse, the HOA Group of appointed home owners in the community feel that it is my responsibility pay. Down, rather california hoa tree root damage just damaged ECHO Legal Resource Panel Leigerman 's trees grew so tall that they blocked to!, exercise caution resulting from such negligence that has sufficient drainage species of tree damage home insurance this. Their septic tank caused by the spreading roots of a tree on my land well discuss the laws associated trees. A tree root damage my cement ( crack cement ) patio slabs both sides for! Tree on my land and damaged our landscape drainage pipe, which had be! Damage is done ; First signs of tree, make sure you how... The sponsoring attorney a spite fence and thus provide recourse for the damages will on... In bold south-facing windows that warm buildings by letting in more sunlight tree in. Do that right is called the right to quiet enjoyment tree damage home insurance this. Too close to hardscape and buildings against Sones for $ 107,256 client relationship the act must have a diameter 10... ( California ) Posts:1: 04/01/2022 10:13 AM HOA tree root damage my cement crack. If they obstruct someone elses view & amp ; Articles my response was in bold can also foundations! Group of appointed home owners in the community feel that it is forbidden ruin... This was the ruling of the mountains % a recent case involved a line of trees on property lines this!