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solman's avatar
solman
Explorer
Jun 15, 2022

Low tree branches in my development ..Update

I came home from a trip 2 weeks ago and broke my ac shroud on a low branch that I just could not avoid. That was a $200 hit. Now 2 weeks later and the trees have filled out and there are a number of low hanging branches in my path out of development. My front ac is at 13foot 5 inches in height.
At the moment I feel like I am stuck at home.
Anyone have any suggestions?
I don't believe the township will do anything about this.
thanks

Update...I did call the township DPW and finally got a call back. They are more accommodating than they were some years ago. They did a drive by and acknowledged some low hanging branches in the street and said they would get to it this summer.
I hope it's sooner rather than later but at least they will take care of it.
I think it's now a waiting for this to be done.

26 Replies

  • This is like answering an auto insurance question for someone in Hawaii when you live in Maine. What township governments can and can't do is regulated by the individual state. As an example, here a township can trim a tree on private property but only at the right of way line if it's a township road. The township had to pass and publish a specific ordinance per state code. No ordinance and they open themselves up to a potential lawsuit from the property/tree owner. The township can't do anything if it's a state or county road in the township ordinance or not.

    How about a midnight walk with a cordless polesaw?
  • IF, enblethen, New Jersey allows tort claims against a town for low clearance trees and IF the tree is owned by the town.
  • First thing to do is contact your township, explain the problem, and ask if they will trim those limbs. Might be surprised. Might not.
  • They should cut the tree limbs back to meet clearance on the street. Should be 16 foot minimum and should be 19-foot clearance. You should be able to file a TORT claim for damages!