Whose tree is it, and does that decide who pays?

It matters a great deal. A tree on the property line is usually shared, and a tree fully on one side is that owner. A healthy tree that fell in a storm is often treated differently from a known hazard. The panel weighs the evidence you both provide.

Can a panel settle a property line dispute?

No. We do not determine boundaries or order anyone to move a fence. The opinion addresses the cost of the damage and who is responsible for it. A true boundary dispute belongs in court or with a surveyor.

What if the branch was over my yard but the tree is theirs?

Overhanging branches are a common gray area. Generally you may trim what crosses your line, but responsibility for a fall depends on whether the tree was a known hazard. Messages about the branch help establish that.

Will my neighbor see my photos?

Only the photos you upload for this case are shared with the other side and the panel, and nothing is published with your address or full name.

Common disputes

Neighbors and property lines

A neighbor's tree or fence damaged my property

A branch from your neighbor's tree fell on your fence, your car, or your shed. Or their fence blew over and took part of your garden with it. These are the disputes where people get along until suddenly they do not, because property lines and tree ownership turn a small repair into a standoff.

What usually matters is whose tree it was, where it fell, and whether anyone was warned. Photos, the property line, and any messages about the branch or the fence carry most of the weight. Most people want one of two things: the damage fixed, or a fair share of the cost.

Your options

Four honest routes, including doing nothing.

Doing nothing

Sometimes the repair is small enough to handle yourself, and the neighbor relationship is worth more than the cost. Waiting quietly is the one choice that almost never fixes the fence or the feelings about it.

A demand letter

A short written request that names the damage, the cost, and a date works better than a conversation across the fence. Note whose tree or fence it was, attach photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Small claims court

For a clear case where a neighbor tree or fence caused real damage, this is the route that can produce an enforceable judgment. Expect a filing fee, a hearing, and the cost of showing the property line. Check the limit where you live.

Start Over Fresh

A Standard Case gives you a neutral written opinion on who is responsible for the damage and what a fair share looks like, usually within days. It is not a court, it cannot order anyone off the land, and the opinion is not enforceable.

How Start Over Fresh works for this

The timing below is for a Standard Case.

1
Tell your side
You explain what happened in plain words, add whatever documents you have, and name the other person. A Standard Case takes about ten minutes to file, and there is no filing fee.
2
They respond
The other person gets an email link and has 2 business days to answer. No account is required. We send a reminder before the deadline, and if they never answer, a default is entered, though the panel still reads everything you filed.
3
Try mediation, then get a decision
A neutral AI mediator suggests up to three ways to settle, and each of you has 24 hours to accept one, ask for a single change, or skip. If nothing is accepted, three AI judges decide. A Standard Case is usually decided in about 3 to 5 calendar days from filing.

Hypothetical example, not a real case

A hypothetical example

A neighbor's overhanging limb fell and cracked a shed roof. The limb had been flagged as hazardous a year earlier. A panel might find the neighbor responsible for the shed repair, while declining a claim for items inside the shed that were not documented. That is an illustration, not a prediction.

Questions people ask

Whose tree is it, and does that decide who pays?: It matters a great deal. A tree on the property line is usually shared, and a tree fully on one side is that owner. A healthy tree that fell in a storm is often treated differently from a known hazard. The panel weighs the evidence you both provide.
Can a panel settle a property line dispute?: No. We do not determine boundaries or order anyone to move a fence. The opinion addresses the cost of the damage and who is responsible for it. A true boundary dispute belongs in court or with a surveyor.
What if the branch was over my yard but the tree is theirs?: Overhanging branches are a common gray area. Generally you may trim what crosses your line, but responsibility for a fall depends on whether the tree was a known hazard. Messages about the branch help establish that.
Will my neighbor see my photos?: Only the photos you upload for this case are shared with the other side and the panel, and nothing is published with your address or full name.

Start with your side of the story

About ten minutes to file, no filing fee, and the other person does not need an account.

Start a Standard Case

Related disputes

Other everyday disagreements and the same honest options.

Used car broke down right away Splitting costs after a breakup Friend broke or lost what I lent

Start Over Fresh issues nonbinding advisory opinions. It is not a court and does not give legal advice.