Can You Trim A Neighbors Tree Without Permission In Michigan?

Spring is here, and soon the trees will bud, and everything will begin to grow. In no time, you'll be doing your routine lawn care: mowing, pulling weeds, and pruning your trees and bushes to keep your neighbors jealous of how pristine your yard is. You put a lot of work into keeping things crisp.

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The problem is, maybe your neighbor doesn't, and suddenly you find yourself facing a dilemma when their annoying tree begins creeping onto your property, making a mess you shouldn't have to clean up. Are you allowed to take matters into your own hands and cut that branch down if it's hanging in your yard?

Here's what the laws say in Michigan.

Michigan's Tree Laws

The simple answer is yes, if that tree is hanging over your fence or into your property, you can trim it. But as Farm Bureau points out, tree law isn't as simple as it sounds.

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If the tree is hanging over the property line, you can trim it until it is off your property. However, if it does substantial damage to the tree, the tree's owner can sue you for damages. You also cannot cross the property line to trim the tree without permission from the tree landowner.

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To avoid any unnecessary complications, it's best to inform your neighbor that you're going to make changes to the tree. Who knows, maybe they'll do it for you and save you the hassle.

If you have more questions about Tree Law, you can read the full breakdown on Farm Bureau's website.