Deering, NH tree dispute settles for over $50,000

Year of Incident: 2025

Location: Deering, NH

Result: Pre-suit settlement of $55,000

Attorney: Israel F. Piedra, Esq., of Welts, White & Fontaine, PC

Case Summary

The Plaintiff property owner resided in Deering, NH. A neighbor to his rear engaged in a tree-clearing project but failed to confirm the boundary lines before starting to cut. As a result, the neighbor cut approximately three dozen trees on Plaintiff’s property ranging from 3 inches in diameter to 14 inches in diameter. Plaintiff commissioned a survey confirming the extent of the trespass.

The neighbor attempted to blame the trespass on the contractor he had hired to perform the tree removal work. He claimed that he had delineated the property line but that the contractor had ignored his instructions.

Ultimately, the neighbor’s homeowners insurance acknowledged that the neighbor likely held responsibility. There was no evidence supporting the neighbor’s assertion that the contractor had “gone rogue.” As the hiring property owner, the neighbor had a responsibility to carefully instruct and monitor the tree removal work being conducted on his behalf. This he failed to adequately do.

The neighbor’s homeowners insurance agreed to settle the matter for $55,000 prior to the Plaintiff needing to file a lawsuit.