Tree Cutting, Tree Removal Disputes in Los Angeles, CA
Trees are protected under California property law. A person who intentionally or unintentionally cuts down another land owner’s trees is responsible and can be forced to pay the affected land owner his damages for the value of the trees and, sometimes additional money damages for the interference with the enjoyment of the owner’s rights to enjoy his property.
When a person cuts down a tree on another person’s property, the act of cutting the tree amounts to a trespass. Similarly, acts on one land owner’s property that kill trees on a neighbor’s adjoining property can also constitute a nuisance under California law.
Real Estate Attorney Jeffrey Williams can assist land owners in recovering money damages for nuisance and trespass due to cutting of trees, and the killing of shrubs, grass and vegetation by herbicides.
Trees and Local Tree Ordinances in Los Angeles County
Removal of trees can also result in unintentional legal problems under local tree ordinances. Attorney Jeffrey Williams can assist in defending property owners, builders, and developers in code enforcement actions brought against them.
Tree Issues affect Zoning, Home Construction and Remodels in Los Angeles
Trees can also become a thorny issue in regard to site development and zoning codes – especially in heavily-regulated Los Angeles City and Los Angeles County. Developers and land buyers, both residential and commercial, often fail to take into account tree clearing restrictions in planning their building and development projects and sometimes find themselves in unexpected and great financial peril.
The actual economic costs of tree removal can be extremely significant. Because of the age or the size of trees, replacement of an illegally trimmed or removed tree can be incredibly expensive, or because of the original age and size of the tree(s) removed, virtually impossible to replace. Tree codes and ordinances can cost home owners and developers hundreds of thousands of dollars in tree recompense payments to local and county governments. If you find yourself in such a dicey situation, legal representation can go a long way to minimize the costs you might otherwise be compelled to pay. Feel free to call and discuss your current tree issue today.
