Oregon court now upholds $810,000 award over 2018 tree clearing beyond a neighbour's property line

A construction project can become an expensive dispute when work crosses a property boundary. In Oregon, a landowner alleged that workers clearing an adjoining parcel removed trees, shrubs and other plants from as much as 150 feet inside his property. A jury found that the timber trespass was intentional and awarded him $810,000 in treble damages.In an opinion dated April 8, 2026, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment in Butori v.

Bosma, case number A181266. The decision, available on Justia, rejected challenges to the evidence and to Henry Bosma's personal liability. The court found sufficient evidence that he personally directed or caused the clearing.Construction clearing crossed the property lineThe dispute involved adjoining properties known as Government Lots 6 and 7.

Tom Butori owned Lot 6, while Bosma Enterprises Inc. (in which Bosma had an ownership interest) owned Lot 7.