I think you should explain to the arborist that it is the neighbor's tree and have the neighbor confirm that. You may want to notify them if there are shrubs/other plants in the vicinity that you don't want crushed. Any particular reason why you are removing it? Anything else, I'm not sure of.

Well its a norway maple which causes all sorts of problems. I want to be able to plant stuff in my backyard but with the norway maple near it, its impossible. I don't want just a bare piece of land

Heruga, from where have you received your information about Norway Maple?

You should ask to have a copy of their proof of insurance. No one is going to fake that.

I'd ask for a contract regarding the scope of work.....are they responsible for complete removal, chipping, stump grinding, etc. You must make sure that your neighbor's property is restored to pristine condition.

Be certain that you communicate very clearly with your neighbor to know his expectations and also with the tree contractors to make sure they understand that this is not your tree.

Well theres a website for that explaining exactly what they do. And yea I will let my neighbor know everything before I do this of course. And norway maple.. everywhere I go tells me that this devil sends every plant nearby to hell. On this forum, look at my other thread about the norway maple, and even past threads about norway maples state that. Other forums also say this tree is terrible

I have landscaped under norway maples for clients, the only problem is their invasive root system (much like silver maple). I personally think they are reliable shade trees (in z7a and below, at least not where I live). Interestingly my county extends into many zones (5a-7b/8a borderline).

Very dark and rooty underneath. And in my climate it gets aphids and drips copiously all summer.

get at least 3 quotes.. and talk with each .. etc .. cheapest may not end up the best job.. ask for a couple references ...

with the neighbor ... why not write up an simple agreement.. and both of you sign it ...maybe in front of a notary ... include access etc ...

if you have a tree trimmed after leaf fall .. that is a lot of free hardwood woodchips .... if you have space for them to dump them ... insure they do .. nothing worse that hauling those away.. then buying bags of mulch in spring ...

on my acreage.. i never pay for stump removal ... i have plenty of space to work around such.. just have them kill it ...

if you insist on stump grinding.. have them remove the grindings .. and add back fresh soil ...

btw.. if they provide a copy of the insurance policy .. it should include a phone number.. call it.. and verify the policy is active ... and though i would.. if this is out in the lawn .. not going to fall on house.. etc .... its probably not that big a deal .. but dont forego it ...

ken

So we have to sign stuff and go through all the documents? Does it have to be that complicated, I mean can't the arborist just knock on my neighbors door to confirm that it is ok?

Well this tree is out all the way back in the lawn its so insignificant for both of us that it wouldn't make a difference if it was there or not. But its not touching our houses but the branches are hanging over my other neighbors property which isn't going to hit their house but they have a wooden fence beneath it.

We took out several of our neighbor's Monterey pines. We hired Bartlett to do it, and they required a simple written, signed statement from the neighbor that it was ok. Something along the lines of 'I give my permission for these trees to be removed', dated and signed. Why not just ask the arborist what they need? If you are indeed using Savatree, they are a multi-state company that is licensed in tree risk assessment, they do expert witness testimony, etc. I doubt very much that you need to call their insurance company.

Get a written agreement. Better safe than sorry, don't want to get into any legal trouble.

What do you mean by written statement, like the tree company gives them the documents and my neighbor just has to sign it? Or can the neighbor simply just tear off a piece of paper stating I give permission to have this tree removed?

seems like sara made it rather clear above ...

you need protection from your neighbor .. in case he comes back later and claims you had no permission to do such ...

and the tree cutter most likely needs the same assurances ...

ken

The neighbor needs to give you a signed statement giving you permission to remove the tree. It doesn't have to be a 20-page contract, just a small piece of paper (maybe even a sticky note) giving you permission.

I just typed up a very simple statement as I indicated above and dated it and took it next door and the neighbor signed it and I gave it to the arborist when he came with the crew. Really, call the arborist and ask them what they need. No sense in us all opining when there is an actual answer to be had.

If really concerned about what kind of document is legally binding or otherwise protects your interest you need to ask an attorney for guidance.

It seems to me a sensible and attuned tree service operator will be concerned about it being proven that a removal on a neighboring property is legitimate. I'm aware of this because people in my area wanting salt water views pay to have hedges and trees belonging to others cut down without their knowledge or consent. In one such instance that made the news here a local JUDGE paid to have part of an URBAN PUBLIC PARK logged so he could see better. Aerial photos showed his house overlooking a surprisingly large clear cut, as though he lived next to a timber company or National Forest stump ranch.

Oh geez are we making too much of a problem with this? Like asking an architect to demolish a building???? Just get your neighbor to agree to have the tree removed (signed) and get a tree trimming company that is licensed and insured (check them on the internet with your state licensing contracting board to be sure their credentials are current), then have them do the deed. No "arborist" is needed to remove a tree...only to figure out what problems a tree has such as fungus and disease and provide treatment.

-Babka

Thanks babka exactly the response I was looking for!

It depends on the neighbor and your relationship.....Also might depend on your relationship 3 weeks from now. Never know when a discussion about the recount of the Clinton/Trump race or something else will turn friendly neighbors to enemies.

FWIW, when I had a tree taken down by a pro they gave an estimate in writing to me. I bet if it was on my neighbor's land they would have done the same. If they did not I'd be more apprehensive.

In writing, a real live document.