Opinion ID: 901745
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Damages for Tree Removal and Cleanup of Debris

Text: [¶ 30.] In December 2004, Halls cut down the two mature pine trees at the entry to the easement. While one tree was on a third party's property, the other was located on the easement seventeen feet from the western boundary of Halls' thirty-foot wide easement. The trial court found that this tree did not interfere with Halls' reasonable use of the easement. Therefore, it awarded DeHavens $1,500 for the stipulated value of the tree. See SDCL 21-3-10. The court did not award DeHavens any damages for the cost of removing the tree stump and debris. DeHavens contend that they are entitled to the cost of cleaning up. Halls, by notice of review, contend that their removal of the tree was consistent with the terms of the ingress/egress easement, and therefore, the trial court erred in awarding any damages.