Q.Red Bud Damage
The neighbor’s tree trimmer “accidentally” cut down our beautiful, double trunk, 12 year old Eastern Red Bud to about two feet. We are sick about this. Can this tree be saved? If so, what should we do? It is November in Kansas but so far the weather is mild. Thank you!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Likely not. That is catastrophic damage to a tree.
At this point, I would recommend seeking legal or insurance help. A few years ago, my grandmother had a tree in her yard struck by a car and her insurance company valued the tree at $100 per inch of circumference. I don't know how they would value it now, but mature trees are considered to have value, sometimes considerable value.
The tree trimmer should have insurance to cover this kind of damage (your own home owner's insurance may be able to help you to collect from them) and if he does not, you may have grounds for a legal suit. Destroying a tree on your property is no different than if he had "accidentally" smashed into your car or front porch.
