Coffee and bagels to woo neighbors into discussion about removing tree: $7.50 Splitting the tree removal expense with neighbors*: $1,500 Peace of mind knowing gigantic tree in neighbor’s yard can no longer crush my children and/or house: Priceless
* We volunteered to share the cost, and they took us up on our offer.
P.S. Thanks, everybody, for your support during this drama dialogue.
P.P.S. The 150-foot tree doesn’t look as daunting in this picture, but, trust me – it was huge!
10-1-2009 06:36:47
A dead tree always looks better once it’s down. So glad to hear this all worked out.
10-1-2009 08:41:11
Really enjoyed reading each installment. Glad it had a happy ending, and that your yard/house/kids — and friendship with the neighbors — are still intact!
10-1-2009 08:59:51
Oh happy day. I know the feeling of having a looming tree finally come down – and it is pricless. Amazing what a difference it makes in your ability to sleep restfully. Yay!
10-1-2009 09:04:50
I second everything Sue said. And, I will go ahead and admit that I WAS WRONG with my proclamation of bamboozlement!! My skepticism is coming from an ongoing eight and 1/2 year lawsuit against my neighbor involving title insurance companies, new surveys, new borders…and that’s just part of the “civilized” list. I’m telling you that you can’t even begin to guess what these people have done that is on the “uncivilized” list. I have great pictures so maybe someday when this is over, I’ll write a 25 part blog about it!
10-1-2009 11:19:35
Isn’t it amazing what can be accomplished when everyone is level-headed and communicates with each other! Glad you had a good outcome Elaine, and I hope for a good outcome for Stacy too!
10-1-2009 11:41:36
Thanks Barb. On the positive side, I’ve learned a tremendous amount from these people and I’ve already been able to help someone else because of going through this process.
10-3-2009 08:46:37
Wow, I can sense the relief in your voice even over the internet. You may remember that our family also needed to cut down a large tree this past summer. I don’t miss it nearly as much as I thought I would. We also have other trees to help soften our skyview and provide shade in our backyard, so that helps a lot.
I’m glad this was such a cooperative effort for you and your neighbors.
10-12-2009 06:03:48
Tree update: It’s two weeks since the above photo was taken and the scene looks exactly the same! Turns out the tree guy employed by my neighbors had his truck stolen, so I’m not sure when (if?!?!) the rest of the tree will come down (and whether the wood pile will be removed). The danger is gone, but the eyesore remains (above is the view from our deck).
So, Stacy, you get partial credit: there’s some bamboozling going on. (And sorry to hear about your uncivilized neighbors – yuck!)