Associated Press - November 6, 2009 12:34 PM ET

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A state appeals court has ruled that one neighbor can't cut down a towering tree on the property line when the other neighbor wants to save the tree.

The decision Friday by the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals sets a legal precedent in Alabama.

The court's ruling reversed a decision issued in Randolph County.

Kathy and Roger Ledford wanted to cut down a 100-foot-tall pine tree that is about 10 feet from their vacation home on Lake Wedowee. They said it poses a danger to their home. Their neighbors, David and Debbie Young, wanted to keep the tree that sits on the boundary line between the two homes.

The appeals court said each party has ownership rights to the tree and its removal by the Ledfords would deprive the Youngs of their property rights.

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