A boundary line agreement is a legally binding document that sets clear boundaries between neighboring properties, providing certainty and preventing conflicts.
California law recognizes the right of two adjoining landowners to agree on a specific line or marker to act as the property lines between the two parcels, notwithstanding the legal description in each parcel's deed.
The Boundary Line Agreement (BL AGR) provides a procedure for County review whenever a point or line determining the boundary between two or more parcels of real property cannot be identified from the existing public record, monuments, and landmarks or is in dispute. RCW 58.04.
California law recognizes that property owners may agree to establish or adjust boundary lines. These agreements can be made through written contracts or mutual consent. However, boundary line agreements must be in writing and signed by both parties to be legally enforceable.
If the property line goes through the middle of the tree trunk, the tree is jointly owned by you and your neighbor. Since you jointly own such boundary trees, you are allowed to trim them. But if your trimming kills the tree or you cut down the tree entirely, you could be liable for timber trespass.
Where is my property line? Only a licensed Land Surveyor or Registered Civil Engineer licensed to practice surveying in the State of California can precisely locate property lines.