A New Jersey homeowner has filed a lawsuit alleging that a tree surgeon entered her garden without permission and cut down a 150-year-old oak while carrying out work at a neighbouring school. The claim centres on the loss of what is described as a majestic and long-established tree, and raises questions about responsibility, property boundaries and compensation for damage to private land.

According to the lawsuit, the contractor had been working at the school next door before allegedly crossing into the homeowner’s garden and removing the oak. The tree was said to be around 150 years old; the article does not provide the contractor’s response or details of any court ruling.