Your neighbor has never liked the trees in your backyard. They complain about them blocking the sunlight or dropping leaves into their yard. They may have complaints about overhanging branches, such as worrying that these will break in a storm and fall on their home, garage or vehicle.
You like the trees, though, so you’ve just left them as they are. However, you return home from a trip to find that your neighbor took drastic steps and trimmed your trees. They didn’t get your permission, and you weren’t even home when it happened. What now?
Did they cross the property line?
To some degree, your neighbor may actually have a right to trim your trees. They are allowed to do this up to the property line. If there are overhanging branches that extend over your neighbor’s yard, they can likely trim those branches, even though the trees are on your property.
However, if your neighbor trimmed trees on your side of the property line, that is a violation of your rights. It may also be an example of trespassing if they crossed the property line to do it.
Moreover, your neighbor can’t remove the trees or trim them in such a way that it causes harm. For instance, if your neighbor digs up all of the roots on their side of the property line and cuts them off, causing the tree to die and fall into your yard, that still may be a violation of your rights—even though your neighbor will likely claim that they only made alterations on their side of the property line. They do have to respect your property rights and cannot intentionally damage your trees in this way.
Are you involved in a dispute?
Boundary disputes like this often get very complicated and contentious between neighbors. Take the time to carefully look into your legal options.