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Tall trees offending our neighbours
I am a owner of a small apartment building where there are two owners.
I also happen to be the syndic for the association of co-propriters..
We have about (~20 pine??) trees bordering our garden with the neighbours' garden. They have grown tall, perhaps, about 10~15 meters.
They wrote to us a letter few months ago requesting to cut/prune the tree tops. The problem for them is, they don't get enough light or get too much shade due to our trees.
They aslo claim the previous owners did so few years ago, based on her request. We are still waiting for a gardener who can do this for us at an affordable price.
She is reminding us again with another letter, also copying to the association of co-propriters for a response/action from us. This time, She mildly threatens that she may take further course of action if needed.
The trees are simply growing tall but not spreading out/branching out.
(1) Are we legally obliged to cut it/prune the tree tops if they offend our neighbours?
(2) What are the implications if we are unable to cut these trees soon?
Wow, I'd love my neighbours to get rid of their trees. I'm too nice to ask though, plus we rent.
There may be a maximum height that the trees can grow depending on their location. I think that each commune has its own rules on this.
I think Urbanisme department will be able to tell you how high your trees can grow before you must cut them, they might even give you some recommendations on who could do this for you!
http://www.woluwe1150.irisnet.be/fr/nous/2012-05-16-11-11-10
We had the same problem. I don't know the rules but my husband went to the commune and we had to cut down the trees. You need to talk with the commune about it. The commune issues a document authorising or declaring that the tree is to be cut down. You legally have to have the tree cut by a tree surgeon if it is above a certain height and trunk depth. We paid 1500 to have two trees cut down (but not taken away). Also if the tree falls on your neighbours property in a storm you will be liable so for damage so that worth taking into account.
Tell them you're such good neighbours, that you'll let them pay to take the trees out and replace them with something appropriate to the garden instead.
They pay though.
> J. Are you Serious ?
Yep. Some friends of ours were asked to "do something" about their trees when they moved in. They said it would be years before it got to the top of the list and they had the budget for it, but would have no objections to the neighbor paying for it if it was such a big problem. And they did.
