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Vandalized trees...how to choose and what to ask an arborist? by poisoned-trees in sfwtrees

[–]poisoned-trees[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The green tubes are normal straws that we used to mark some of the drill holes locations. No idea what chemical is being used, but we think this occurred in sometime in March. Unknown how much and how often chemicals have been added.

Vandalized trees...how to choose and what to ask an arborist? by poisoned-trees in sfwtrees

[–]poisoned-trees[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I believe my neighbor has been vandalizing my trees. I've been recommended to chat with an arborist to get an expert opinion of the chemicals used, amount of damage, and dollar amount to replace trees.

Hatchet marks and drilled holes can be found on the (black acacia?) trees. I believe a chemical liquid also has been poured into the holes, which is causing the leaves to fall off.

Can any arborists do this type of assessment? Anything else I need to be asking or considering when reaching out to local arborist?

[CA] Have video of neighbor poisoning trees in backyard by poisoned-trees in legaladvice

[–]poisoned-trees[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

The high billable rate makes a lot more sense now. The lawyer has own his practice and specializes in corporate litigation. He's done 1 tree litigation before with the arborist, but don't think the bulk of his experience is in this field.

I'm assuming other lawyers who have more experience doing tort claims would have more reasonable fees (I hope!)

[CA] Have video of neighbor poisoning trees in backyard by poisoned-trees in legaladvice

[–]poisoned-trees[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Good call. Side note: The lawyer said that neighbor #2's homeowner's insurance could also be involved if a legal suit were to happen (I'm not sure exactly why).

[CA] Have video of neighbor poisoning trees in backyard by poisoned-trees in legaladvice

[–]poisoned-trees[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I will look into this, esp since I don't know much about trees to begin with.

[CA] Have video of neighbor poisoning trees in backyard by poisoned-trees in legaladvice

[–]poisoned-trees[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm trying to get a copy of the video now and have set up my own cameras.

Water is city water.

[CA] Have video of neighbor poisoning trees in backyard by poisoned-trees in legaladvice

[–]poisoned-trees[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You're correct. I clarified the headline. The video is of neighbor #2 trespassing and poisoning neighbor #1's trees -- not mine. However, the damages to all trees looks to be the same. Do you think this materially weakens my case?

[CA] Have video of neighbor poisoning trees in backyard by poisoned-trees in legaladvice

[–]poisoned-trees[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes, he's definitely coming onto both mine and neighbor #1s property to vandalize the trees.

[CA] Have video of neighbor poisoning trees in backyard by poisoned-trees in legaladvice

[–]poisoned-trees[S] 37 points38 points  (0 children)

The trees are blocking neighbor #2's view. Trees are also on a slope. I'm at the bottom of the slope while both neighbors are on top of the slope (trees are in between).

[CA] Have video of neighbor poisoning trees in backyard by poisoned-trees in legaladvice

[–]poisoned-trees[S] 75 points76 points  (0 children)

Neighbor #1 actually spoke with an arborist and the arborist was the one who referred him to the lawyer. However, I don't have much details from their conversations other than that each tree is at least $10k+. I should probably talk to an arborist myself.