CT HB05055

Property owner becomes liable for removal expenses when a tree or limb from their land falls on an adjoining property owner's land, effective October 1, 2020, if three conditions are met prior to the fall

Arborist must inspect the tree and document that it is diseased, decayed, or damaged and likely to fall within five years

Adjoining property owner must provide written certified mail notice to the tree owner requesting the condition be cured and owner must fail to remedy it within ninety days of receiving notice

Presumption of liability can be rebutted if a subsequent arborist inspection shows the tree was not diseased or damaged, or if the tree fell due to other causes such as motor vehicle collision, fire, lightning, or act of God

Exempts from liability property owned by political subdivisions, water companies, tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, conservation easements, timber land, farm land, forest land, and open space land