Couple Accused of Poisoning Trees for a Better View in Maine

According to the New York Times, a couple who live in Brooklyn but summer in Maine are under investigation by Maine’s Board of Pesticides Control for allegedly poisoning their neighbor's tree.

The newspaper reported that the couple owns a seasonal home in Maine.

They allegedly hired someone to “take care of” a few very healthy trees in their neighbor's yard to kill them for a better view, according to the New York Times.

The newspaper said that tests were done on the soil and signs of pesticide contamination near the trees that were killed were found. A formal complaint was filed.  

The waterfront property that was affected was Ruth Graham's, who passed away in 2024 at 95 years old, and her home is currently for sale for $2.49 million, according to the New York Times.

The environmental experts told the newspaper that poisoning of trees on someone else's property is indeed illegal, not to mention unethical. 

It can be punishable by steep fines and possible lawsuits.  

Read More: You May Be Surprised by the Largest Forest in New Hampshire 

The investigation into this is still ongoing.