Abbinett v. Fox

703 P.2d 177, 103 N.M. 80

• Court: New Mexico Court of Appeals
• Decided: July 9, 1985
• Docket: 7806
• Status: Published

Opinions

OPINION

DONNELLY, Chief Judge.

Defendant, Osborne Fox, appeals from a judgment awarded in favor of plaintiffs George and Betty Abbinett, authorizing plaintiffs to destroy encroaching tree roots originating from the defendant’s property onto the plaintiffs’ property and awarding compensatory damages. Two issues are raised on appeal: (1) whether the trial court properly imposed liability for damages caused by encroaching tree roots; and (2) whether there was sufficient evidence to support the award of damages. We affirm.

FACTS

Plaintiffs and defendant formerly owned adjoining residences on Mossman Place in Albuquerque. Plaintiffs brought suit against the defendant alleging that during the time that defendant owned the property, roots from a large cottonwood tree on defendant’s land encroached onto plaintiffs’ land and damaged a patio slab, cracked the sides of a swimming pool, broke a block wall and a portion of the foundation of the plaintiffs’ home, and clogged a sprinkler system on the plaintiffs’ property. Plaintiffs sought a mandatory injunction against defendant requiring him to prevent future damages to the plaintiffs’ property from the encroaching tree roots from trees on the defendant’s land, and also sought compensation for damages to the plaintiffs’ property.

After a bench trial, the trial court entered a judgment against the defendant in the amount of $2,500, denied injunctive relief, and entered an order authorizing the plaintiffs to utilize self-help to destroy or block the roots of the defendant’s cottonwood trees from encroaching on their land in order to prevent further property damage.

I. LIABILITY FOR ENCROACHMENT

Defendant contends that the trial court erred in imposing damages against him resulting from the tree roots protruding onto plaintiffs’ property. Defendant contends that the evidence was insufficient to establish a connection between the trees growing on his land and the root damage resulting to the plaintiffs’ property. Defendant further argues that, even assuming that the evidence supports the trial court’s finding that roots from trees growing on his property actually caused damages to the plaintiffs’ property, the claim and resulting injury should not be actionable.

Appellate courts in New Mexico have not addressed the specific issue of whether or not an adjoining landowner has a cause of action against a neighboring landowner for damages or injunctive relief resulting from encroaching branches or roots of trees which protrude from the property of one party onto the land of another. The states which have considered the issue presented here, have articulated diverse results. See Annot., 83 A.L.R.2d 936, § 3 at 939 (1962); Annot., 18 A.L.R. 655 (1922); 2 H. Tiffany, The Law of Real Property, § 663 at 549 (1939).

Under the rule followed by Massachusetts, an adjoining landowner is denied recovery either in damages or in equity for damage resulting from encroaching tree limbs or roots, unless the trees or plants are categorized as poisonous or noxious. An affected neighboring landowner is restricted to a remedy of self-help; he has the right to cut off the intruding boughs or roots of non-poisonous or non-noxious trees. Michalson v. Nutting, 275 Mass. 232, 175 N.E. 490 (1931); Annot., 76 A.L.R. 1109 (1932) (roots of tree on adjoining property repeatedly clogged sewer line on neighbor’s land); Ponte v. Da Silva, 388 Mass. 1008, 446 N.E.2d 77 (1983) (plaintiff was injured after falling in her driveway due to sap, leaves and branches that had fallen from neighbor’s tree); see also Sterling v. Weinstein, 75 A.2d 144 (D.C.1950) (protruding branches of tree dropped leaves and buds clogging neighbors gutters).

The Restatement (Second) of Torts states that a possessor of land is not liable for an invasion of another landowner’s use and enjoyment of his land resulting from a natural condition on the land. Comment (a) to this section states that a natural condition “means a condition not in any way the result of human activity,” and includes “trees, weeds and other vegetation on land that has not been made artificially receptive to it by act of man.” Restatement (Second) of Torts, § 840 at 166-68 (1979). Restatement (Second) of Torts, § 839 (1979) pertains to planted trees and non-natural vegetation on one’s property and problems which arise when the limbs or roots of the trees interfere with the use and enjoyment of another’s property. This section provides that a possessor of land is liable for an invasion of an adjoining landowner’s interest in the use and enjoyment of his land if it is abatable and he fails to take reasonable steps to prevent the invasion. See Sterling v. Weinstein; Sprecher v. Adamson Companies, 114 Cal.App.3d 414, 170 Cal.Rptr. 702, vacated, 30 Cal.3d 358, 178 Cal.Rptr. 783, 636 P.2d 1121 (1981); Franchi v. Boulger, 12 Mass.App. 376, 425 N.E.2d 372 (1981).

Further, Virginia has adopted the rule that equitable relief will be denied where the facts do not reveal the existence of “sensible injury” to an adjoining landowner. Smith v. Holt, 174 Va. 213, 5 S.E.2d 492 (1939); Annot., 128 A.L.R. 1217 (1940). In Smith the plaintiff sought injunctive relief against an adjoining property owner to prevent the roots and branches of a hedge from invading his property. The court denied injunctive relief but indicated it would apply a different result where it appears that “a sensible injury has been inflicted by the protrusion of roots from a noxious tree or plant onto the land of another, [the owner of land invaded by protruding roots or limbs from a neighbor’s lands] has, after notice, a right of action at law for trespass.” 174 Va. at 219, 5 S.E.2d at 495. This same rule was announced in Countryman v. Lighthill, 31 N.Y.Sup.Ct. 405 [24 Hun. 405] (1881) (protruding branches from a tree not poisonous or noxious are not a nuisance per se so as to allow a basis for damages; a landowner’s remedy is self-help). Harndon v. Stultz, 124 Iowa 440, 100 N.W. 329 (1904) (plaintiff may not compel destruction of hedge; her remedy is to cut back protruding branches and roots to boundary line).

However, a number of states adhere to the rule that a landowner may be liable in damages to an adjoining property owner where he maintains a tree which causes “sensible” damage to a neighboring landowner, irrespective of whether the tree is noxious or poisonous in nature. Gostina v. Ryland, 116 Wash. 228, 199 P. 298 (1921); Buckingham v. Elliott, 62 Miss. 296, 52 Am.Rep. 188 (1884); Stevens v. Moon, 54 Cal.App. 737, 202 P. 961 (1921); Shevlin v. Johnston, 56 Cal.App. 563, 205 P. 1087 (1922); Mead v. Vincent, 199 Okla. 508, 187 P.2d 994 (1947); Hickey v. Michigan Central Railroad Co., 96 Mich. 498, 55 N.W. 989 (1893). The decisions in each of these states appear to be influenced at least in part by specific statutory provisions pertaining to nuisances.

Moreover, in Grandona v. Lovdal, 70 Cal. 161, 11 P. 623, 624 (1886), the court held that to the extent that portions of the trees belonging to one landowner extend over the land of a neighboring property owner, the protruding branches constitute a nuisance and “the person over whose land they extend may cut them off, or have his action for damages and an abatement of the nuisance * * See also Stevens v. Moon; Holmberg v. Bergin, 285 Minn. 250, 172 N.W.2d 739 (1969); Mead v. Vincent. The court in Gostina v. Ryland reiterated the rule that injunctive relief to abate a nuisance will not be granted, except where there is satisfactory proof that substantial damage has resulted to the property. The rule set forth in Gostina v. Ryland generally follows the English common law. See also Smith v. Giddy, 2 K.B. 448 (1904).

The approach adopted by the Hawaii courts varies somewhat from the above rules. In Whitesell v. Houlton, 2 Haw. App. 365, 632 P.2d 1077 (1981), the court analyzed the divergent results reached by those states which have ruled upon this issue. The court noted:

[T]he Massachusetts rule is “simple and certain.” However, we question whether it is realistic and fair. (Footnote omitted.) Because the owner of the tree’s trunk is the owner of the tree, we think he bears some responsibility for the rest of the tree * * *. [I]f the owner knows or should know that his tree constitutes a danger, he is liable if it causes personal injury or property damage on or off of his property. See Medeiros v. Honomu Sugar Co., 21 Haw. 155 (1912)

Consequently, we prefer a modified Virginia rule. We hold that non-noxious plants ordinarily are not nuisances; that overhanging branches which merely cast shade or drop leaves, flowers, or fruit are not nuisances; that roots which interfere only with other plant life are not nuisances; that overhanging branches or protruding roots constitute a nuisance only when they actually cause, or there is imminent danger of them causing, sensible harm to property other than plant life, in ways other than by casting shade or dropping leaves, flowers, or fruit; that when overhanging branches or protruding roots actually cause, or there is imminent danger of them causing, sensible harm to property other than plant life, in ways other than by casting shade or dropping leaves, flowers, or fruit, the damaged or imminently endangered neighbor may require the owner of the tree to pay for the damages and to cut back the endangering branches or roots * * *. * * * [W]e also hold that a landowner may always, at his own expense, cut away only to his property line above or below the surface of the ground any part of the adjoining owner’s trees or other plant life. [Emphasis added.]

Whitesell, 632 P.2d at 1079.

We adopt the rule stated in Whitesell v. Houlton. This- approach voices a rational and fair solution, permitting a landowner to grow and nurture trees and other plants on his land, balanced against the correlative duty of a landowner to ensure that the use of his property does not materially harm his neighbor. The privilege of a landowner to make use of his property as he sees fit is generally qualified by the requirement that he exercise due regard for the interests of those who may be affected by the landowner’s activities on the property. Scott v. Jordan, 99 N.M. 567, 661 P.2d 59 (Ct.App.1983); Jellison v. Gleason, 77 N.M. 445, 423 P.2d 876 (1967); Compare Gabaldon v. Sanchez, 92 N.M. 224, 585 P.2d 1105 (Ct.App.1978). It is the duty of a landowner to utilize his property in a reasonable manner so as not to cause injury to adjoining property. E.g., Gutierrez v. Rio Rancho Estates, Inc., 94 N.M. 84, 607 P.2d 622 (Ct.App.1979), affirmed, 93 N.M. 755, 605 P.2d 1154 (1980).

Although a landowner is entitled to use his own property, consistent with the law, in a manner calculated to maximize his own enjoyment, a concomitant of this right is that the use and enjoyment of his estate may not unreasonably interfere with or disturb the rights of adjoining landholders, or create a private nuisance. Scott v. Jordan; see also Jellison v. Gleason. A person who suffers injury to his property from a nuisance may abate it without resort to legal proceedings provided he can do so without causing a breach of the peace. State ex rel. Herman v. Cardon, 112 Ariz. 548, 544 P.2d 657 (1976); Fontenot v. Central Louisiana Electric Co., 147 So.2d 773 (La.App.1962). The question of whether a nuisance exists is ordinarily an issue of fact; not of law, depending upon all of the attendant circumstances. Scott v. Jordan. The trial court may grant both damages for already incurred injuries and injunctive relief to prevent future harm where there is a showing of irreparable injury for which there is no adequate and complete remedy at law. Hines Corp. v. City of Albuquerque, 95 N.M. 311, 621 P.2d 1116 (1980); Norwood v. City of New York, 95 Misc.2d 55, 406 N.Y.S.2d 256 (1978); Holmberg v. Bergin.

In the present case, the trial court found that the defendant had negligently maintained his cottonwood tree and had allowed its roots to cross onto the plaintiffs’ property and cause substantial damage. The decision of the trial court is in accord with the rule announced in White-sell which has been adopted by this court in this case. The trial court was within its authority to make this factual determination in light of the evidence and circumstances of the case and this finding will not be disturbed on appeal. It is not the function of an appellate court “to weigh the evidence or its credibility, and we will not substitute our judgment for that of the trial court as to the facts established by the evidence, so long as the findings are supported by substantial evidence.” Getz v. Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States, 90 N.M. 195, 198, 561 P.2d 468, 471, cert. denied, 434 U.S. 834, 98 S.Ct. 121, 54 L.Ed.2d 95 (1977).

II. SUFFICIENCY OF EVIDENCE

Defendant asserts that the evidence adduced at trial was insufficient to support an award of damages in the amount of $2,500. Additionally, defendant asserts that the evidence failed to establish that the roots in the plaintiffs’ yard in fact came from any of the trees located on the defendant’s property.

Defendant offered the testimony of a tree expert, Duane Laymon, who stated that the defendant had dug two trenches along a portion of the boundary between the plaintiffs’ and defendant’s property. The trench was approximately three feet deep. Laymon testified that he had not found any roots that were large enough to cause damage to the plaintiffs’ property. He also stated that the stabilizing roots of trees do not extend further than three feet from the drip line of surrounding trees and that stabilizing roots were the only ones of sufficient size to cause the damage shown to have occurred on the plaintiffs’ property. Laymon testified that the cottonwood located on the defendant’s property was approximately 35-40 feet from the plaintiffs’ house and that in his opinion it was unlikely that the roots which were causing the damage came from the tree on the defendant’s land.

Contrasted with the testimony of the defendant’s expert was the testimony of Frank Feather, a horticulturist and professor of biology at the University of New Mexico. Professor Feather testified that in his opinion roots from a tree or trees on defendant’s property were probably responsible for the damage to the plaintiffs’ property.

Plaintiffs also testified that he discovered roots growing around his lawn sprinkler system and under the foundation of his house, the swimming pool and his patio wall. There were no cottonwood trees in plaintiffs’ yard. Plaintiff introduced numerous photographs showing the cottonwood tree growing on defendant’s property, and large live tree roots near walls, foundations and other structures on plaintiffs’ land. Both direct and circumstantial evidence indicates that the roots causing the damage appeared to come from the defendant’s property. Plaintiff testified that when he became aware of the harm resulting from the encroaching tree roots, he both orally and by writing placed defendant on notice of this fact. The trial court concluded that defendant could only be held accountable for damages resulting from his tree after notice and that defendant failed to act reasonably to remedy the situation. This evidence amply supports the trial court’s finding that the defendant negligently permitted roots from a cottonwood tree to cross onto plaintiffs’ property and cause damage.

Plaintiff testified that he obtained an estimate from a contractor of $2,100 to remove roots from around the foundation of his home and to repair structural cracks caused by the roots. Additionally, plaintiff testified that he obtained an estimate of $300 to remove and replace a concrete slab adjoining his swimming pool. The cost of filling the trench (dug to stop the roots from growing) with 3,000 pounds of rock salt to kill the roots was $128.96. Additionally, plaintiff testified that he incurred sprinkler system repair costs of $70, and had performed labor to repair damage to his home from tree roots, totaling approximately $600. This testimony supports the trial court’s award of damages. E.g., Rayco Drilling Co. v. Dia-Log Co., 81 N.M. 101, 464 P.2d 17 (1970).

On appeal, defendant points to evidence which, if relied upon by the trial court, would have dictated a different result. The test to be applied on appeal is whether or not there is substantial evidence to support the trial court’s findings, not whether there is evidence to support an alternative result. Cardenas v. United Nuclear Homestake Partners, 97 N.M. 46, 636 P.2d 317 (Ct.App.1981).

In New Mexico a party seeking to recover damages has the burden of proving the existence of injuries and resulting damage with reasonable certainty. Sanchez v. Martinez, 99 N.M. 66, 653 P.2d 897 (Ct.App.1982). However, the theory of damages is founded on the principle of making the injured party whole. In computing damages the fact finder is not held to an inflexible or precise standard; the object is to afford just and reasonable compensation for the injuries sustained. Topmiller v. Cain, 99 N.M. 311, 657 P.2d 638 (Ct.App.1983); see also NMSA 1978, UJI Civ. 18.2 (Cum.Supp.1984). The record supports the trial court's award of damages.

The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

NEAL, J., concurs. BIVINS, J., dissents.