My Client Wants The Neighbor To Remove Maple Sugaring Infrastructure From Their Property (vermont)

Hi guys,

I have a client who bought a property last February where the neighbor had previously installed quite a bit of infrastructure to produce maple syrup (sap lines, vacuum pumps, electrical services, etc.). Everything that was installed was done so on a handshake agreement with the previous owner.

My clients (the new owners) would like their neighbor to remove the infrastructure but he is claiming he has a right to leave it in place because he paid for the installation and it is important to his production.

As far as we know, there is no legal easement filed with the town and there was no easement discovered during the title search.

Do my clients have a right to remove this infrastructure from their property?