BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — A Birmingham woman, Connie Lang, has been voicing concerns for years about a massive tree on the property next door, located at 5700 Avenue P, which has caused repeated damage to her property. Despite her efforts, Lang said her warnings went unheeded until recently.
“I was in the kitchen and heard a loud boom sound like something hit, and heard an alarm going off, car alarm,” Lang said, describing the moment a large tree branch fell on her vehicle on May 13, leaving shattered glass and damage.
Lang explained that the issue dates back to 2018. She said a branch fell on their garage in January of 2024, with her family having to pay out of pocket for tree trimming and damage repairs due to a lack of response from the rental agency managing the neighboring property. “Nobody has taken care of it,” she said.
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The property, which has been a rental for over a decade, is currently vacant. Robert Howard, the property manager from Epic Realty Property Management, said the company took over management on May 10 and is aware of the issues. “We became aware by visiting the property and the wonderful neighbor next door made us aware,” Howard said.
Howard assured that the tree would be removed from Lang’s vehicle. ABC 33/40’s I-Team followed up and the tree was removed that Friday afternoon.
When asked if the property management company would pay for the damage to the vehicle, Howard responded, “we have insurance so the insurance is the first line of contact, so we will let them advise us from there, but yes we intend on making whatever we have to right.”
Lang hopes avoiding paying out of pocket again and insists that “the rest of the tree needs to be cut down.” Howard confirmed that the tree would be fully removed, though he said the job is delayed due to its proximity to a transformer and the need to coordinate with Alabama Power.
Howard emphasized the company’s commitment to resolving the issues and maintaining the property. “More than anything we want to be good neighbors,” he said.
Lang remains hopeful that the property will be properly maintained in the future.
“If you ride up and down the streets of this neighborhood, everyone whether they rent or whether they own their homes, they are decent neighbors,” Lang said.
