homeownerfc Wrote:
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> Our adjacent neighbors are neither friendly nor
> neighborly. Our property -- including trees and
> shrubs -- long predates the subdivision they live
> in. In typical Fairfax fashion, the developer
> maxed the size of the homes on the lots, cut down
> most of the existing trees, and pushed lot
> development right up to the property line,
> automatically creating tree/shrub overhang issues.
> Our neighbors then put in a pool right up to the
> property line. For YEARS, the pool has been a
> problem. On multiple occasions they have partly
> or fully drained it onto our property. They never
> take responsibility and never apologize.
> Following the most recent flooding issue, a
> workman on their property told us that there was a
> broken drainage pipe that was the cause of the
> problem. The neighbor denied it and suggested
> that we take care of the problem by building a
> swale to carry water away from our yard. We have
> already spent many thousands of dollars attempting
> to deal with their drainage and are disinclined to
> do more. After the latest flood, our neghbors
> appear to have installed a french drain that
> channels under their side fence and terminates
> above ground in "neutral" ground abutting the
> subdivision dry pond. This appears to us to
> simply move their water out of their back yard and
> dump it next to us, where it will eventually drain
> back into our yard. We doubt they had a permit to
> do this, and are now in the process of filing a
> formal complaint with the County.
>
> While denying responsibility for their repeated
> flooding of our yard, our charming neighbors are
> very quick to "ask" (demand) that we take care of
> maintaining our trees and shrubs that border their
> property. We are diligent in doing so and have
> just spent thousands taking care of our trees,
> including several that overhang their property.
> One issue for them has been poison ivy growing up
> several pine trees that abut their swimming pool,
> about which they have contacted us at least a
> half-dozen times in the past 2 months. In fact,
> the company we hired to prune our trees did -- at
> our request and expense -- remove poison ivy from
> the pines, but apparently not to our neighbors'
> satisfaction, as they have already called again to
> complain that nothing was done and they are unable
> to enjoy their pool because alleged debris falls
> into it. We've bent over backwards to address
> their concerns, even allowing them to completely
> remove several vertical feet of branches from the
> pine trees to minimize the problem. All to no
> avail.
>
> How does one deal with neighbors like this? As
> noted, we are -- in our view of course -- quite
> responsive to their concerns about branch overhang
> and proper tree and shrub maintenance, while they
> blow us off about their repeated pool drainage and
> flooding of our yard. It's no small irony that
> every time they flood our yard they are
> undoubtedly damaging our trees and shrubs,
> contributing to the problem they complain about.
>
>
> While we absolutely recognize our responsibility
> to maintain our trees and shrubs and have done so
> within the limits of time and budget, we're fed up
> with them, particularly in the imperious way in
> which they make their demands while refusing to
> take care of their pool drainage.
>
> Has anyone out there dealt with similar neighbor
> issues? We'd be grateful for suggestions . . .
Here is a link from the Fairfax county government on this very subject...
FAQs: Residential Swimming Pools
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/navbar/faqs/res_pools.htm
This last item from this page will interest you...
What is the proper way to discharge swimming pool water on your property?
Swimming pool water can have a negative effect on the environment and on your neighbor’s property. Before pumping water from a swimming pool, the water should not contain any chlorine, the pH should be neutral and the discharged water should not go into your neighbor's yard. More information can be found on the Proper Discharge of Swimming Pool Water website or by contacting the Stormwater Planning Division at 703-324-5500, TTY 711. Commercial swimming pool operators should contact the Health Department at 703-246-2300, TTY 711.
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Tree Care and Tree Removal
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/navbar/faqs/treecare.htm
How should I prune my trees?
Using proper pruning techniques is extremely important to the long-term health and viability of trees. Always use clean, sharp tools when making cuts. Pruning is best accomplished during the tree's dormant season before new growth begins. Pruning of young trees should be aimed at establishing a healthy growth pattern for the new tree. Pruning of mature trees is best limited to removal of dead or hazardous limbs. Topping a tree is NOT proper pruning, and is not conducive to the long-term health of the tree. See below for information on why topping is bad for a tree. For more information on how to properly prune a tree, you may also visit the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Why does the pruning practice known as topping hurt trees?
"Topping" of trees is perhaps the most harmful pruning practice known. By removing a large portion of the tree's upper leaves, new problems can be created. Topped trees are more likely to suffer from stress and become vulnerable to sun damage, insects, disease and storms. If you have a tree that has grown too large, there are ways to correctly prune to reduce the tree crown without damaging the health of the tree. The rapid re-growth of shoots on a topped tree is an indication of stress and a weakened state of health. For appropriate methods to reduce the height or spread of a tree, an arborist can determine the best approach to pruning to preserve the tree's natural beauty, health and safety for the surrounding environment.
How can I manage trees and turf and promote the continued health of both?
Trees and grass are healthier when they are not forced to compete with each other. Both provide benefits to the environment, but when placed next to each other can result in problems to both species. Grass at the base of a tree is often weak and thin. The shade provided by the tree is not suitable for many types of grasses. In addition, the roots of the tree, which are closer to the surface, can disrupt the growth pattern of grasses. In return, grasses take away many nutrients and much needed moisture, causing trees to weaken and produce poor growth. Trees may also be damaged by lawn equipment, causing wounds that allow disease and insects a point of entry. The best approach is generally to allow a mulched area around the perimeter of the drip line of the tree. This keeps grass from competing with the tree for vital nutrients and moisture and reduces likelihood of damage to both species.
Why is proper mulching of trees important and what are the proper techniques?
Proper mulching helps maintain moisture in dry summer months, reduces weeds that draw away necessary nutrients, acts as an insulation against extreme heat and cold, and provides an aesthetically pleasing base for landscaping. Improper mulching, however, can be the cause of stress and decline in a tree. For instance, mulch that is too deep and piled high against the trunk of a tree may actually prevent the tree from receiving adequate amounts of oxygen and water, cause excessive moisture to be retained causing roots to rot, and may harbor insects and other pests. Mulch should generally be applied in a 2"-4" layer around the base of the tree, extending outward towards the dripline. Avoid mulching directly against the base of the tree; allow several inches between the base of the tree and the surrounding mulch. Whenever possible, use organic mulches to provide beneficial nutrients.
My tree looks stressed and strange; what's wrong with it?
A healthy tree has many built-in methods of resisting normal insect and disease invasions. A tree may become stressed from physical changes in the root zone or from other environmental factors that affect the basic requirements of the tree, including light, oxygen to the roots, water and the balance of essential nutrients. A stressed tree then becomes more vulnerable and unable to sustain the needed resistance to insect and disease invasion. Identifying causes of tree stress and mitigating them early can help a tree to resist or fight harmful agents. A certified tree professional can identify causes of stress and make recommendations to mitigate the stressful situation, and detail any treatments. For more information on identifying common insect and disease symptoms in trees visit the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Can I remove trees on my property?
There are no laws or regulations in Virginia that prohibit you from removing individual trees on your own property. Harvesting of timber on your property, however, is regulated by the Virginia Department of Forestry and any land disturbing activity (removing trees and stumps) on more than 2500 square feet of your property requires a permit from Fairfax County. In Fairfax County, some areas on private property are designated as Resource Protection Areas, Conservation Easements or Environmental Quality Corridors. In general, you are permitted to remove trees that are dead, dying or diseased in these areas, provided you remove them by hand and replace them with similar vegetation. In these situations, an Urban Forest Management Division representative will evaluate the tree(s) and determine whether it meets the criteria for removal, and then provide recommendations for replacement. If you want to remove a healthy tree(s) from these areas, you would need to be sure of the restrictions specific to your conservation easement or Environmental Quality Corridor. This information should be available in your property records. In the case of a Resource Protection Area, the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance provides information about tree removal restrictions in these areas. To find out if you have a conservation easement, Resource Protection Area or Environmental Quality Corridor on your property, use the Fairfax County Digital Map Viewer.
Who do I contact if my neighbor is illegally cutting down trees?
If you believe that your neighbor is removing trees or disturbing land illegally, visit the Reporting Land Development Concerns page for information on how to report such activities.
Who should I hire to take care of or remove trees on my property?
There are many tree removal contractors and arborists working in our area. An arborist is a specialist in the care of trees. A certified arborist is an experienced professional who has passed an extensive industry-approved examination covering all aspects of tree care. Certified arborists must continue their education to maintain their certification, so they are more likely to be up to date on the latest arboricultural standards and techniques. Keep in mind that good arborists will only perform accepted arboricultural practices. For instance, topping trees is not an industry accepted practice and you should be wary of any arborist who advertises such services.
The condition of your trees can have a significant affect on the value and safety of your property. Therefore, it is in your best interest to be an informed consumer when seeking the services of an arborist. Find out how to hire an arborist.
More Questions?
For more information, contact the Fairfax County Urban Forest Management Division at 703-324-1770, TTY 711, or by email.
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Hazardous Trees on Private Property
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/privateproperty.htm
Fairfax County has no legal authority to require the removal of hazardous tree(s) that are located on private property unless the tree(s) threaten the public at large (public streets, sidewalks, school yards and parks). If the Urban Forest Management Division determines that the tree(s) are a threat to the public, then the owner of the property is required to have the tree(s) removed.
When there is a dispute between neighbors about a hazardous tree, this is a civil issue and Fairfax County will not take action in these situations.
When a hazardous tree is located on private property and is not threatening any public areas, then Fairfax County will not require the removal of the tree, but recommends that the property owner contact a tree removal contractor or arborist for advice on how to handle the situation. Possible solutions may include pruning, providing external support for weakened trees, providing remedial care or removing the affected tree. Find out how to hire an arborist.
If you want to remove a tree on your property, you will need to find out if there are any conservation easements, Resource Protection Areas or Environmental Quality Corridors on your property. You can check your property plat to find out if you have any of these areas designated on your property. In general, trees that are determined to be dead, diseased and/or dying can be removed from these areas by hand, but must be replaced with similar vegetation. A representative of the Urban Forest Management Division will evaluate the tree(s) in this situation and provide recommendations for replacement. If you are concerned about a tree on your property and you think it may be in a Resource Protection Area, Environmental Quality Corridor or conservation easement, contact the Urban Forest Management Division at 703-324-1770, TTY 711 or by e-mail.