Knowledgebase

Tree of Heaven infestation #876690

Asked July 10, 2024, 2:18 PM EDT

Neighbors adjacent are allowing Tree of Heaven to grown rapidly in the driveway between homes.  The driveway is old and only used as a walkway.  There are at least 15 new plants growing now inches from my property line.  I have put in complaint to City of Denver, called noxious weed program in Denver and no response, whatsoever.  I do not have the money to sue them for a nuisance.  They maintain it is their property and they can do whatever.

Who do I contact that will take some enforcement action under Noxious Weed Act.  This vegetation poses a threat to my property only 32 inches away as the driveway is in between homes.


Joyce Grant

Denver County Colorado

Expert Response

Hi,

Sorry to hear that you are having some issues with your neighbors' tree. Here are a few resources:

311 provides Denver residents with a way to navigate city services we may not be aware of.

Denver Forestry: <personal data hidden>,<personal data hidden>
Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied July 11, 2024, 12:27 PM EDT

Not helpful. I tried all of above,no response. Not 1 tree, but 15 bushes.

The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2024, 12:49 PM EDT
We sympathize and are sorry that the City has been unresponsive to your noxious weed complaint; however, Extension are educators, not legal enforcement officers, and we have no authority to force your neighbor to remove the trees.

Perhaps educating your neighbor on Tree of Heaven being a List C Noxious Weed in Colorado, you can convince them of the need to control it. Here's something you can give them to bolster your argument:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UdYfZXpc752S0WfPE68yhPJxOpP17o8U/view

Good luck!
Colorado Master Gardener, Denver County Replied July 12, 2024, 10:32 AM EDT
I told you all of the entities that I  had contacted in first email.  I know you don't  do enforcement. I am a biologist and a lawyer. I was looking for information. Why not contact neighbor? There is a no contact agreement in place. I wanted to know how one effectively removes these weeds from property for good. They cut them down and they multiply every year. It is hard to believe you have no contact with Co. Dept of Agriculture or work with them or know what steps required to eliminate such a dangerous weed. 

From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Friday, July 12, 2024 8:32:46 AM
To: jxgran3 <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Tree of Heaven infestation (#0146608)
 
The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2024, 11:19 AM EDT

Loading ...