OP I want to add… improperly removing trees that are not on your property is a big deal. I’ve read posts like this on Legal Advice many times. Your attorney may recommend an arborist assess the value of the tree and you may be entitled to treble damages.
Also, this isn’t legal advice, but here’s some info from the [Code of Virginia](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title55.1/chapter28/article8/). Just make sure you contact your attorney as soon as possible because it looks like there’s a time limit on notifying the trespasser.
>We’ve had issues with these neighbors filing a complaint to the county about having ladders in our backyard. My father got fined over $600 dollars and had to move all the ladders
Whoa whoa whoa. . . .I'm sorry, what?
How many freakin ladders was this
That's bonkers. My neighbor has three ladders in his backyard that I can see from my house but I couldn't give two shits about it. Some people need to get a hobby that doesn't involve worrying about their neighbors. Sorry you have a shitty neighbor OP.
It’s people that don’t have enough going on in their lives that make them want to cause stupid drama for no reason because they’re so insecure with themselves. It’s like 90% of nova people are this crazy
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Some how it is a violation to store work related equipment in your backyard in Fairfax county. Keep in mind we don’t have a hoa in our neighborhood but Fairfax country enforces stuff like that.
Maybe it’s too late at this point, but maybe there’s an appeals process? This seems like it definitely warrants a warning if your dad hasn’t had any other offenses.
The county website specifically states: “For residential properties, if an owner removes storage from the front yard and/or reduces the square footage to an approved amount, the case is closed.” If your dad was notified and removed the ladders, I’m surprised they wouldn’t just close the case.
The code goes into more detail, but [this county flyer](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/code/sites/code/files/Assets/Documents/PDF/outdoor_storage.pdf) specifically calls out the front yard. Based on the wording of the code and flyer, it seems like the ladders wouldn’t be an issue in the backyard. In your appeal, you could mention you’re happy to move the ladders, but you thought you were compliant based on the information on their website (and then call out the flyer).
Not to mention 600 dollars is wildly steep. I'd be looking any violations for that neighbor and spam reporting him for every dam thing. People love using the system but squeal like bitches when it gets used against them.
No warning at all. It blows my dads so worried about this lady trying to send more complaints to the country because my parents house has so much work that needs to be done. He doesn’t want do anything about to avoid anymore fines.
Is it illegal to have ladders in your yard? I have two leaning up against my house, one ladder next to my fig tree for fruit picking, and a nasty neighbor who’s called the county on me about other things.
The only applicable code I could find was that it's a violation to store "construction equipment" without a building permit. Somebody may have convinced Code Compliance that ladders are construction equipment.
I have worked with code compliance people in the past. They are very good, reasonable people. You could give them a call and ask it as a hypothetical. Also they tend not to get involved unless there's a complaint--they're too busy.
Yeah I had to work with them in the past when my neighbors filed a complaint against our property like four days after close and before we even moved in. They were pretty nice. But I have no doubt my neighbors will continue filing complaints for whatever they feel like without a discussion first.
This is also a crime not just a civil case. She trespassed on your property, she probably hired someone to do it. And she destroyed your property by cutting down the tree. And as many people have mentioned you really should take a look at the thread tree law. I've read a little bit over the years and I'm absolutely shocked at how much they value a tree at. I wonder if you can find out who was it that came on to your property and cut down the tree. For example did she hire a landscape company, or was it a relative. Do you have cameras or footage? I would first get a copy of the contract she signed and find out whether she told them that she had your permission to do that or did she lie and say it was her property. Because if she hired a commercial company she has put them in a very dangerous position. And they might become your Witness if you were to let them know that you're going after her and not them. So so I would start with a police report. I'd go down to the local station for you and file a report of trespass, destruction of property, and theft maybe too. If she took the wood?
It wasn’t a very big tree maybe 12-15 foot tall with maybe 8-9in base, but I really would like this lady to just leave our property alone. Or be a human and come talk to us.
That’s a “big enough” tree, since their legal obligation is to “make you whole”—i.e. pay you what it would cost to get a similar tree planted there. The legal world is crazy sometimes—your lifelong dog gets negligently killed and people owe you the replacement cost of a different 14 year old dog. But your tree (no offense, but you probably didn’t have feelings for your tree like you do for the family dog) is worth 5 figures easily.
Is this in Fairfax City and does she have a phobia of trees? I ask because a friend of mine had this happen to him. His neighbor has a tree phobia and got the city to cut a tree cut down from his yard while he was out of town, without his permission. I'm curious if it is the same woman.
Also, I once needed counsel on a significant neighbor issue (not trees). After an extensive search, I finally found an attorney who deals with neighbor issues. I only met with him once, but he was great.
https://www.pesner.com/john-c-altmiller
I know! From what my friend said, she's terrified that any trees close to her property will fall onto her house. And she cut down a lot of (all?) trees on her property. Now, she is moving on to her neighbors.
Not sure who to call, but this should help you with your case. I figure any good civil lawyer will pick this up.
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter5/section18.2-140/
Thank you I appreciate that. While we’re at it with the tree law anybody know of a lawyer for bird law because that lady destroyed some family of birds home 
Treelaw is going to be very specific (and while you might get a payout, you're going to need to pursue it.) But was the tree \*on\* the property line? Or did they actually reach over the fence to cut down your tree?
So this lady in the past had spoken to my dad about removing it and while my father started to work on the tree cutting branches she asks my father what he does for a living. He told her that he was a contractor. A couple of days later my father gets fined by the county of Fairfax over $600 for using his backyard to store the ladders and was forced to rent out storage units for his ladders and other equipment. So my father decided to not help out that lady by cutting down the tree
That sucks. She is an a-hole. My neighbors in a no- HOA neighborhood in Fairfax honestly run a tow yard on their lot, but who cares?!? They are nice people and it doesn’t impact me with noise or smells.
Just be careful. Sometimes fighting crazy ain't worth it. I would put a camera up and make sure you're covered.
Seems like the kind of neighbor to take a foot when you give an inch.
Your right for sure I am going to set up a camera for sure and have no trespassing signs posted as well. If they want to come over and destroy the fake palm tree than that just adds to the list of destruction of property. The worst they would come of it is I get the cops called to turn it off at night
I get that, because it's messy and you don't want a neighbor to retaliate further. But I also think if you don't, she may do it again. She needs to feel some consequences. Cutting someone else's tree is a big deal. Hopefully she will hate the palm tree and not want to do it again.
Doesn't matter. In Virginia, you are allowed to without permission trim back to the property line as long as it doesn't impact the health of the tree. You absolutely cannot remove the tree if it's on the border without consent from both parties, in writing.
In Reston you can’t cut down a tree that’s more than 6” in diameter without a permit from RA. I’m super curious if there’s restrictions on cutting down healthy trees in Fairfax county.
I wish the neighbor cut the other tree that actually is a problem. It’s like a half dead oak tree and it’s been difficult to afford to higher a tree service.
They are all problems if they're on your yard. I had 10 when we bought this house. Our first house had 0 tree, so we didn't think much of it. Down to 7 now. They're nothing but trouble, I want them all gone!
The funny thing is they did clean up the mess but left the base/ trunk now we’re going to have to deal with the pain in the ass part and dig up the trunk so we don’t have a rotting tree trunk dealing with pest or harmful molds and fungi
I'm not a lawyer but I've read tree disputes like this. Majority of the time the person who cut it down has to pay the amount the tree was worth and the amount it would cost to plant an identical tree back into its original location.
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I don’t have advice for you but I feel you having shitty neighbors.
My “backyard” neighbors have asked us if we could time when we go outside because they want THEIR backyard experience to themselves. Like what?
https://preview.redd.it/p08h3vh3s3zc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=af14da73d8a6dc55bd7abae63f1833453f8b4eea
Meant to post this weeks ago but if anyone was curious there you go
Leonard Tengco. Oddly he specifically does tree law (and other property disputes).
Thank you
OP I want to add… improperly removing trees that are not on your property is a big deal. I’ve read posts like this on Legal Advice many times. Your attorney may recommend an arborist assess the value of the tree and you may be entitled to treble damages. Also, this isn’t legal advice, but here’s some info from the [Code of Virginia](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title55.1/chapter28/article8/). Just make sure you contact your attorney as soon as possible because it looks like there’s a time limit on notifying the trespasser.
In case you need someone for bird law, contact “Charlie Kelly”.
Why? Birds aren't real.
The internet remains undefeated
I was going to bring up bird law...but Tom Breeden specializes at bird law and property crap.
Beat me to it.
What about bird law? I need a good bird law guy!
I know a guy in Philly!
Does he have a catchy slogan, like "It Takes Two to Tengco"?
>We’ve had issues with these neighbors filing a complaint to the county about having ladders in our backyard. My father got fined over $600 dollars and had to move all the ladders Whoa whoa whoa. . . .I'm sorry, what? How many freakin ladders was this
I would also like to know how many ladders is too many. Is it more than one? More than 10?
3 ladders one 25ft a 35 ft and 40ft ladder
That's bonkers. My neighbor has three ladders in his backyard that I can see from my house but I couldn't give two shits about it. Some people need to get a hobby that doesn't involve worrying about their neighbors. Sorry you have a shitty neighbor OP.
>...but I couldn't give two shits about it... That is because you (a) have a life and (b) have common sense OPs neighbor sucks
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She single?
It’s people that don’t have enough going on in their lives that make them want to cause stupid drama for no reason because they’re so insecure with themselves. It’s like 90% of nova people are this crazy
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Why was he responsible for that?
Some how it is a violation to store work related equipment in your backyard in Fairfax county. Keep in mind we don’t have a hoa in our neighborhood but Fairfax country enforces stuff like that.
Wow that’s ridiculous, I’m sorry, hopefully the county can at least help with the issue of them cutting down the tree
It is ridiculous. If she just asked we would have cut it down. Even after the bs we dealt with her calling the county to fine us for ladders.
People are so strange! Hope things work out for you!
Thanks I appreciate it
Meanwhile Fairfax doesn’t enforce the dog barking regs.
Maybe it’s too late at this point, but maybe there’s an appeals process? This seems like it definitely warrants a warning if your dad hasn’t had any other offenses.
The county website specifically states: “For residential properties, if an owner removes storage from the front yard and/or reduces the square footage to an approved amount, the case is closed.” If your dad was notified and removed the ladders, I’m surprised they wouldn’t just close the case. The code goes into more detail, but [this county flyer](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/code/sites/code/files/Assets/Documents/PDF/outdoor_storage.pdf) specifically calls out the front yard. Based on the wording of the code and flyer, it seems like the ladders wouldn’t be an issue in the backyard. In your appeal, you could mention you’re happy to move the ladders, but you thought you were compliant based on the information on their website (and then call out the flyer).
Not to mention 600 dollars is wildly steep. I'd be looking any violations for that neighbor and spam reporting him for every dam thing. People love using the system but squeal like bitches when it gets used against them.
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Fairfax County single? (lol)
Fairfax county kinda is it’s own HOA
Do they not send a warning before fining you?
No warning at all. It blows my dads so worried about this lady trying to send more complaints to the country because my parents house has so much work that needs to be done. He doesn’t want do anything about to avoid anymore fines.
So did she even talk to your family about getting rid of the ladders first or did she just call the city on you? That’s messed up.
I see more ladders on trucks driving around all the time!
Yes, I'm stepping in here because I want to know myself. Sounds like this lady rung your bell.
Is it illegal to have ladders in your yard? I have two leaning up against my house, one ladder next to my fig tree for fruit picking, and a nasty neighbor who’s called the county on me about other things.
The only applicable code I could find was that it's a violation to store "construction equipment" without a building permit. Somebody may have convinced Code Compliance that ladders are construction equipment. I have worked with code compliance people in the past. They are very good, reasonable people. You could give them a call and ask it as a hypothetical. Also they tend not to get involved unless there's a complaint--they're too busy.
Yeah I had to work with them in the past when my neighbors filed a complaint against our property like four days after close and before we even moved in. They were pretty nice. But I have no doubt my neighbors will continue filing complaints for whatever they feel like without a discussion first.
This is also a crime not just a civil case. She trespassed on your property, she probably hired someone to do it. And she destroyed your property by cutting down the tree. And as many people have mentioned you really should take a look at the thread tree law. I've read a little bit over the years and I'm absolutely shocked at how much they value a tree at. I wonder if you can find out who was it that came on to your property and cut down the tree. For example did she hire a landscape company, or was it a relative. Do you have cameras or footage? I would first get a copy of the contract she signed and find out whether she told them that she had your permission to do that or did she lie and say it was her property. Because if she hired a commercial company she has put them in a very dangerous position. And they might become your Witness if you were to let them know that you're going after her and not them. So so I would start with a police report. I'd go down to the local station for you and file a report of trespass, destruction of property, and theft maybe too. If she took the wood?
Check out r/treelaw, they’re experts in this regard.
Depending on the type and age of the tree, settlements can be significant too
It wasn’t a very big tree maybe 12-15 foot tall with maybe 8-9in base, but I really would like this lady to just leave our property alone. Or be a human and come talk to us.
Yeah, that's still a several thousand dollar tree though
Yeah take her to the cleaners. She dug her own hole with the ladder thing.
Exactly, one steaming hot plate of karma, coming right up.
That’s a “big enough” tree, since their legal obligation is to “make you whole”—i.e. pay you what it would cost to get a similar tree planted there. The legal world is crazy sometimes—your lifelong dog gets negligently killed and people owe you the replacement cost of a different 14 year old dog. But your tree (no offense, but you probably didn’t have feelings for your tree like you do for the family dog) is worth 5 figures easily.
Is this in Fairfax City and does she have a phobia of trees? I ask because a friend of mine had this happen to him. His neighbor has a tree phobia and got the city to cut a tree cut down from his yard while he was out of town, without his permission. I'm curious if it is the same woman. Also, I once needed counsel on a significant neighbor issue (not trees). After an extensive search, I finally found an attorney who deals with neighbor issues. I only met with him once, but he was great. https://www.pesner.com/john-c-altmiller
A tree phobia? How can you even survive in Fairfax city (or really anywhere that isn't the desert or the tundra) with a tree phobia?!
I know! From what my friend said, she's terrified that any trees close to her property will fall onto her house. And she cut down a lot of (all?) trees on her property. Now, she is moving on to her neighbors.
The guy I recommended was previously at this firm and then broke off and started his own. I would second this firm as a competent one on these issues.
That’s for sure at least 5 figures, possibly six figures depending on the type of tree and size
That tree was worth the value of a small car. Who did she hire to cut it down??? Did they not check property lines?
Did she pay to take it down? Because that isn't cheap.
Doesn't matter. You get a shitload of money to replace it. Never fuck with other people's trees.
r/treelaw is the best
I went to this sure I'd be replying r/subsIfellfor but no. Reddit is truly amazing. Sometimes.
Not sure who to call, but this should help you with your case. I figure any good civil lawyer will pick this up. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter5/section18.2-140/
Used [Heather Steele](https://www.pesner.com/heather-r-steele) for a property line dispute. Not sure if she does tree law.
Thank you I appreciate that. While we’re at it with the tree law anybody know of a lawyer for bird law because that lady destroyed some family of birds home 
I think Charlie Kelly is pretty well versed in Bird Law.
You are one spaghetti policy short of a Reddit trifecta…
Treelaw is going to be very specific (and while you might get a payout, you're going to need to pursue it.) But was the tree \*on\* the property line? Or did they actually reach over the fence to cut down your tree?
The tree is up against their fence but is on our side in the backyard.
So this lady in the past had spoken to my dad about removing it and while my father started to work on the tree cutting branches she asks my father what he does for a living. He told her that he was a contractor. A couple of days later my father gets fined by the county of Fairfax over $600 for using his backyard to store the ladders and was forced to rent out storage units for his ladders and other equipment. So my father decided to not help out that lady by cutting down the tree
That sucks. She is an a-hole. My neighbors in a no- HOA neighborhood in Fairfax honestly run a tow yard on their lot, but who cares?!? They are nice people and it doesn’t impact me with noise or smells.
What a garbage neighbor, I'm sorry. I hope she held accountable for cutting down the tree.
Our family doesn’t want to pursue getting the law involved. So I purchased a 6ft tall led fake plastic palm tree to replace it
Just be careful. Sometimes fighting crazy ain't worth it. I would put a camera up and make sure you're covered. Seems like the kind of neighbor to take a foot when you give an inch.
Your right for sure I am going to set up a camera for sure and have no trespassing signs posted as well. If they want to come over and destroy the fake palm tree than that just adds to the list of destruction of property. The worst they would come of it is I get the cops called to turn it off at night
Which I’d love to explain to the cops why I put up a fake palm tree and bring up I chose not to waste their time.
I get that, because it's messy and you don't want a neighbor to retaliate further. But I also think if you don't, she may do it again. She needs to feel some consequences. Cutting someone else's tree is a big deal. Hopefully she will hate the palm tree and not want to do it again.
Doesn't matter. In Virginia, you are allowed to without permission trim back to the property line as long as it doesn't impact the health of the tree. You absolutely cannot remove the tree if it's on the border without consent from both parties, in writing.
Jimmy, jimbo my man I knew you had my back in this.
Go find a good tree lawyer, this is free money for you if it’s as you described
r/treelaw These people don't mess around
Shit, I wish my neighbor would cut down my damn trees. Costs a pretty penny here in Reston.
In Reston you can’t cut down a tree that’s more than 6” in diameter without a permit from RA. I’m super curious if there’s restrictions on cutting down healthy trees in Fairfax county.
I wish the neighbor cut the other tree that actually is a problem. It’s like a half dead oak tree and it’s been difficult to afford to higher a tree service.
They are all problems if they're on your yard. I had 10 when we bought this house. Our first house had 0 tree, so we didn't think much of it. Down to 7 now. They're nothing but trouble, I want them all gone!
But think of the birds man where are those birds going to live. Where’s bird law subreddit when you need it?
Well, there are always the trees in the neighbors yards, know what I'm sayin' :P
Trees are like hair. It's not that easy to put it back once you cut it. Unless of course you have a lot of tape
The funny thing is they did clean up the mess but left the base/ trunk now we’re going to have to deal with the pain in the ass part and dig up the trunk so we don’t have a rotting tree trunk dealing with pest or harmful molds and fungi
5-6 figures to plant a 12-15 ft. tree!?
https://preview.redd.it/axxoqtjjbjtc1.jpeg?width=590&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b27ac16c49c516ea18f27037d20aa538f5c49d02
r/treelaw
I'm not a lawyer but I've read tree disputes like this. Majority of the time the person who cut it down has to pay the amount the tree was worth and the amount it would cost to plant an identical tree back into its original location.
r/treelaw *has entered the chat*
This is the answer to all your problems. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeXQBHLIPcw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeXQBHLIPcw)
Have you talked to the neighbor? What did she say?
UgoLord
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Mike Ehrmantraut?
Is the tree literally on the property line? Sometimes they might be allowed to cut trees down it is also on their property line.
I don’t have advice for you but I feel you having shitty neighbors. My “backyard” neighbors have asked us if we could time when we go outside because they want THEIR backyard experience to themselves. Like what?
You should tell them well that’s just not neighborly.
https://preview.redd.it/p08h3vh3s3zc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=af14da73d8a6dc55bd7abae63f1833453f8b4eea Meant to post this weeks ago but if anyone was curious there you go