Neighbor wars keeping the peace.(CR Home)

Just about anything can spark a border war. Consider the California man who is suing his neighbors because their towering redwoods block the sunlight from his solar panels. But the following five problems illustrate the most likely flash points. Here's what to do:

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NOISY NEIGHBORS

Barking dogs, loud lawn mowers and leaf blowers, and hardy partyers are part of most neighborhoods. Noise is a leading cause of protracted border wars. To combat the clamor, most communities have laws that prohibit unreasonable noise. They also establish quiet times, such as between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays and between midnight and 10 a.m. on weekends. Does your neighbor operate an auto repair shop from his garage? He may be violating your town's residential zoning code. Check local and state laws before confronting him. And be aware of your own noisemaking.

ENCROACHING ELMS

Trees get bigger; that's part of their beauty. You can cut back overhanging branches and trim far-reaching roots on your property. But your pruning can't threaten the health of the tree. Laws against excessive pruning have been made stiffer. And unless you live in Hawaii, you'll probably have to foot the bill. It's best to alert a neighbor before you start cutting. Have a tree service handle high or large branches. And if the trunk straddles property lines, you both own the tree, so you probably need your neighbor's permission to prune.

If a tree is dangerous or unsound, local governments will often intervene, either handling the situation or forcing the owners to act. A call to city hall or the county courthouse should lead you to the appropriate official. If your tree falls on a neighbor's property, you should offer to clean it up even if the law doesn't hold you responsible.