Chip C wrote:
On Dec 11, 9:11 pm, " wrote:
On Dec 11, 7:50�pm, "RBM" rbm2(remove wrote:



(snip)
I'm a bit confused if the tree is in the front yard in what we'd here
call the "road allotment" or in an abandoned lane on the side or back
of the lady's property. If the latter, I'd be careful. In some places
ownership of abandoned rights-of-way "reverts" to the adjacent
property, or maybe the property line is the centre of the lane to
begin with. Bottom line: it may be her tree, and by calling attention
to it you might be sending a big bill her way.

You might call some arborists, get some quotes, see if any have senior
discounts. Maybe you can get the minimum necessary pruning done for a
dollar amount that you and some neighbours can split as a Christmas
present for her.

Chip C
Toronto

Thank you for beating me to it, Chip. Ownership of roadways, either
active or abandoned, is QUITE variable by locale and year they were laid
out. Large roads and highways are usually owned by some unit of
government. Smaller roads, especially subdivision streets, are quite
often on easements. On the corner-lot house I own down in Louisiana, I
technically own out the centerlines of the platted streets. (Noted that
platted and paved often differ.

No good way to tell who owns the tree without pulling the land records
for the adjoining lots and the original subdivision of the property.
Little dead-end lanes for future subdivision expansions that never
happened are quite common around here. Neigbors usually end up using
the space as extra parking on the paved part, and extra yard beyond. No
idea if they bother getting the paperwork straight on it.

As to who pays for the tree-trimming? In my experience, it is whoever
benefits from the use of the land, in this case the utility. Billing the
property owner only flies for the drop to the house, not the wire
passing through- hopefully the Verizon droid simply didn't understand
OP's explanation. Their easement, their problem. The original paperwork
on the easement from way back when, should spell that out. It may or may
not be reflected in the deeds.

But since a little old lady is at risk, the suggestion of sending photos
to local newspaper/TV, and whatever passes for elder protection agency,
are probably good ones. CC'ing whoever the local equiv of a mayor or
Boss Hogg is, around there, would also likely be useful. Use words like
'liability exposure' and 'negative publicity'.

I know this ain't the old days, but in the town I grew up in, a call to
the local public works supervisor, would have had this added to the next
day's work tickets as a matter of routine, just like clipping a limb
that blocks the view of a traffic light.

aem sends...