What should be done here? Neighbors

[BicycleBride]

We have a situation and I’m so steamed up about the way it has been handled that I’m having trouble seeing if the solution I’ve come up with is reasonable. I’m not going to say up front which one we are because I think these questions get better answers blind.

Tree Neighbor and Pool Neighbor live next door to each other. A few years ago the Pools approached the Trees and asked if they would be willing to trim back one of their trees because it sheds and had caused hundreds of dollars of damage to the Pools’ pool filter. The Trees trimmed their tree then and it was trimmed again a couple of months ago but this isn’t solving the problem because the Pools are still having problems with their filter. What do you think could or should be done here to solve this problem?

[mofongo]

Pool cover? Tree is just existing.

[maudefindlay]

Pool cover is the answer. Just out of curiosity is the pool set back enough per regulations?

[fernweh]

Nothing - the issues with filter could be unrelated. Unfortunately filters have issues and require maintenance cost. Also ditto the Pools getting a solar cover if they don’t already have one. Ours keeps a bunch of stuff out of the pool.

[atexan]

I have a pool and trees. Skim the pool and clean the filter daily. Or as I have done, assign these tasks as daily chores for the children. Walla.

[hermione]

Oct 3, 2024 12:30:13 GMT -5 mofongo said:

Pool cover? Tree is just existing.

Agree assuming there is no major part of the story missing.

[archiethedragon]

pool should be filled in and an edible garden should be planted in its place.

[rachers]

Pool cover seems an easy option to me.

[dexteroni]

Tree neighbor has done all they need to IMO. I would say it’s pool neighbor’s responsibility from here on out.

Where is each side on this - does pool neighbor think tree neighbor needs to do more trimming or remove the tree? Because, no. Pools will get leaves and debris even from trees that don’t hang over it, because wind exists. This is just part of being a pool owner.

[soccermama]

I'm not totally sure, but honestly if I were the Tree neighbor I would be over it by this point and wash my hands of it. Seems like "Tree" neighbor has already tried to do the right thing, had trees trimmed, etc...so if Pool neighbor is still having issues that's on them at this point.

[BicycleBride]

It’s not the leaves from this tree that cause the problem, the tree puts off this white cottony stuff and that’s what is causing the problem.
The two houses are at an angle to each other so that the tree in question is basically right next to the pool. It’s a HOA neighborhood so I’m sure all regulations were followed when the houses were built.

There IS more to this story but I’m trying to keep it as neutral as possible to make sure I am not missing something. I’ll share the whole story in a few minutes.

[mofongo]

I don't think it matters what tree does! Not trees problem.

ETA: pool needs a cover.

[TR]

I still think the Pool family is responsible for dealing with their pool. Is it a cottonwood tree?

I say this as a pool owner that has shit falling into their pool literally every season of the year.

[mccallister84]

Honestly I wouldn’t have trimmed it back the first time. Here, at least, if the branch is hanging across the property line you can trim it on your property so I would expect the pool neighbor would trim it to the property line but as the tree owner I would not spend money on this.

[lavenderblue]

The Tree Family does not need to do anything else in this situation. Pool family needs to figure this out on their own, whether adding a pool cover, updating their filter system, or something else. Not Tree Families problem. They have done more than enough having the tree itself trimmed. If the tree hangs over the property line, the Pool Family could cut it back themselves as well, but only to the property line.

[lucybrown]

Not a lawyer.

Legally, Pools can trim any tree parts that cross onto their property line. Trees have zero obligation to do anything, but it sounds like a good faith effort was made to be a considerate neighbor.

I agree; a pool cover is the answer.

[hermione]

Oct 3, 2024 12:41:25 GMT -5 BicycleBride said:

It’s not the leaves from this tree that cause the problem, the tree puts off this white cottony stuff and that’s what is causing the problem.
The two houses are at an angle to each other so that the tree in question is basically right next to the pool. It’s a HOA neighborhood so I’m sure all regulations were followed when the houses were built.

There IS more to this story but I’m trying to keep it as neutral as possible to make sure I am not missing something. I’ll share the whole story in a few minutes.

I mean...the cottonwood next door clogged up our AC this year. It cost us money. I didn't/don't expect them to take the cottonwood tree down. Because that would be ridiculous. 

[waverly]

I feel like someone wants to cut down the tree. Or did cut down the tree.

Pool neighbor needs to work with their pool company on a solution for their filter whether it is a new filter, filter screens?, pool cover, cleaning service.

[mofongo]

I thought you were tree, but with your response I think you're pool!!

[janegold]

I can't see an argument where Tree family bears any further responsibility.

[glitzy07]

I think Tree neighbor has done more than enough if they've already trimmed the tree twice and weren't otherwise planning to/required to for any reason. This is the Pool owner's responsibility.

[Susie]

If tree isn't hanging over the property line, then tree neighbors have done everything they're obligated to.  

And if I were the tree neighbors it's all I would be doing.  I don't have a pool because I don't wanna maintain one.  I for sure don't wanna get entangled in pool maintenance/accommodations for a pool that isn't even mine.

[TR]

Oct 3, 2024 12:47:01 GMT -5 mofongo said:

I thought you were tree, but with your response I think you're pool!!

lol ditto. I always want to assume that the person posting is the more reasonable one in the scenario.

[TR]

I’m very interested to find out what the buried lede is going to be.

[fernweh]

During cottonwood season around here it looks like it’s snowing with it blowing in the breeze. We have no cottonwood trees and neither do any of our immediate neighbors and we still have to clean cottonwood off our AC unit every year at least once. This is not the responsibility of the Trees to solve this issue.

I’m guessing the Pools want the tree cut down but if there are any others nearby even on nonadjacent properties it will still travel and get in the pool. The Trees need to do nothing more.

[jinkies]

The way it's being presented, I think Team Tree is going to be a unity horse.

I can't wait for the expanded version of this story.

[followyourarrow]

Assuming the tree is trimmed back to the property line, there is not much tree family can do. Cotton floats, it's just what it does. I'd assume pool family knew about the tree when they built the pool.

[hermione]

Oct 3, 2024 12:41:25 GMT -5 BicycleBride said:

It’s not the leaves from this tree that cause the problem, the tree puts off this white cottony stuff and that’s what is causing the problem.
The two houses are at an angle to each other so that the tree in question is basically right next to the pool. It’s a HOA neighborhood so I’m sure all regulations were followed when the houses were built.

There IS more to this story but I’m trying to keep it as neutral as possible to make sure I am not missing something. I’ll share the whole story in a few minutes.

I have a meeting at 2pm so if you could shoot for 1:55,

[litskispeciality]

I think the tree family has gone above and beyond at this point. If it's causing a problem then pool family can cut back branches or whatever they need up to the property line. If pool family wishes to cut even further in to the tree then they need to approach tree family with the proposal, but be prepared to cover any costs.

At the very least pool cover. A pool store should be able to help with the filter, and/or make recommendations for additional tools to keep up with the debris.

[midwestmama]

As others have said, it sounds like the Tree neighbor has done more than enough. Pool maintenance costs are a huge reason why we will never have a pool.