Beware of Purple Trees: Trespassing Basics

Entering someone else’s property without permission can be very dangerous. People take their property rights very seriously in Virginia and trespassing on the wrong person’s land can result in serious legal and physical problems. There have been stories of people getting shot for trespassing. Therefore, you need to be aware of when you are allowed to be on someone else’s property.

What is Trespassing? Trespassing is defined as entering or remaining on someone’s property after having been forbidden from being there. That notice can be oral, written, or posted notice. In other words, if your neighbor tells you to get off their lawn, get off their lawn. If a neighbor sends you a stern letter to keep off their lawn, keep of their lawn. If your neighbor puts up a sign that says no trespassing, stay off their lawn.

However, one little know method of keeping people off your property is by painting perimeter trees. Virginia law provides painting trees as a valid means of posting that someone is not allowed to be on their property.

What Color Must a Tree Be Paint? The two colors permitted by Virginia law are purple and aluminum. Therefore, if you are out hiking and see a purple tree, leave immediately. The last thing you want is a criminal trespass charge or getting shot. Therefore, beware of purple trees.