Who owns a tree on the property line?

Start with the line

A fence is not always on the property line, and a trunk can look centered when it is not. The county assessor's parcel map shows the lot lines, and a licensed land surveyor can mark them exactly. Washoe, Carson City and Douglas County each keep their own parcel maps through the assessor.

If the whole trunk is on your side, the tree is generally yours, whatever its branches do. If the trunk crosses the line, the usual idea is that both owners have an interest.

What shared ownership usually means

Under the common idea of a boundary tree, neither neighbor may remove it, or cut it back hard, without the other's consent. Written agreement beats a handshake. Photos of the tree before work and a note of who pays are inexpensive protection.

Who pays for damage when a tree falls depends on the facts, including the tree's condition and who knew about it. Our guide on a neighbor's tree fell on your property explains the general pattern, and your insurer or an attorney decides.

How the arborist helps

An ISA Certified Arborist can tell you the tree's condition and what the options are, which is the information both neighbors need to decide. We do not decide ownership. An estimate that lists the work can be shared with the neighbor, and we can go through it with both of you if that helps.

Fire agencies, HOAs and cities can also have rules about a tree that is dead or hazardous. For the city side, see permits and rules; for a hazard, read warning signs before a tree fails.