Trees can become problems on property lines.
Trees provide the grace notes of your backyard melody, but they can also get you in trouble. California has state, county and city ordinances restricting residential tree use. It pays to learn the law before you plant. Does this Spark an idea?
Height Restrictions
California counties and cities use zoning ordinances to regulate the maximum height of property line trees and hedges. These restrictions vary widely. Subdivisions may also restrict tree height in their covenants, conditions and restrictions.
Property Line Trees
In California, a tree belongs to whomever owns the land on which the trunk grows, and all parts of the tree should remain in the owner's yard. However, a neighbor does not have an absolute right to cut overhanging branches and invasive roots. Court decisions have applied a vague "rule of reason."
Solar Panel Blocking
If your tree blocks your neighbor's solar panel in California, you could be in court. Under California's Solar Shade Control Act, it is a public nuisance to allow a tree to grow on your property if it shades a neighbor's solar collectors.
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