Court: ND tree owners on hook for neighbor damage

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — If you're a North Dakota tree owner, listen to this. If your tree's branches damage your neighbor's house, you may have to pay to repair the damage.

The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a Lisbon chiropractor may be eligible to collect repair money for clinic damage caused by a neighbor's trees.

Richard Herring says he had to replace his clinic's roof and repair his building's walls because tree branches brushed his roof and leaves clogged his gutters.

The high court says it's never ruled before on whether a tree owner is responsible for damage to a neighbor.

The court says Herring still has to prove the damage to his building was caused by tree branches. Showing that tree leaves got into his gutters won't be enough.

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