What a pleasure to have a garden with trees. But it sometimes happens that the trees cause neighborhood inconvenience or, simply, that they are too high and pose safety problems. We must then think of cutting them. The purpose of this article is to remind you of the rules in this area and to indicate the procedure for cutting a tree that is safe for others, for yourself or even for trees.

 

Having trees at home: the rules to know

Before cutting a tree, it must be remembered that planning rules prohibit doing everything and anything on your property. Everyone has heard of neighborhood problems due to trees at the edge of the property and the Civil Code requires the owner to uproot or cut to two meters in height any tree of a higher height established less than two meters from the limit reparative. There are however some exceptions:

• if the use is recognized and constant in the municipality
• if a title worth servitude admits this establishment at the property boundary
• if the land of implantation comes from a division after the implantation of the tree
• if the tree has been two meters for more than 30 years.

A tree can also become a nuisance for safety near electrical systems and the public services responsible for power or telephone lines may have to request the reduction. The road services may also require the reduction of a tree when its branches become a danger to the safety of motorists.

But a tree, even if it is not 30 years old, can be part of the common heritage and be protected as such, without it being possible to cut it down. To verify that slaughter is possible, it should be inquired beforehand with the bride.

The authorization to cut and fell trees is issued by the mayor on the basis of the town planning document applicable in the municipality. The local urban plan may lay down rules for the planting of trees. In particular, it may prohibit or limit their felling and provide for the replacement of felled trees. A tree included in a classified wooded area cannot be felled without this prior authorization. The same applies if the tree to be felled is located within the perimeter of a historic monument.

How to cut a tree? 

Insofar as the Civil Code authorizes the neighbor not only to collect the fallen fruit on his land, but also to cut the branches that protrude and also the roots at the dividing line, it can result in irreparable damage to the tree thus mutilated. It is therefore better to take the lead so that trees are not the cause of such actions.

Whether it is a century old oak or a simple umbrella pine, cutting a tree requires some precautions. It is first of all advisable to inquire with an arborist about the fragility of the tree, in particular to fix the breaking limit. Another necessary precaution is to examine the surroundings and, if necessary, to ensure that the pruned branches or the felled tree do not cause damage (power lines, swimming pools, roofing of a house, etc.).

In any case, to cut or slaughter, it is recommended to contact a professional like O’Brien’s Tree Service Cincinnati who will have the skills, experience and all the secure equipment as well as insurance to climb the hill. Tree, cut or prune it safely. It is possible to take all guarantees by consulting customer reviews on the professional’s website.

Where to put the wood and leaves? 

Owners who have a fireplace will not be bothered with branches. They will have wood for the fire for a few weeks, after it has been previously cut and then dried. Otherwise, the question arises as to what to do with cut branches or sawn timber. The Environmental Code now prohibits the burning of green waste anywhere and at any time, with the exception of agricultural or forestry activities. Under these conditions, what to do with cut wood and branches?

The only regular way to get rid of them is to transport them to a recycling center that accepts them. It will first be necessary to cut the wood and cut the branches in sizes that are transportable by the vehicle available. People with a trailer can cut the wood one meter long. Using a professional to prune or cut down your trees allows you to be exempt from this chore. Professional pruners have the necessary equipment to transport branches and wood and, for a few tens of euros more, will take care of clearing the ground.