Neighbor and tree question

We have a tree on our property that has a few branches hanging over onto our neighbors property. The other day the neighbor asked us if he could cut the branches that are hanging onto his property so of course we said sure we dont mind.

So here is my question...are we technically responsible for taking care of the tree and triming it so it doesnt hang over onto their property? I dont know if he mentioned it as his way of saying, "Hey take care of your tree!" ya know? We get along great with our neighbors and I dont want to be un-neighborly and not take care of my yard. Did I do the right thing here by having him trim the branches?

Re: Neighbor and tree question

No, you don't have to take care of what’s hanging on his property. I'm surprised that he even asked if he could trim it, I always trim what's hanging over on my property and I don't ask :)

Re: Neighbor and tree question

You don't have to offer, but I would ahve just so I know he doesn't scalp it. They are allowed to trim up to the property line, but I agree with him in asking you first. Just neighborly in return.

Re: Neighbor and tree question

Hes better than me, I only got to two of my neighbors (of the 3 sets of trees) that were hanging over and I cut them anyway...because techically its my property and I was sick of their stuff falling in my yard!

Re: Neighbor and tree question

we have to do this with out neighbor's tree that is hanging over our house. we weren't going to ask but the tree guy told us they'd have to go onto their property to reach it so we have to ask. maybe that's why he asked? i don't think it's your responsibility to do it but it would sure be nice! i'd love if my neighbor offered to do it!!!!

Re: Neighbor and tree question

Posted by BJandDan

You don't have to offer, but I would ahve just so I know he doesn't scalp it. They are allowed to trim up to the property line, but I agree with him in asking you first. Just neighborly in return.

Re: Neighbor and tree question

Thanks for all the advice.

I actually want to take that tree out since its in an awkward part of my yard anyway, so we talked about taking it out and he and DH are going to do it together. Hes a pro at taking trees out, and DH is sooo the opposite. I guess it works out for the both of us since he doesnt want my branches on his property and I dont like that tree.

Re: Neighbor and tree question

Tree things can be touchy. Since they were nice and asked you, I would probably find a way to mention to them that you plan on taking the tree down. Our neighbors took some trees down in their yard and it had a big impact on the shade we used to have in our yard.

My Japanese maple hangs over our neighbor's fence, as does our arborvitae but they enjoy it and the shade they provide, so I would consider that when trimming or removing.

Re: Neighbor and tree question

anything that falls or hangs on their yard is their responsibility, anything on your side/yard is yours. Even if the tree falls down in a storm into their yard they have to claim it on their homeowners, the nice thing would be for you to pay the deductible but that is being really nice.

We had trees removed/pruned and we went to our neighbors and informed them because we knew the tree company wanted to use their yard for access. I think its better to inform then not inform just in case you have touchy tree people (my old neighbor would kill you if you snipped a tiny limb) and just in case you accidentally damage something.