Tree law, a niche area of civil and real estate law, can lead to significant financial penalties for violators, as highlighted by Attorney Israel Piedra of Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. in a recent appearance on NPR's Morning Edition. Piedra, a lead personal injury lawyer specializing in timber trespass matters, discussed a case on Nantucket, Massachusetts, where a homeowner faces criminal charges after cutting down neighbor's trees to enhance his property's view. The timber trespass may have increased the property's value, listed at nearly $10 million, but could cost the offender substantially.
Piedra noted that timber trespass cases are common in New England, often resulting from property line confusion or failure to conduct a survey. However, the Nantucket incident reached a level of egregiousness comparable to a Maine case involving poisoned trees. He explained that most tree trespass involves neighbors cutting trees without knowing the property line or disregarding boundaries. Piedra estimates he is handling about two dozen active tree law cases across New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont, though few result in criminal charges. Victims typically seek recourse through civil lawsuits.
Tree law and timber trespass involve thousands of dollars, heightened emotions, and complex property law issues. Piedra and his firm focus on recovering compensation for those injured by negligence. New England property owners who believe they have a case of timber trespass can contact the firm's Nashua premises liability lawyer for more information. Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. is a top-rated personal injury, workers' compensation, divorce, family law, and estate planning law firm, committed to giving back to the legal community.
