Question
Hi Jim! I have a neighbor with a dead pine tree about 60' high. If it falls my way, it will hit my house. Here is the question. Do pines start breaking off from the top or do they normally pull up from the ground and fall? My neighbor will not pay to remove this tree but he has been advised that it is a problem therefore he has (and his homeowners) the responsibility and not my homeowners. However, that is little comfort knowing the damage that will occur and possible personal injury as well. I know every situation is different. I just wanted your opinion.

Answer
Dead Pines usually break from the top. The limbs will fall off first then the top section will break up. Pines have a tap root system and this normally will keep the tree fro up rooting and falling as a whole tree.  I would make sure the neighbor has been notified in writing and also contact your insurance company and advice them of the problem and maybe they will also write the neighbor or tell you whose insurance will be responsible. Normally if the homeowner is advised in writing of the hazard they will have to pay for damages if something happens. I hope this helps.