Who is responsible for damages if my tree fell on my neighbor’s property but I told him previously that he could cut it down?

Who is responsible for damages if my tree fell on my neighbor’s property but I told him previously that he could cut it down?

Last year, my neighbor told me an oak tree on my property had branches overhanging his fence and property. During an earlier thunderstorm, a branch fell and damaged his carport. I told him he was welcome to have any other the branches cut back on his side of the fence and if he was concerned, he could even have the dying tree removed, at his expense. He failed to act on my offer. The boarder between my property and his, has his 6 foot high wooden fence, and many large oak trees on both sides. Today he called and said the old tree had fallen over and damaged his fence, carport, and shed. I feel he should have at lease trimmed the branches last year. I asked if there was a storm. He said that is was wet out and that last night the tree just fell over. His insurance said he wasn’t covered, I have none. Now he wants to file suit if I don’t pay him. Who is responsible for what?

Asked on March 12, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Florida

Answers:

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