If a neighbours tree overhung your property would you cut it?

Question

The law is if it overhangs your property you are allowed to cut it but must return the branches to your neighbour. Most people would ask first or just leave the tree but of course we don't always get on with our neighbours.

So based on your current situation what would you do with an overhanging tree?

If a neighbours tree overhung your property would you cut it?

Bricealan · Accepted Answer

You MUST be psychic! Just went through this. He would NOT trim the tree back when it needed it, and I filed a SMALL CLAIM suit against him during COVID, but court system was F&^%$# up then. So my landscaper cut it back to the property line. The BASTARD did not like that even! I took a bottle of Roundup and sprayed the whole side on my side of the property, killing IT, but ALSO ALL OF THE GRASS ON my side of the block wall. The tree GREW BACK, but my GRASS DID NOT.

Well, the bastard FINALLY cut the tree WAY back, FINALLY and today my landscaper, sewed SHADE type grass in the bare area.
California law says you can cut the tree back to the property line, This fucking tree was shading my Solar Panels, and the moron said that TESLA had put the panels on the WRONG side of the house!!! LOLOL
Well, anyway, he cut the tree back, and I'm trying to regrow grass on that side.

Lliam · Accepted Answer

Unless it was posing a danger, I would leave it alone. I love trees.

If it was really bothering me, I would talk to the neighbor about it.

This reminded me of when I was growing up. Our neighbor had a pyracantha bush in his back yard. It hung over our cinder block wall and the purple berries would drop on our driveway and make a mess. The neighbor didn't mind if we cut it back.

The city planted trees in the parkway (strip of grass between the sidewalk and curb) in front of each house. They chose jacaranda trees, which are extremely beautiful when in bloom. But they are messy most of the year. The same neighbor who had the pyracantha bush kept destroying his jacaranda tree because of the mess it made of his car when he parked there.

Adaeva · Accepted Answer

It depends on my relationship with my neighbor and whether the tree is a benefit for me or if it harmful or might become harmful such as a limb growing into my house or power line.

Jessica405 · Accepted Answer

A. Let it be. I like trees. I was told a few days ago that some silver birch trees have been planted in tubs in our main pedestrian street, in my home town. Brilliant idea!

exitseven · Answer

I have a nasty neighbor who has some huge oak trees on her property that had branches that hung over my roof. I was always getting moss on the roof and there were always piles of leaves and acorns in the yard. One tree was right on the line between our property. I wanted to have it removed and she would not let me. I hired a tree guy to cut all the branches at the property line. The tree is rotted on the inside and I am afraid it will fall and take out my house someday.  This is the tree. It may crush my house someday

mstbooblover · Answer

Concerning me, if there's a tree, and it's no danger to anyone, sure I'd love to let it be, whoever the neighbours are. Now, you should be aware that the laws are not the same in every country. Here in Belgium for instance, you're not at allowed to just cut down the tree, nor cut the branches. In any case you'd need the neighbours permission.

Concerning the roots of a neighbour's tree damaging your property, if I'm not mistaken, you're always allowed to cut them away. Fruit possibly fallen from that tree into your property is in any case your property. The rules are not always easy to understand and to apply, and talking with the neighbour is always adviced if possible.

Another law here states that to cut down any tree older than 30 years, permission from the legal authorities is required, even if you're the owner, although trimming remains authorized.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

My neighbouring house is empty and deteriorates. I haven't ever seen the owner. He also ceased to pay the guy who had looked after the worst details over there.
About once a year I now cut down what threatens to grow into my own piece of garden; let it rot right there.
This year I have planted some Papaya trees along our ''border'' (on his side). So he'll pay in fruit goods to have this eye sore next to me.
I also throw some of the kitchen waste over - some of the seeds may bring happy results in addition.

matchrestore · Answer

My neighbor house is vacant and secured by their bank (although not foreclosed on somehow) and there is a huge dying tree hanging over my yard, including my driveway. I requested that the bank remove the tree as it's a liability for them (if it damages my property) but haven't heard back. If I don't hear soon, I'll have it lopped off at the property line by a tree service.

AviatorTom · Answer

The law in the US is a little different. You are allowed to cut branches that overhang your property, but you may not harm the tree. Which really means you can't do anything other than work something out with your neighbor. I had a similar issue many years ago where my tree overhung my neighbor's property and she was upset because it dropped its leaves on her lawn in the Fall. We came to an agreement where I trimmed some of the branches so that there were fewer leaves.

Iron_Man · Answer

I had a problem with that when I first bought this house I told the neighbors to get your trees off of my property so he cut it and paid for it himself and two years later down the road I told him this time it’s on me I’ll take care of it when It grew back so my brother just climbed up on his roof and cut it

Wsx2wsx2ws · Answer

1) get along with your neighbors. Find a way. Make it happen. That needs a trimming first.
2) like children, the life of the tree needs you to not take out your differences on it.
3) The tree most likely has been there longer than you. If it had property rights what would it do to you?
4) Trees need care and trimming but always in a balance way. If its trimmed lopsided then it can tip over. Crushing someone's house and destroying the foundation of the other house when the roots flip up.

hahahmm · Answer

The way it works is that you talk to your neighbor. They may wish to trim their side of the tree around the time you trim your side. And you never want to have tree branches hanging over your home. There's the risk they will fall on your house - may not seem like a big deal when a tree is small but once it gets older those limbs might weigh more than a car. A lot of idiots plant trees to close to houses.

hypojoe · Answer

I had a tree next to my house that over hung neighbors driveway and i woke up one morning and there was a crew there they cut the hole tree down and left it in my yard

Whatever2929292 · Answer

I would try and talk to them especially because some years storm season hits pretty hard and I don't want to be cleaning up their tree all the time. If they did not listen I might have to take matters into my own hands

lightbulb27 · Answer

talk to the neighbor, I just did that and worked out. if they are difficult and it's a problem, I'd trim it nicely on my side. Make friends, not enemies.

NathanDavis · Answer

having many neighbors around and all over the place, this is something that is always discussed and resolved... trees, bushes and plants, all alike

ChrisMaster69 · Answer

Det cord  fuck them, it’s going next high winds,  ‘oh dear, must have been Storm Frankie’

douride2 · Answer

I had a friend who did exactly like the one in your pic. I can't see my closest neighbor so I'm good.

dustybiker · Answer

Not allowed. It unbalances the tree, and can cause it to fall, making them liable. 😇

Blackcosmo · Answer

It's not hurting me so why would I cut it? The poor tree didn't do anything wrong.

ODC2112 · Answer

In Italy is forbidden to have might three withing 3 meters to other people proprety. If a three overhung to proprety you can go to the judge and ask to forced cut it.

Apulu_Imback · Answer

Let it be. If it's a fruit tree then I won't ask to pick up fruits from there. After all it's in my property!

Aerissa_Jade · Answer

I love trees, literally have like a 50 or so elm's on my property along the fence line. I'd just leave it be.

KostasKouvalis · Answer

I mean, if it's legal, why the hell not?
I'd probably ask him first, and if he said NO, or I didn't like him, I'll do it when he's away, and I'll leave him the faggot at his front door, so he'll have a nice surprise when he comes back.

Paul_in_Indy · Answer

Since the rule where I live is that you cannot cut the tree, but are entitled to fruits or nuts that fall on your side, I would not.

sean1234 · Answer

The real question is... " what do you do when your overhanging tree falls and totally destroys your neighbors house?

Lyndsielee666 · Answer

Mine hired a gardener for me that took the whole tree out 😂😂

genericname85 · Answer

no. i have a friend who works in a landscaping business. he can get me really bad herbicides. i'd dig out a root that is on my property, put that shit on it and the tree will die.

jahaims · Answer

Unless it is dangerous or likely to cause property damage idc

MCheetah · Answer

Option B. If they refuse to listen to reason, then option D.

Red_Arrow · Answer

If it is a money tree I will encourage it to grow and harvest the fruit that hangs on my side.

Chris_u006 · Answer

I don't know why you would do something about a tree that is own your neigbours property in the first place, it would just seem hella weird to do anything about it without asking your neigbour.

legalboxers · Answer

Im dealing with it now. I tried to be diplomatic. Now you pissed me off. Im done

Rebecka33 · Answer

I'd cut the side on my side have a right to if on your side.

Anonymous · Answer

If I didn't like the neighbour it might be pretty funny to get a guy into sculpt it into a nice cock and balls or something?

HippieVeganJewslim · Answer

As trees are living organisms, it would be barbaric to mutilate the tree, particularly if it doesn’t bother me.

NYCQuestions1976 · Answer

Yes, if the branches were dead or a hazard in some way.

IsoUser · Answer

To be honest I personally wouldn't care unless it came close to my house or damaged my property in some way.

LordOfThePines · Answer

No, unless it is causing problems. But even then, I will just trim it back. Any more and I get permission in writing.

OddBeMe · Answer

Usually this has nothing to do with the tree… But technically, i believe the law is on your side for trimming any branches on your side.

Likes2drive · Answer

I like to keep the peace especially with neighbors so I would talk to them about it

Anonymous · Answer

Not without talking to my neighbor first. I mean it may be over my property but it's still his tree. It's just the polite thing to do.

Fuentes · Answer

You know for a tree hugger sjw mindset, you aren't a very peaceful person lol

maximumpower · Answer

check local ordinances, then approach neighbor with informed decision.

Anonymous · Answer

I see no reason to piss of my neighbors as I am stuck living next to them. Also I like tree's and would not want to hurt one if I didn't have to.

Smashingdoozy · Answer

No it's a fucking tree. They're meant to grow.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

Only if it was doing damage to my house/property.

fonduegirl · Answer

I will if it's jamms my window!

jengeorge26 · Answer

If it may fall on my house

bolverk · Answer

Would depend on the tree

Staximus · Answer

I wouldn't care unless it was damaging my house

Jerre · Answer

I voted B. Talk with my neighbors about it

Tornado92 · Answer

Listen white girl!!!  No one cares !!!

Anonymous · Answer

A. I’d let it be.

If a neighbours tree overhung your property would you cut it?

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