We recently encountered a surprising situation that we feel needs to be shared. It’s a cautionary tale about how a simple agreement with a neighbor can go sideways, and why it’s essential to protect the integrity of your property line.
Our neighbor had planned to clear some trees along the boundary between our properties. To be fair, we both discussed the matter and agreed that a six-foot buffer of trees and vegetation would be left on each side of the property line. This buffer would protect the landscape, keep some privacy, and maintain the natural boundary we’ve both been accustomed to. It sounded reasonable, and we trusted the agreement would be honored.
However, what we expected and what happened were two very different things.
As you'll see in the video we’re uploading, our neighbor didn’t stop at the six-foot buffer. In fact, he didn’t leave any buffer at all. What we found instead was that he removed every tree along the property line, leaving the area completely exposed. The line between our properties, once shaded by beautiful trees, now stands barren.
To make matters worse, several healthy trees that were right on the property line—and even a few just beyond it, on our side—were also removed. We were shocked to see trees that we’ve cared for over the years suddenly gone, without any consultation or notification.
In many ways, this is a reminder of how important it is to take precautions, even with something as simple as a verbal agreement. While it’s easy to assume that everyone will honor their word, situations like this show that misunderstandings can happen, and sometimes they come with real consequences.
We’ll keep you updated as we navigate the next steps, but for now, take this as a word of caution: trust your neighbors, but verify your property lines.
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