You need to know where your property starts and ends to remove a tree on “your” property. Finding your title survey in New York helps prevent misunderstandings with public property, and neighbors, avoiding legal issues later on.
What is a Title Survey?
It’s like a blueprint that shows exactly what land legally belongs to you. It includes lines around the edge of your property, any structures (like buildings, fences, decks, pools, sheds, and other property improvements), and even trees. It also highlights any easements, which are legal rights that allow you to use another person’s land for a specific purpose (which still doesn’t mean you own it) and encroachments, that show when any structures are on another person’s property.
This official title survey document is drawn up by a licensed professional and gives a clear picture of your land’s borders. In New York, these surveys are often done when a home is bought or sold. They help make sure everyone agrees on where fences, driveways, and yes – even big trees – are located legally.
Title vs. Property vs. Land Surveys
A title survey shouldn’t be confused with a property survey or a land survey. A title survey focuses more on the legal ownership and rights related to a property, whereas a property survey highlights the physical location, size, and boundaries of a property. Land survey is an umbrella term for surveys like boundary, topographic, and construction surveys.
Why It Matters When Taking Down a Tree
Let’s say there’s a large tree near your fence line. You might think “Yeah, this is definitely my property, I’ll just chop it down”, but without checking first, you could be mistaken. If the tree is sitting right on the edge of your neighbor’s or public property, cutting it down or even professionally pruning your tree can lead to legal complications for you.
A title survey shows where the tree really stands. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re only altering your property and not your neighbors. If you have this, you can contact Green Leaf to move on to the next steps of removing your tree in Brooklynand other locations in New York!
Where do I find my title survey?
There are many ways to get your title survey:
- Check Your Home Documents: When you bought your house, did you get a folder with papers? Look through those. The survey may already be there.
- Talk to Your Lender or Title Company: If you got a mortgage, they likely had a survey done. Give them a call, they might still have a copy.
- Contact Your Local County Clerk: According to the Office of General Services in New York, title surveys can be provided to you from them – find their office here.
- Search Online Public Records: Many counties in New York offer digital access to property records. Try typing “finding your title survey” along with your city or town into a search engine to find local resources.
- Use a Property Platform: Some websites gather property data from across the state. They can show you maps and past survey info, all from one place.
Bring Experts to your Property
If you’ve checked everywhere and still can’t locate your title survey, don’t panic. You can hire a licensed land surveyor to create a new one. They’ll come out to your property, measure everything, and draw a fresh map to outline where exactly your property is.
This is especially helpful if you live in an older neighborhood where original surveys may be outdated, missing, or simply unusable. This might be the best bet you have to make sure you get the correct information.
Think Before You Trim & Remove
Before making any major changes to your outdoor space, especially involving large plants or natural features. it’s smart to get a clear understanding of your property lines.
If you need more assistance – we’re happy to help. Stay informed and do your homework beforehand. This will save a lot of headaches for you in the long run and protect any relationships you’ve formed with your neighbors.