Can I Cut My Neighbour’s Branches That Hang Over My Yard?

Short answer: Generally, in Ontario you can trim branches that hang over your property, back to the property line, as long as you don’t go onto your neighbour’s land or harm the health of the tree. Boundary trees need the neighbour’s consent.

The General Rule

Branches that grow over your side of the line can usually be trimmed back to the property line. But there are limits:

• Stay on your side. You can’t go onto the neighbour’s property, or into their tree, without permission.
• Don’t damage the tree. Cutting so much that the tree is seriously harmed or killed can make you liable.
• Boundary trees are different. If the trunk straddles the line, see trees on the property line.
• City rules still apply to protected trees.

Talk First

The easiest route is almost always a friendly conversation. Many neighbours are glad to have overhanging branches dealt with, and some will share the cost.

Doing It Properly

Hacking branches off flat at the fence line leaves ugly stubs that can decay. A proper cut, back to a healthy point on the branch, is better for the tree and looks better too. We can do this from your side. See branches over the roof.

This is general information, not legal advice.