Tree controversy hits the Globe

[bobobb.livejournal.com]

I found this commentary interesting and it's right in Davis Square!

http://www.boston.com/community/blogs/askthepilot/2014/01/a_somerville_tree_saga_redefin.html

As a landlord who had to cut back a dying tree or have my insurance cut off (as a letter from the insurance company threatened), I have mixed feelings about this commentary and the author's suggestions. At the same time, I have three other healthy trees in my backyard I wouldn't touch.

Comments

[craigindaville.livejournal.com]

IANAL, but my general understanding was that the law allows a property owner to cut a tree up to their property line, both above (limbs) and below (roots). In your situation, Neighbor [sic, going for the 'Murican way of speakin' English good] B would be within his/her rights to do something about the issue, although admittedly not a full resolution.

And I have to say, the original article was depressing to read in its overwrought naivete. He gives "liberals" a bad name, or at least an easy strawman argument for the whacked out conservatives who worry about black helicopters and Agenda 21 or whatever. Yes, we all like pretty trees, but we also all like rainbows and nice sunsets and ponies, but we don't have a right to those, either.