This is really stupid.

Question

My nieghbors are going to take legal action against me because i cut branches off their tree that is on our property line. The only reason I cut the branches off what because it was a safety hazard to us when we ride our horses around our property, Is there anything that they can do in the court system against me? I asked them once to trim them but they never did anything about it. Thanks.

Answer 1

I know that in Kansas, if a tree's branches extend past to property line, you are allowed to trim branches that are over your property regardless of reason.  You'll want to look into county and state ordinances and laws.  I'm sure you've tried it, but you can always sit down and talk to your neighbor to attempt to explain why you trimmed the branches.  Depending on how that does or has worked out, at least when it comes to the legal system, the smarter person usually wins.

Answer 2

Well, here in California, if it crosses over onto your property, it's yours. I just went through this with a realtor who got upset and threatened to sue because I cut down a tree that was growing over and damaging my fence. My best friend/lawyer read her the riot act. The neighbor on the other side has a fruit tree that hangs into my drive and was very nice enough to offer to cut it back himself. I declined, we like the fruit. It really bites to have a neighbor dispute over something as silly as trimming a tree. Unless you did something that caused permanent damage or killed the trees I don't see that they can take legal action. Check with your local county offices about the ordinances regarding property lines/rights and see if there is anything on the books.

Answer 3

You need legal advice specific to your state.  Did you notify your neighbor in writing before taking action?  It sounds as though it is a shared tree if it is actually on the property line.  If your property is large enough to ride horses, why was the tree hazardous to that riding, unless it is creating a barrier to access?  Again - you need specific legal advice.

Answer 4

Same in Illinois, if the neighbors trees reach over into your property, you can cut anything on YOUR side off. You CANNOT, however; reach over into the neighbors property and cut on their side.

We actually have our back yard neighbors tree damaging our fence. A part of the trunk is bending our fence back at least 12 inches so far. We have cut back as much as we can reach. It is an old Mulberry tree (which I hate anyway) and it's branches are too high up to reach without a cherry picker, AND it is growing into the utility wires.  

Answer 5

Don't let the stupid neighbors intimidate you.  They don't have a case against you.

You have the legal right to prune off any part of the tree that overhangs onto your property, regardless of what kind of tree it is.  If it was an apple tree, you'd have the right to pick the apples from your side of the property line too.

I also live in Ohio.

Answer 6

Call your state agricultural and forestry department.....they can tell ya....in Louisiana, you can cut them because I have had those same type of neighbors next door to me.  The tree hugging type...lol