How a Boundary Survey in Vero Beach Brought Clarity to a Neighbor Dispute Over a Massive Live Oak

In the quiet neighborhoods of Vero Beach, beautiful mature trees are part of the charm — but they can also become the center of serious disagreements when they sit close to a property line. Recently, two neighbors contacted Florida Building & Land Surveying after a disagreement arose over a massive live oak whose sprawling canopy stretched well over both yards.

The question was simple: Who actually owned the tree?

The answer, however, required professional surveying precision.

The Issue: Canopy Spread vs. Trunk Ownership

Both homeowners believed the tree belonged to them because of how far the branches extended. One homeowner had paid for trimming in the past, while the other argued that the root system sat predominantly on their side. Without a formal survey, neither could be sure.

To complicate matters, the shade from the tree was affecting one homeowner’s solar panel placement while the other was concerned about potential windstorm damage.

A certified boundary survey became the only way to settle the disagreement confidently and legally.

Our Approach: Recovering Monuments & Mapping the Boundary with Precision

Our Vero Beach survey team performed a Boundary Survey and Tree Location Survey using:

• RTK GNSS receivers

• Total station verification

• Deed research & plat recovery

• Physical location of original property monuments

We located the iron pins and re-established the exact lot lines based on record documentation. The survey revealed that:

• The trunk of the live oak was positioned entirely on one homeowner’s parcel, even though the canopy stretched far beyond the line.

• The neighboring property had rights to trim branches that crossed onto their lot, but not to alter the trunk or roots.

• No encroachments or fence conflicts existed, meaning neither property violated setback or boundary requirements.

Both neighbors were provided a certified survey showing the tree’s exact position relative to the legal boundary.

Why This Survey Was Important

Tree ownership disputes are incredibly common in coastal Florida, especially with longstanding trees that predate modern fencing and landscaping. A professional boundary survey is crucial because:

• Canopy spread does NOT determine ownership — the trunk location does.

• Survey documents provide legal clarity in potential insurance or storm-damage claims.

• Accurate mapping helps homeowners make informed decisions about trimming, removal, or permitting.

• It prevents neighbor conflicts from escalating into legal battles.

This project in Vero Beach ended with both neighbors satisfied, relieved, and appreciative of having objective documentation that settled the issue permanently.

Trusted Land Surveyors Serving All of Indian River County

From Vero Beach to Sebastian and Fort Pierce, Florida Building & Land Surveying provides accurate and reliable boundary, elevation, and tree-location surveys for homeowners, HOAs, realtors, engineers, and attorneys.

If you’re facing a similar dispute, or simply want clarity about your property lines, our team is here to help.

Call us today:
877-894-8001 (Statewide Toll-Free)

Or request a survey online on our contact page