Can You Trim Your Neighbor’s Tree Over Michigan Yard? Know Your Rights

If your yard is free of Michigan's leaf-bearing trees, but you have a constant eye on your neighbors' trees that hang over your yard, waiting for them to become ankle-deep crunchy chaos on your side of the fence, you may be wondering: "Can I just trim that tree—or am I about to start a neighborhood feud?"

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What Michigan Law Says About Overhanging Branches

Good news: Michigan law (MCL 750.382) says you have the right to trim branches that cross your property. But there are a couple of things to keep in mind before you grab a chainsaw.

If a tree crosses over your yard, you can cut up to the property line without asking your neighbors' permission. Of course, being a good neighbor is all about communication, so giving them a heads-up is definitely recommended.

Penalties for Damaging or Killing the Tree

You'll also want to be sure that you don't cause any damage or kill the tree during the process. Find Law reports that if you end up doing either, you may be found guilty of a misdemeanor.

Leaf Ownership & Cleanup Rules

Though you have the right to trim the tree, your neighbor isn't responsible for cleaning up leaves that fall into your yard. Falling leaves are considered a "natural product," meaning they belong to you once they hit the ground: so yes, those leaves are legally your problem—mulch them, rake them, or just stare at them angrily.

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Yes, you can trim. No, you can't kill. And yes, your neighbor's autumn mess is officially yours to deal with. Welcome to fall in Michigan.