'Entitled neighbour illegally cut down my tree then demanded eye-watering sum'
A man has been left gobsmacked after returning home to see his 'entitled' neighbour cut down a healthy oak tree in his garden. He explained how it was within his property lines - but believing it was intruding on his garden, his neighbour had the 89-year-old tree chopped down.
Annoyed, he said on Reddit: "He didn't like trees being near his shed." With that, he send him over the land records which showed the tree was well within his property limits and shouldn't have been cut without a discussion and his permission. He added: "Upon my pointing out the property stakes he missed- showing that it was about forty feet into my property, he switched to demanding I pay half the £1,500 he spent to have it cut down."
Thankfully, the neighbour only ordered one tree to be cut down, leaving the one directly next to it still standing.
Seeking advice, he said: "That stump is 89" in circumference, by the way. I'm just glad I looked out into my backyard and was able to intervene before he had them cut down the adjacent oak as well.
"Filed a police report. Wife wrote down her recollection of the confrontation. Tree lawyer contacted. Working on getting a survey.
"Found an arborist association that offers consulting. Let the property manager of the next-door house know that this guy took out a few trees on their lot as well."
Commenting on his post, one user said: "That's gonna be expensive for him." Another user added: "My neighbour hates trees too. I live in the country. I really wish he would move."
A third user said: " Wow. Once you own his house, if you'd like to rent it to someone with respect for trees, I'm your girl.
"Seriously, though, I'd be furious. I'm sorry you're going through this. I second what the person above mentioned when it comes to specifically seeking info about oak wilt now that they're exposed. I hope we see an update on this because I'm fully invested. Best of luck."
One more user added: "Sorry about your tree but congratulations on your upcoming settlement money."
A final user said: "There's a special place in hell for people like this. A millennial pulled the same stunt on me while I was away on vacation and then explained that 'he just didn't know'.
"I showed him his emails from 18 months before when he asked and I refused permission to cut.
"He just waited till I was gone and then killed a beautiful tree anyway - a home for birds and squirrels and lord knows how many other creatures. I am not a violent man but I was sorely tempted on that day."
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