l really like climbing this old, gnarled magnolia growing in the graveyard of the church behind my house. l got a bad feeling when l was climbing it, and yesterday there was a police car there! l do not know if it was for me-there were two police cars at the beginning of the summer, and he left and did not return today, but still...
l know that the church is private property, but dogwalkers trespass there all the time and no one gets upset. l know people are concerned for my safety, but my dad wo not sue them if l fall (even if he is a lawyer) and l know all about how to climb safe. Climbing this tree makes me feel closer to God. l know the church will never give me permission to go up, though, so what should l do? l really love this tree, and I am not hurting anyone by going up. I am a safe climber, and I've never fallen, but l REALLY do not wanna get in trouble. So should l just try to sneak up now and then? This is my favorite place in the world...
l know l could ask them 4 permission, but I am just a kid, so l do not know if I'd get it.

l get it, the tree is like a haven for u & you'd hate to stay away but u would not want to get in trouble well honestly l think u should continue to do it if no one is directly calling u to attention because of it when someone tells u that u should not do it as in someone in authority [even though u would not get in trouble seeing as how l assume there r no signs or anything that say u can not climb the tree] than u should probably stop but until then id say go for it.

l dont think u would get in trouble, l think u should just keep doing it but like openly, not like sneaking, if u act sneaky they will think ur up to something, but if ur just relaxing and the cops or somebody does tell u that u have to stop, then just say u didnt know u werent aloud and stuff like that, then l guess u'd just have to find a different place, but l think ur fine

and l bet the cops were just visiting some elses grave

It is illegal on private property only if it is trespassing. If the church does not complain, it is not illegal. But most property owners r pretty nervous about liability issues, & for that reason will chase off everybody from doing ''dangerous'' things on their property.

If the church property appears to be ''open'' to the public, & there r no ''No Trespassing'' signs or anything prohibiting people from climbing trees, even if u r reported to the police, they will just give u a warning to get out. This is not true for other private property where the presumption is that it is not for public use---you could be hauled off.

Just ask and they will more than likely let you take a signed paper releasing them from responsibility. Then have a blast climbing.

I've never heard of a single law specifically banning climbing of trees - however if this tree (or any other for that matter) is on private property, and you do not have the permission of the landowner, you are trespassing. l doubt the police would do much - maybe tell you to get down - but that is it (assuming you are not damaging anything).

It may not be illegal, but it is dangerous.

Well the police left without bothering you right? So keep climbing. The worst they would do is tell you to stop.