Neighbor Pays For “Hack Job” To Tree.

Another case involving a neighbor cutting down portions of a tree. The trial court awarded damages of $22,530, which it doubled under Civil Code § 3346 to total $45,060. Under Civil Code § 1029.8, the court awarded an addition $50,148 for attorney fees because the tree trimmer was unlicensed. Calling the tree cutting a “hack job,” the appellate court affirmed the damages award, but found section 1029.8 did not apply and reversed the attorney fee award. Rony v. Costa (Cal. App. First Dist., Div. 1; October 26, 2012) 210 Cal.App.4th 746.