Make Like A Tree and Leaf ‘Em: Stealing Shrubs is Serious!

Ever looked over at your neighbor’s garden and thought that their rhododendrons would look much better on your side of the fence? Better head to your local greenhouse instead of picking up a shovel, because theft of another person’s plant can be a surprisingly serious situation.

Often, it’s not just for something pretty to look at—stealing plants can actually be part of a larger crime ring. And even though plants may seem like a silly thing to take, their relatively high retail value can mean big cost-savings for landscapers—and much more serious penalties if they get caught.

Shrubbery Scams: The Scourge of the Suburbs

Neighbors in West Seattle reported multiple thefts to the West Seattle blog in August, stating that the total cost of the lost foliage had put a $600 hole in their garden. Their theory?

“We suspect someone doing a landscaping job cutting their expenses,” they told the blog.

They may not be that far off from the truth; plants can be extremely costly, and professional landscapers can save money on their bottom line by “borrowing” them from nearby yards. And while $600 is a lot, it’s not nearly as much as the total cost of some especially high-dollar flora.

In a 2015 report, 99 Percent Invisible found that palm trees are estimated to cost as much as $20,000—which has lead to a rash of thefts in the Los Angeles area, where fully-grown palms are extremely desirable.

The Cost of a Landscaping Caper

Plant theft may seem like no big deal—after all, plants are outside and so common that we often think of them as communal or public property—but if someone is caught and tried for for boosting begonias, they may find themselves on the wrong end of any number of charges.

In addition to trespassing charges, stealing a plant or tree is most likely to be considered a property crime, and the thief would be charged with the value of the plant that was stolen or destroyed. The value, though, may not always be easy to establish. In addition to the total cost of the tree itself (think of it like the sticker price), there may be additional considerations, like the amount of carbon the tree offsets and other ecological factors. After neighbors in West Seattle illegally removed a number of trees from a greenbelt, they were valued at close to $5B.

Theft in the first degree—that’s stealing anything valued over $5,000—is a Class B felony and is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000.

Which means even if your neighbor has a particularly pleasing palm in their yard, it’s probably worth it to get your own.

Read More: Frequently Asked Questions About Theft Crimes

If You’ve Been Charged with a Theft Crime in Seattle, Contact the Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers at Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws

The expert defense team at Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC vigorously defend the rights of individuals facing a multitude of charges in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form to get more information or to get a free case review!