GRETNA – A Metairie homeowner is suing his neighbors, alleging the presence of cypress trees in their yard has harmed his property.
Dr. Terrell Hicks filed a suit Jan. 30 against Willie C. White and Chaille B. White in the 24th Judicial District Court, alleging property damages.
According to the claim, Hicks and the Whites are neighbors; the defendants own the property at 4736 Hessmer in Metairie, while the plaintiff owns the property at 4372 Hessmer. The suit states the Whites own large cypress trees that overhang Hicks' property.
Cypress trees, the lawsuit states, produce "knees" that can become a danger to humans who are walking nearby or to structures. The suit states the Whites' trees and roots have violated Hicks' property.
The lawsuit states Hicks has amicably sought for the removal of the cypress knees, but to no avail. The plaintiff says he has suffered damages to his roof line, pool and vehicles as well as other parts of his property.
The Whites are accused of failing to ensure that the trees are well kept, failing to ensure the trees are not a nuisance to neighbors and failing to make reparation for harm done to the plaintiff's property.
Hicks seeks all reasonable sums due, attorney fees and court costs. He is represented by attorney Jerald L. Album of Reich, Album & Plunkett LLC in Metairie.
The case has been assigned to Division C Judge June Berry Darensburg.
The 24th Judicial District Court Case number 768558.