It varies by state, to the best of my knowledge, but I believe the most common standard is you need to take reasonable care of your tree to prevent it from being a hazard (as in, presenting an elevated risk of damaging property or hurting someone), and of course can prune your own tree as you see fit (assuming you are not in a jurisdiction like Seattle where even significant pruning can cross the threshold for getting a permit, posting public notice, and waiting for final approval after a comment period). Get permission if this work requires entering their property. Neighbors, meanwhile, can prune branches overhanging their property.
You should verify requirements in your state or possibly city.
I would try to find out what the neighbor has in mind, and do or hire the pruning myself if I don't have any significant objection to it in order to remain in control of it, as another poster suggested. In other words, basically as stated by eigenperson, but with a willingness to hear out suggestions that you deem reasonable, or to preempt them taking matters into their own hands where local laws may allow:
You should verify requirements in your state or possibly city.
I would try to find out what the neighbor has in mind, and do or hire the pruning myself if I don't have any significant objection to it in order to remain in control of it, as another poster suggested. In other words, basically as stated by eigenperson, but with a willingness to hear out suggestions that you deem reasonable, or to preempt them taking matters into their own hands where local laws may allow:
The neighborly solution is for you to do normal structural pruning on your tree at your expense, and for him to accept that level of pruning and to give the arborists permission to enter his property.
Statistics: Posted by iamlucky13 — Tue Feb 25, 2025 1:07 am — Replies 9 — Views 739