Can I prune my neighbor's tree? Attorneys and aborists reveal when you can prune a branch growing into your yard – and when you might be breaking the law

A tree growing over a wooden fence .

Living alongside neighbors can be tricky. Whether sworn enemies or close friends, sharing space with people brings plenty of potential flashpoints for petty arguments.

This is especially obvious when it comes to issues along property boundaries, and it can be a thorny issue when it comes to trees. Trees growing into your property belong to your neighbor but cause issues in your yard, so untangling legal responsibility feels daunting.