Homeowner "absolutely shocked" by construction firm that cut down 2 backyard trees without warning

Author image for Remy Millisky
Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Mar 13, 2026 3:00 PM EDT

This California resident was utterly stunned to find that a construction crew had transformed their backyard without asking.

Some trees require pruning every now and then to keep them healthy, and if they're blocking power lines, they'll get trimmed a lot. But as you can see in the pictures below, this person's backyard trees didn't get trimmed so much as cut down to stumps

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  • Homeowner makes a phone call to discuss the felled trees in his back yard.
    via Getty Images

    Homeowner makes a phone call to discuss the felled trees in his back yard.

  • Homeowners tend to be protective of their grass and shrubbery. Plant life is notoriously difficult to care for if you haven't done a ton of research first. So if you've spent years growing your plants, turning them into healthy, thriving little guys who beautify your home, you're protective of them! You've put in the effort, and most importantly, you know how fragile plant life can be. Some plants wilt dramatically after just a few hours without water. When random workers come into a neighborhood and decide that they need to trim the shrubbery for their own reasons, obviously homeowners are keeping a watchful eye on them.

    As this person knows all too well, there aren't any take-backs once you've chopped down a tree. You can't glue it back together. All the apologies in the world won't replace a 40-year-old tree. All you can do once it's chopped down is get it turned into mulch, and perhaps plant a new tree in due time. 

    This homeowner shared a particularly bizarre story, plus photos, hoping to get some advice on what to do next

  • Came home to two trees in my backyard m*tilated by a construction firm who acquired the lot behind my home

    Cheezburger Image 10614845440
    via LividWalk8179

  • This is what the homeowner had to say about this unfortunate situation

    I believe it was a type of Ash Tree, photo 3 is the best photo I can find of it at the moment before it got cut down.
    via LividWalk8179
  • I received a letter about it being trimmed attached to my doorstep but that was the only notification I received. It is above 12" in diameter at 4
    via LividWalk8179
  • feet tall which might be the legal requirement (e.g. protected status) for this type of tree in my area (need to double-check this).
    via LividWalk8179
  • I'm absolutely shocked, this is not pruning, this completely k led the two trees in my backyard and without permits from the city.
    via LividWalk8179

  • Check out the letter they were sent!

    San Jose, CA 95125 Date: February 13, 2026 Re: Tree Trimming Notice To Whom It May Concern, This letter is to provide notice that Campbell, CA tree branches that extend across the property line onto our site at Campbell, California. Inc. will be trimming all All trimming will be performed at the property line. The work will be completed by a licensed tree trimming contractor, and for all costs associated with this work. Inc. will be responsible Inc. will not perform any work on the portions of t
    via LividWalk8179

    "All trimming will be performed at the property line." I mean, it was at the property line, but I cannot in good faith believe that that constitutes "trimming" instead of "ending that tree's time on planet Earth." 

  • Here's the new view without it

    Cheezburger Image 10614845696
    via LividWalk8179

  • A lot of people had great advice, and pointed them in the right direction

    AnonymousBrowser3967 You want a very specific type of arborist the kind that is used to writing reports for court. It's easy to look them up because they are certified. Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) https://www.asca- consultants.org/page/expert- witness That same website explains what they do and then allows you to find a registered consulting arborist near you. Good luck.
    via LividWalk8179
  • Livid Walk8179 Original Poster's Reply Thanks for the tip, I hired an arborist thru ASCA
    via LividWalk8179
  • Cheezburger Image 10614846976
    via LividWalk8179
  • Leafy green tree with sun filtering through the leaves.
    via Shaueel Persadee

    Leafy green tree with sun filtering through the leaves.

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • Livid Walk8179 Original Poster's Reply I measured the larger tree is 18" diameter at 4.5'
    via LividWalk8179
  • Dawdlenaut Holy sh, this is the holy grail of tree law adventures if you have the energy/time/financial capacity to litigate. They damaged your property, k led the trees, and admitted to violating the law in writing in a way that is designed to intimidate you. I danced a little jig in excitement at the chance to witness of fact this situation but don't live in your state. Get 'em, OP!
    via LividWalk8179
  • GradientForce make sure to give us an update when you get what you're owed by these guys
    via LividWalk8179

  • Thankfully, people came in clutch with advice. The tree's type can be very important in cases like these — some are protected by strict laws. If the company flouted those rules in order to recklessly chop that neighborhood to bits, they might find themselves in a lengthy and expensive law proceeding. 

  • Techienickie yeah they're gonna be liable for a lot! A neighbor can trim the portions of a tree that hang over the line, but not if it damages the health of the tree.
    via LividWalk8179
  • Severe-Elderberry833 also talk to the city: this might merit a stop work order.
    via LividWalk8179
  • Felled tree in suburban yard waiting to be disposed of
    via Getty Images

    Felled tree in suburban yard waiting to be disposed of

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