Do you have a tree at risk of falling on your property or neighboring property? Before removing the tree, it is essential to familiarize yourself with Connecticut tree laws to avoid trouble with the authorities. North Eastern Tree, Shrub & Lawn Care, trusted tree service experts in Darien, CT, shares some of the important Connecticut tree laws and regulations you should know.

Licensing of Tree Service Providers

Connecticut law prohibits advertising, soliciting, or contracting to do arboriculture within the state without a valid license. However, you may improve or protect any tree on your property or your employer’s property without obtaining a license, provided you don’t breach the provisions of chapter 441.

Anyone who violates this law will be subject to a civil penalty of between one thousand dollars and two thousand five hundred dollars for each day such violation continues.

Tree Maintenance on Your Property

According to Connecticut common law, property owners are legally responsible for ensuring that the trees in their property do not pose an unreasonable danger to others. If you have an unhealthy, rotting, or generally unsafe tree on your property and it is so close to your neighbor that it puts them or their real estate at risk, you are liable if it causes any damage.

Cutting Tree on Neighboring Property

Under Connecticut case law, if a tree is growing on a neighboring property and its roots or branches encroach on your property, you can cut off the roots or branches up to the line of your land. This is according to the precedent set by McCrann v. Town Planning & Zoning Commission, 161 Conn. 65 (1971).

However, it is worth noting that a statute imposes liability for cutting trees on another person’s property without permission. This statute makes you liable for up to five times the tree’s reasonable value.

However, if you cut a tree mistakenly by believing that it was on your property, then you will need to pay the tree owner only the tree’s reasonable value. To avoid legal liabilities, it is always advisable to speak with your neighbor before cutting or trimming any encroaching tree.

Deliberately Harming a Tree

According to Connecticut tree laws, if you intentionally injure another person’s tree, you are liable to the owner for up to three times the amount of actual monetary loss. This regulation protects tree owners by imposing harsh deterrents on prospective loggers.

Damages for Cutting Trees, Shrubbery, or Timber

You might be tempted to cut, destroy, or carry away any tree, timber, or shrubbery, standing or lying on another person’s land or public land. If you do so without the owner’s permission, you are liable for the injured party up to five times the reasonable value of the tree, shrubbery, or timber.

Call North Eastern Tree Shrub & Lawn Care Today!

Is there a tree on a neighboring property that you want removed? Maybe you are not sure if a tree is at risk of falling on your property or adjacent land? Whether you have trees falling on your or your neighbor’s property, it is best to work with professional shrub care professionals.

At North Eastern Tree, Shrub & Lawn Care, we understand Connecticut tree laws. Whether you want to remove or trim a tree on your property, a neighbor’s land, public land, or any other open space,  we will help you do it professionally while ensuring you are not violating any laws or regulations.

You can reach our office today to schedule a visit or request a free quote. Our number is (888) 439-8733. Additionally, our website is a valuable resource if you want to learn more about tree removal, trimming, and related regulations.