Can You Legally Cut the Branches of a Tree Hanging in Your Michigan Yard?

Is your neighbor's tree hanging over your property line and making you insane because you have to constantly pick up their dead tree branches in your yard?

This must be a real problem because people are always posting about the topic on neighborhood apps and social media pages.

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Dealing With Difficult Neighbors

Confronting your neighbor with the situation just depends on the type of person they are. If it's someone that you have a decent relationship with, I'm sure you can have a cordial conversation on how to handle the situation.

If your neighbor is a little more hard-headed and always difficult to deal with in situations like this, well then, you'll have to take matters into your own hands (legally).

Can You Cut Branches From a Neighbor's Tree Hanging in Your Yard?

According to FindLaw, by law, you have the right to trim branches and limbs that extend past the property line. However, the law only allows tree trimming and tree cutting up to the property line. You may not go onto the neighbor's property or destroy the tree.

If you destroy the tree in any way, shape, or form, you're going to have a new set of problems to deal with. If you harm the tree, you could be held liable, and you may have to compensate for up to three times the value of the tree.

Also, don't be a jerk and throw the cut branches into your neighbor's yard. It doesn't matter how awful your neighbor is, this will only get you into trouble. It's considered illegal dumping.