neighbor's trees threating my property

we have a swimming pool in our backyard and an expensive fence shared with our neighbor. both of us are not the original owners of our homes. we had a fellow come in the other day to give us a quote on removing some tree stumps and he noted 3 big poplars the neighbor has on his property that overhang our property and said that they had to be removed as they could:

a) damage our house if they fell..they are dying but very slowly and he said given their size, it's more likely they would snap (very windy city at times) and 2 of 3 for sure would fall onto our property, potentially onto our house. they also have terrible roots that can get into your weeping tile (plastic pipe sewer system around perimeter of the house for those who haven't heard the term) and he said they will grow right through our pool wall (concrete backed under a vinyl liner)

so i went and told our neighbor this..he was very much aware of the potential of damage to weeping tile from these and had planned to get them "topped" as he too feared they could fall on our house. i said, this tree expert says they have to be removed or they will cause other damage through the root system. and my neighbor said so if i had them removed would you be willing to share the cost? i said frankly, they are on your property and threatening my property so i don't think so..he said well , you're the one that's over here with the concern, i just inherited the trees when we moved in. i defused the situation for now by saying to my neighbor that let's get this tree guy over here to talk to you and i and go from there, then. and get a second opinion if you like on the matter. i could be a good neighbor i guess and pay for half, but frankly, i dont' see him offering to pay for half my stumps and another tree to be removed so i want to tell him to take a hike..

that's where it sits but i don't believe the situation is going to change. it did occur to me given the threat to my insured company that i should call my insurance and see if they want to get involved on my behalf?

thoughts? and thanks

terry

[msg]

Put that in writing to him and he has to make sure the trees are cut back and are safe--or he will be liable if damage occurs.