Property owners across New England are confronting substantial financial repercussions from timber trespass violations, with attorney Israel Piedra of Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. noting approximately two dozen active tree law cases across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont. Piedra recently discussed on NPR's Morning Edition a high-profile Nantucket case where a neighbor faces criminal charges after cutting down trees to enhance his property's view, potentially costing the property owner significantly despite the property being listed at nearly $10 million. Timber trespass cases are relatively common in the region, though most arise from confusion over property lines rather than malicious intent, according to Piedra.
Many violations occur when neighbors neglect to conduct proper property surveys before removing trees, with some cases involving individuals who suspect trees might be on neighboring property but proceed regardless. The Nantucket incident reached a level of egregiousness comparable to a recent Maine case where trees were poisoned rather than simply cut down, as described by Piedra. While criminal charges remain rare in timber trespass matters, victims typically seek recourse through civil lawsuits focusing on compensation recovery for property damage. These cases often involve thousands of dollars in damages, heightened emotional tensions between neighbors, and complex property law issues that require specialized legal expertise.
The firm Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. specializes in assisting property owners navigate these complex premises liability and real estate law matters throughout southern New Hampshire and surrounding states. Tree law represents a little-known subsector of civil law that continues to gain attention as property values increase and boundary disputes become more financially significant. Property owners are advised to verify boundary lines through professional surveys before undertaking any tree removal projects to avoid potentially costly legal consequences and neighbor disputes that can escalate into lengthy court proceedings. For more information on property law issues, visit https://www.weltswhite.com.
