14 replies to this topic

[nlove4ever]

Our next door neighbors have two very large cotton trees in their backyard. The roots of the largest one are in our yard and are knocking down our fence. My son has very severe allergies and asthma. We purchased the house 6 years ago in December and had never been around cotton trees so we had no idea what a mess they were. They are in full bloom right now and my entire backyard is white. The cotton is in my house, in my garage and in my front yard. We have a trampoline in our backyard and my 10 year old daughter has just developed allergies and can't use the trampoline right now because of how bad the cotton is. This stuff is so sticky it is very hard to get rid of. The blower and the lawn mower can't move it or pick it up because it is so sticky. We live on a zero lot line so the fence is a shared fence. Our neighbors are very odd and not friendly at all. They are a young couple and the female’s father bought the house and they live in it. Last summer we wanted to extend out driveway and it was a nightmare to get them to agree to the property line even though I had the plans from the city. I went ahead and pulled my driveway 12 inches in from the property line just to shut them up so I could get it done. We are friends with all of our other neighbors and have no issues. We have even offered to pay to have the trees removed ourselves but they refuse. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do or how to handle this situation? The cotton is getting worse and worse each year and now I have to dust and vaccum every day to keep it out of the house and keep my children’s allergies under control.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

I feel for your daughter's allergies, but don't think you have any recourse. I'm allergic to a lot of things, but I can't control what pollen blows my way from neighbors or the wetlands (and that cottonwood fluff travels). I can't make neighbors chop down oak trees because I'm allergic to them or to rip up their lawns because I'm allergic to most grasses. I can't make them chop down trees that shed leaves on our property because the leaves are a nuisance to clean up.

The tree roots knocking down the fence is another issue and I am not a lawyer; I'm sure someone else will chime in about rights and responsibilities in a case like this.

[folsom500]

I can only comment on the roots entering your yard- CUT THEM OFF - or have someone do that...

[nlove4ever]

I feel for your daughter's allergies, but don't think you have any recourse. I'm allergic to a lot of things, but I can't control what pollen blows my way from neighbors or the wetlands (and that cottonwood fluff travels). I can't make neighbors chop down oak trees because I'm allergic to them or to rip up their lawns because I'm allergic to most grasses. I can't make them chop down trees that shed leaves on our property because the leaves are a nuisance to clean up.

The tree roots knocking down the fence is another issue and I am not a lawyer; I'm sure someone else will chime in about rights and responsibilities in a case like this.

Deb I understand your point totally and I am not complaining about grass, or some leaves or some pollen from trees (that would be just a tad bit unreasonable ). This is an enormous amount. The grass in my my backyard is completely white and it looks like it is snowing. I am not exaggerating it at all. It didn't use to be this bad and for some reason this year it is crazy and unmanageable.

As for the roots in my yard, yes I will be cutting them off.

[MrsTuffPaws]

Lighting the cottonwood fluff on fire looks fun to me.

[nlove4ever]

Lighting the cottonwood fluff on fire looks fun to me.

You rock!

[Sonny]

Yeah that's a tough one and I do feel for you because I have had my own issues with neighbors over the years. But they own the trees and might really like them.

Is it possible that the cotton might be good for the long-term allergies? Not sure if it's true, but I thought that over time being exposed to allergens causes immune systems to learn to react less and less?

Not the answer sure but maybe there is a positive somewhere.

[supermom]

uggh, I feel for you. They drive my allergies also. Only thing worse for me is a pecan tree.

I wonder if you could get an order for removal from the courts based on testimony from your pediatrics that the children have severe allergies? Do your kids get asthma as well?

Its too bad the neighbors arent reasonable about this. Perhaps they think they will lose privacy or shade?

[mac_convert]

I suggest you check with your HOA as it usually has a list of permissible plants and trees that can be planted. Perhaps the trees are not allowed and you could have the HOA address removing them from the yard because they are not on the approved list.

[cw68]

You might want to talk to an aborist about applying Florel next year to inhibit cottonwood seeding. Find out from them the timing and drawbacks and get a price. Perhaps you could approach your neighbor with the information and tell them you'd be willing to pay for it next year? Your neighbor would still have the trees and you would have less cotton in your lawn.

[john]

I like CW's suggestion - won't involve cutting down a tree in a neighbor's yard which I'm sure would not end well.

[granto]

This is an enormous amount. The grass in my my backyard is completely white and it looks like it is snowing. I am not exaggerating it at all.

Build a Snowman?

[Dude]

Attending to just that neighbors tree may be insufficient. The same type of tree blocks away will still make it appear as if it's snowing in your backyard just like it does in mine too.

[Walnut]

Attending to just that neighbors tree may be insufficient. The same type of tree blocks away will still make it appear as if it's snowing in your backyard just like it does in mine too.

+1 My garage is full of this crap, and the nearest tree is two blocks away.
I won't say your situation isn't bad, but I'll say you'll likely still end up with some.

[crossski]

First cut any and all branches limbs , roots overhanging your fence , property.
If you cannot do it , hire someone.
Second plant screening trees at at the fence-line. These will block most of the fluff getting over.

You could use various types of Juniper trees or redwoods.