Bad neighbors are nothing new. They can be rude, noisy, and way too invested in your personal business. Some can make your life downright unbearable.
This is a reality that one couple learned firsthand as they faced a disappointing situation caused by their petty neighbor, and they’re intent on making sure he doesn’t get away with it. Their backyard sanctuary was literally destroyed because a neighbor was bothered by the flower petals falling in his yard.
A woman who goes by JaCoy took to social media to share a crazy situation in which her neighbor cut down the trees in the backyard of her and her husband’s property. To give some backstory, she explained that the neighbor had previously asked the couple to cut down their trees because the flowers were falling into his yard. They did say no because they were very fond of the trees, but they immediately had professionals come to cut the trees back as a compromise.
She said the neighbor “lost it” and proceeded to send multiple “unhinged” text messages to her husband. However, she assumed the situation would blow over because the trees had been cut back, and the flowers were not actively blooming on the trees.
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The TikTok video posted by the wife showed where the trees had been planted against a stone brick wall that separates their property from the neighbor’s.
She stated, “They were cut aggressively and conveniently in a way that ensured nothing fell into his yard.” After attempting to ask others in the neighborhood if they had seen anything, the neighbor began sending more messages to the couple that included threats and profanity.
The wife acknowledged in a follow-up video that the neighbor had a right to trim any branches or leaves that hung over into his property, but that he took it too far by trespassing and destroying the trees. She even blamed herself, wondering if choosing those specific types of trees somehow caused this whole situation.
According to lawyer Ilona brayJaCoy and her husband have no reason to blame themselves at all. In fact, they should pursue damages against this neighbor for his actions. Bray noted, “If your neighbor or someone else cuts down, removes, or hurts a tree on your property without your permission, that person is required to compensate you (the tree owner) for your loss. If necessary, you can sue to enforce your rights.” There are only two specific legal requirements that must be met for compensation: There must be actual damage to your property and not just a neighbor cutting branches that hang over into his yard, and the tree or trees that were destroyed can’t have been an immediate danger to others.
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The wife said that they’ve already filed a police report and are doing everything they can to get justice for their trees. In the original video’s caption, she said, “Threats, bullying, intimidation, and destruction of property are not okay. I’m tired of watching people use fear and violence to get their way.”
Commenters on the video showed immense support for the couple and emphasized that tree law has serious consequences. Though it’s not clear where exactly the couple lives, many states have legislation that protects trees on an individual’s property. Someone who causes damage to trees that aren’t on their property, like cutting them down, can face severe fines and legal trouble.
One user shared their own experience with a similar situation, commenting, “When my neighbor decided to cut all my trees down on my side of the fence I took legal action. It cost her $2500 per tree. She cut down 9 trees.”
Obviously, it’s always best to try to keep the peace when it comes to neighbors, but unfortunately, in this couple’s case, it seems no matter how hard they tried, they just couldn’t please this flower-hating fiend.
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Kayla Asbach is a writer currently working on her bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Florida. She covers relationships, psychology, self-help, pop culture, and human interest topics.
