GONE without warning!

[outrageous5445]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

Hi, I purchased a home around 3 years ago. On the property there
was a huge mulberry tree until last week.

While I was on holiday, my neighbor got the whole thing torn
down while leaving the cut up wood on my fence in a total mess.
I know that it was him because two of my other neighbors
informed me that he had ordered the treecutters there and that
he was present.

Ironically, the tree completely encompassed my property without
so much as an overhanging twig. It was very healthy as I had it
examined a few months ago by an arborist.
Even prior to this, my neighbor never indicated or hinted that
it bothered him. As a matter of fact, we didn't even communicate
beyond a simple hello.

Anyway I am really upset and I want to sue him for thousands.
If so, how do I do this and/or what other legal actions can I take?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Florid-aise]

Recent arborist inspection (and the documentation of such)? Completely on and encompassed on YOUR land? Work accomplished by accessories (contractor/sub-contractor: with records produced/available) to the act (to the fact) - by a non-owner? While you were on vacation?

Geeeeee, I think I like your legal position.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

Hire an attorney and sue the neighbor for destruction of private property and tresspass.

 

[dogstooth]

I just love this board where the solution to every problem it "call an attorney". WRONG. Not the place I'd start.

I live in Seattle...the land of people cutting other's peoples trees down. In Seattle a unobstructed view could change your property value 2 fold.

Simple. Call the police. If they say its a civil matter...call the city prosecutor. Ask him why this is a civil matter. I'm guessing he'll agree with you.

Now send the police over to the tree cutters.

See where I'm going with this? Someone is in a lot of trouble.

 

[kmo199]

In any event:

First try speaking with the neighbor - listen to his side of the story,
and whether court fees can at all be avoided by an agreement
and good moral character.

* However someone who would do such a thing just doesn't give
a damn about how you feel, the damage he created,
and the seriousness of his actions.

Second, contact the City prosecutor and hire a real estate attorney
if communicating reasonably with him is impossible.

 

[outrageous5445]

Update

Thank you all for the advice.

Just an update. Went over to knock on my neighbor's door
and he denied everything. When I then asked him if
he had any idea who it could've been, he told me to stop
harrassing him with such time-consuming nonsense.
Not only was he rude and completely unhelpful to even
discussing this, but just as I was leaving,
he started yelling (with profanity) that he will call the police
and get a restraining order against me if I ever did this again.

 

[Florid-aise]

Thank you all for the advice.

Just an update. Went over to knock on my neighbor's door
and he denied everything. When I then asked him if
he had any idea who it could've been, he told me to stop
harrassing him with such time-consuming nonsense.
Not only was he rude and completely unhelpful to even
discussing this, but just as I was leaving,
he started yelling (with profanity) that he will call the police
and get a restraining order against me if I ever did this again.

Great. Now you have that "trying to reason with the unreasonable" out of the way. Hire yourself an attorney and have a big time. Happy New Year....this is as good as you can send out the old and bring in the new year.

 

[nextwife]

Any chance that the neighbors who witnessed this saw any identifying info on the trucks? Maybe the tree service name? If so, try contacting the tree service. First ask, as if you are looking to hire the service that you saw work on your block. If they confirm it was them, first get a name, and then ask them how they intend to compensate you for removing YOUR tree without your authorization. Bet they come up with the name of who hired them plenty quick after that!

 

[outrageous5445]

Tracked down, spoke with the tree company,
and yes this they did cut down a mulberry tree on my street
at the time which just happened to be mine.

As expected, I am taking my neighbor and the tree company to court,
and suing them for $5000. Each. They destroyed an asset to my
property without so much as notification (not to mention consent)
one which wouldn't have been given anyway.
My neighbors are also stepping up as witnesses on my behalf.

Thanks again to everyone who provided constructive advice,
it helped set me on the right track and is greatly appreciated.

 

[sugacubez]

I'm REALLY happy for you!!!
Please keep us updated!
Good luck & Go get em'

 

[HomeGuru]

Tracked down, spoke with the tree company,
and yes this they did cut down a mulberry tree on my street
at the time which just happened to be mine.

As expected, I am taking my neighbor and the tree company to court,
and suing them for $5000. Each. They destroyed an asset to my
property without so much as notification (not to mention consent)
one which wouldn't have been given anyway.
My neighbors are also stepping up as witnesses on my behalf.

Thanks again to everyone who provided constructive advice,
it helped set me on the right track and is greatly appreciated.

**A: you had better be prepared to prove $5K in damages times 2.

 

[outrageous5445]

**A: you had better be prepared to prove $5K in damages times 2.

Did so, and it worked. $10 000 in damages granted.
Thanks once again.

 

[sweetsmokeolena]

All this in 15 days? ? My goodness your court system works real fast..

 

[Florid-aise]

Congratulations !

This appears to one of those instances where a "play by play" is called for.

Tell us everything.

 

[angelave]

Yes tell us everything and don't leave out anything. Very interested to know your neighbor's reason for removing your tree without your knowledge or permission.