It probably depends how your lease is written, but you probably have a case.

What kind of trees?

It costs thousands to have big trees brought in and planted, same as with any other project of much size or scope.

What kind of trees were they? How many trees did he cut.

What kind of damage were they doing to the roof. (It looks like the upper limbs are laying on the roof.)

The fire codes in your area will dictate how close a grill can be kept next to a structure, may want to check that out.

I think little to nothing can be determined with the limited information provided so far.

It looks like the tree used to be covered with vines, which were cut. The vines then died, leading to the dead-ish look.

That was my impression too, which would mean the tenants made an improvement, but I can't tell for sure.

Wondered the same thing. Some vines can literally devour a tree alive, blocking off photosynthesis and making branches go bare, that or the dead vine might be what we are seeing. First off, permission should have been asked to do a deck, but I certainly would count to ten before I'd assume that the trees had been damaged until it was visually inspected by someone who has experience with trees. If there is damage, it may have been caused by the vines and not the tenant and that puts the ball back in your court for who is responsible.

Looks to me like once the vines were removed, it revealed that the tree underneath was already almost dead (probably due to the vines).

just a minute, we've got a good seven months 'till April Fools Day, I just checked!!!

With that many vines on the tree, not sure that the trees were mainly dead already, most vines are not trees best friends. As far as the deck being wooden and grill on it, if it's a gas grill should be legal as long as its not multi-family dwelling. In most cases, if done properly a deck built around a tree won't harm it.

I know it's your property and I sympathize with you as you should have given permission, but the deck looks nice.

In addition make sure it wasn't the vines covering the trees that killed the trees, because from the before and after photos, I do not see too much tree, just vines, wouldn't want you to get counter sued.

If day the tenant increased the value of your property by building the deck and trying to bring the trees from the choke hold those vines had on it.

Do you not speak with your tennants? Seems they should have spoken with you before they did anything but it also looks as if you are taking spy shots of them from the roof of the building next to your rental dwelling.

Go talk to them, that'd be my suggestion.

Sorry, OP. That tree looks like it was dead long ago from the smothering vines. Your tenants seem to have done a good job improving the space. Just my opinion.

My previous post should have began "I feel" not "If day", spellcheck ftl.

Just realized it.

my barbie has wheels.... i move it out to use.. and i store against the house .. out of the way ...

i wonder how you got these pix... bucket truck????

NE? .... nebraska ??? ... then this is a deciduous tree.. we really dont have an ID yet.. if so.. most do NOT grow leaves in full shade.. under heavy vines.. but that in no way indicates.. they wont leaf out properly next spring ....

and pruning.. rarely if ever harms a tree ...

yes.. they should have asked permission .... but beyond that.. i am thinking.. they improved your property.. not harmed your trees.. but based on these pix.. its really hard to tell ....

ken

let me guess.....he posted pics on facebook and thats how you found out

I'm also guess the vine in question is sweet autumn clematis. LOL

"i wonder how you got these pix... bucket truck????"

A bucket truck with window seals and bricks??? Come on Ken, you are usually the one that sees stuff some of the rest of us don't.

The vine looked like Kudzu to me.

I'm looking at this from my cell phone so I can't be sure but it looks like a mature weeping cherry tree to me.

The deck looks nice but they should have gotten permission before building anything.

I would check for permits through the city/town to make sure it was inspected so it was done correctly.

In my town a deck would increase my taxes so there's another reason I would be mad.