Neighbors LARGE trees hang over to my lot, LEGALLY, can I trim the branches that hang over on my side ? (Seattle: for sale, attorney)

[Minntoaz]

Really you're asking this? Maybe instead of worrying about branches, focus on bigger battles or actually enjoy life!

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Minntoaz

Really you're asking this? Maybe instead of worrying about branches, focus on bigger battles or actually enjoy life!

Why don't YOU focus on bigger battles and enjoy life?

I applaud the OP for taking charge of their own property. Shame on you for attacking their polite, diligent, and proper actions.

[Spokane26]

Thank you Andy....I find it "odd" that someone would attack me for wanting to use my OWN property for MY use.

Jeezz..just wanted to grow a few tomatoes and strawberries to save a few bucks and maybe grow some flowers....but apparently, "Minntoaz" feels that I should DONATE *MY* property for my neighbor's

enjoyment instead...Or maybe I should ask them to chip in on my house payments ?

Tell me "Minntoaz"...how about you take your car out of your garage and then I'll use YOUR garage to park my jet skis there for about 8 months out of the year ? You know...since you're being so "generous"

and all.

Thanks again Andy for having a complete stranger's back...you're good people.

[PollyGlott]

Originally Posted by Minntoaz

Really you're asking this? Maybe instead of worrying about branches, focus on bigger battles or actually enjoy life!

The Arizona heat gettin' to ya? Making you a little cranky?
The OP's question was a legitimate one, and if you have no constructive advice, I would suggest you MYOB!

[fearnofish]

SPOKANE MUNICIPAL CODE

Title 12 Public Ways and Property
Chapter 12.02 Obstruction, Encroachment of Public Ways
Article I. Vegetation Obstruction – Nuisance
Section 12.02.0202 Overhanging Vegetation to be Removed

Owners of property within the City must remove or destroy all trees, plants, shrubs, or vegetation, or parts thereof, which overhang any sidewalk or street or which are growing thereon in such a manner as to obstruct or impair the free and full use of the sidewalk or street by the public. Such condition is declared a nuisance. The City may cause the removal or destruction of such vegetation in accordance with the procedures of SMC 10.20.020.

It may not directly apply but it the closest I have come across so far.

[Luv2byte]

Or if you hired a pro tree trimmer they should know the laws as well. If you were sued you could should you put effort into care, not just trimmed wrecklessly.

[Luv2byte]

Originally Posted by Minntoaz

Really you're asking this? Maybe instead of worrying about branches, focus on bigger battles or actually enjoy life!

Why? Would you just cut & not care about legal obligations? Or simply not you property you bought & pay taxes on?

[Seattle Tree Expert]

Hi. In Seattle, before ANY tree over 6 inches in diameter is pruned OR removed, the party must secure a permit. You may not procure a permit unless you own the tree or unless you can get an exception from the city arborist to prune the tree. If the tree is located in an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA)--yes, there are many private properties in Seattle that are ESA's, that seriously complicates what can be done to trees, when, and/or how they may be cut. If the tree is considered a Heritage tree, it is a very valuable tree. Pruning or removing it will cost you more than I'm betting you are willing to pay...upwards of $10,000.00 is not unheard of. If you have questions about pruning or removing trees, you should call the Seattle City Arborist who can assist you with more information.

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by Seattle Tree Expert

Hi. In Seattle, before ANY tree over 6 inches in diameter is pruned OR removed, the party must secure a permit. You may not procure a permit unless you own the tree or unless you can get an exception from the city arborist to prune the tree. If the tree is located in an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA)--yes, there are many private properties in Seattle that are ESA's, that seriously complicates what can be done to trees, when, and/or how they may be cut. If the tree is considered a Heritage tree, it is a very valuable tree. Pruning or removing it will cost you more than I'm betting you are willing to pay...upwards of $10,000.00 is not unheard of. If you have questions about pruning or removing trees, you should call the Seattle City Arborist who can assist you with more information.

You really should cite the law that goes along with that. Pretty much any tree over 6" in diameter within the city needs to be pruned regularly if it's near a house.

[west seattle gal]

To the OP, who is probably not reading this any longer...I think you should work harder at being a good neighbor and loosen up. Blocking your sunshine? We live in the lush PNW, appreciate the beauty around you and yes, grow native shade plants. Ridiculously petty.