Question about Trees Falling

There is a tree in front of our house that is leaning badly. It's a town tree. When we bought the house, it was leaning slightly, then after some storms this summer and fall, the lean got worse. So, in November, we called to ask that it be removed or rescued if possible. The town of North Hempstead sent someone to look at the tree and that person determined it needed to be removed. We received a sheet explaining this.

After last night's storms, I was amazed to see it still standing! But I called the town again to see what's happening. And I was told they will probably get to it in the spring. When I asked who is liable if it falls, the person I spoke with said, "Oh we'll send someone to clean it up and remove it." But then I pressed and asked well, what if it falls on someone's house or car, and she repeated the removal quote.

Does anyone know who is liable if this happens? It would not fall on our house, but it could hit a neighbors' home, or worse, hit a person! Has anyone dealt with this sort of thing?

Re: Question about Trees Falling

If they have been to see it, and have determined it needs to come down, the town would be liable. If it was a healthy tree or not yet determined that it needed to be removed, then they would not be liable.

Re: Question about Trees Falling

I believe Gloria is right. You could talk to your closest neighbors, explain what you've already found out, and give them the contact information. If there are documented complaints coming from other homeowners, that may prod them to get a move on. Or maybe not.

Good luck with it!

Re: Question about Trees Falling

Thanks for the information! DH thought the town was liable, but I was not sure and was trying to decide if we should take it down ourselves.

I did tell the people who live directly in the tree's path that we contacted the town. They actually didn't seem too worried about it, but I wanted to let them know what we had done and to call the town if they were concerned.

I hate to have a tree removed, but it's really not safe, and I don't think there is much to do to save it.