The tree on my side of the fence is.........

IMO since the tree is on your property it's "your" tree, so you should cut the branches.

 

I'm pretty sure it's your responsibility as the owner of the tree.

 

It is absolutely YOUR responsibility. He has no control of where your tree is and he had no choice in the decision of placement of the tree. Be a good neighbor and maintain your tree.

bc

 

Just stab him a couple times the next time he asks..

 

Just watch out for which side of the property line the corpse falls on.

 

Depending on your state laws, technically he can cut anything that crosses over his property line. I would tell him if he doesn't like the branches he can cut down what he sees as necessary over his property, but not to kill the tree.

This way if he cuts down the branches and puts a hole in his roof/gutter/whatever it is his fault and he can pay to have it fixed. If you cut down the branches and cause damage, you will be responsible for repairing whatever damage you've caused.

 

I've been known to cut my neighbors tree and leave the limbs in their yard. I'm about to cut another of theirs, but at least I told them this time

 

It's your responsibility, but I suggest you two talk about what exactly it is would be the best outcome for all three parties (tree included) and proceed from there so you are all in agreement going in.


R

 

It's your responsibility.

Now if I could only get my neighbor to rake up HIS leaves that blow into my yard immediately after I'm done cleaning up mine. It's harder to prove leaf ownership though.

 

Any branch that extends past your property line can be trimmed by the guy next door without your consnet. You are technically not responsible for trimming the branches that overhang the fence, but if your tree damages your neighbor's house than you are responsible. I cut the branches that cross on to my property line all the time without asking. If asked I would probably trim the branches of my tree that went over the fence, just to stay on good terms with the people next door.

 

Exactly!

Most states laws are .... he would be able to trim any branches that are over his property .... without doing harm to the tree. The only time that there becomes a problem/fault is if the tree branch damages his property (then it is up to the insurance companies to figure out who pays).

Don't let anyone tell you that it is your responsibility without reading your state/local county laws on the subject.

Offering to help cut down the branches would be a nice thing to do. It's always best to have two people around while doing any limb-work.

If he insists you do it yourself ..... make sure to hurt yourself on his property while doing it .... he'll find out who's responsible for your medical bills real quick.

At my prior house, my neighbor always complained to me about some pine tree branches on our property line (they were there before I bought the house, and the prior owner didn't do anything about them). After I got tired of hearing about how it was difficult to cut the lawn near them .... so I cut all the branches up to 5 ft. off the ground. She hated it the fact that there went some of her privacy ..... after that, she never bothered me about another tree branch hanging over her property again.

 

that never works out right. when my dad and brother broke arms, legs, and busted open heads when helping a neighbor trim a tree, they didn't get a dime. the home owner's insurance screwed them good.

 

I cut branches before they get to the neighbor's yard. It avoids this argument.

 

+1
find out your local laws before you do anything. i have some neighbors who let their trees grow crazy over my yard, and as per my states law, i prune the heck out of them, to my fence line.
there are a lot of laws about this, ie if the tree trunk is shared certain rules apply, etc.

 

The sight of your foliage probably clashes with their decor. Trash nouveau.

 

I would say without a doubt it is your responsibilty..... trim your tree bro,... if it's too much of a job for you to do youself then hire a proffesional to do it. If your going to have tree's.... maintain them, if your not carefeull the tree COULD cause damage to the neighbors house or property and then you will be in a serious mess. I currently have neighbors who allow the family dog to crap in my yard, and then don't clean up after it. I may have to have a talk with them soon.