Can You Trim a Neighbor’s Branches?
Homeowners in Toledo, Sylvania, Perrysburg, and Waterville often wonder what to do if a neighbor’s tree grows over their property line. Ohio law generally allows trimming branches that cross onto your property. Still, you must do so from your own land and avoid harming the tree, no topping, cutting into the trunk, or climbing the neighbor’s tree without permission.
A tree can look sturdy, but one bad cut can destabilize a limb or create decay. Ohio law includes strong protections against reckless tree damage, so trimming overhanging branches is a situation where doing the right thing the wrong way can quickly become expensive.
The safest approach is to treat overhanging branches like a professional arborist would use proper cuts, remove weight gradually, and avoid trimming during high disease pressure. If unsure, send a ground-level photo. Joey Tree offers quick assessments throughout the Toledo area.
When a Limb Falls… Who Pays the Bill?
Storms in Northwest Ohio tend to bring this issue to the surface. A windstorm rolls in off the lake, a limb snaps, and suddenly the question becomes whose insurance covers the damage?
In most cases, Ohio follows a simple principle: where the limb falls, the property owner files the claim. If a healthy tree or branch comes down during a storm, what insurance companies call an “act of God,” then the impacted homeowner typically handles their own claim and cleanup. But the situation changes if the tree owner ignores a known hazard.
A clearly dead, diseased, or dangerously leaning tree that has been neglected may shift liability onto the tree’s owner if it eventually causes damage.
Keeping good documentation is really helpful. Taking photos of dead branches, fungi at the base, trunk cracks, or any ongoing issues can really help identify potential risks. If a neighbor raises concerns or you notice your tree doesn’t look as healthy, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection by an ISA-certified arborist. Joey Tree does these assessments regularly and provides a report along with photos, which can be very useful for your insurance.
Is It Your Tree or the City’s?
Another point of confusion for Toledo-area homeowners is whether the tree you’re worried about is even privately owned. Many streets in neighborhoods like Old Orchard and Westmoreland have mature trees in the tree lawn between sidewalk and curb, which is part of the public right-of-way. Pruning or removing these trees without city approval can lead to fines.
Toledo residents can verify ownership using the Lucas County Auditor’s AREIS map or by consulting the city’s street-tree inventory, which lists public trees by address. If the tree appears in the inventory or is located in the right-of-way, the City of Toledo’s Urban Forestry Department is responsible for its maintenance. Report issues to Engage Toledo instead of hiring a contractor.
For private-property trees, like backyard oaks in Ottawa Hills or maples along a Sylvania fence line, you can move forward with trimming as needed, so long as you stay within your boundary.
When Trimming Isn’t Enough
Not every overhanging branch can be fixed by a simple trim; sometimes the problem is the entire tree. Larger hazards often begin subtly, such as cracks at limb-trunk joins, bark sloughing near the soil line, heaving roots, or a sudden lean after a storm. In these cases, trimming is only a temporary fix, not a long-term solution.
Trees with significant decay or instability often require more care, like cabling, bracing, or removal. Homeowners in Perrysburg and Monclova frequently deal with older oaks and maples that outgrow their space. While not an immediate threat, a strong storm can cause damage.
A professional inspection is the best way to decide between pruning and removal. Joey Tree can evaluate the entire tree and outline a plan that keeps your property safe while preserving as much of the tree as possible.
If removal is the best choice, we’ll explain the process, provide clear pricing, and handle everything from debris removal to stump grinding.
FAQs
Can I keep the wood after trimming?
Suppose the tree is on your property, yes. If it’s a boundary or street tree, check first. Many cities require street-tree wood to remain with the city.
Do I need permission to trim?
For private trees, typically no. For right-of-way or city trees, permission is required.
What if the trunk sits right on the boundary?
Boundary trees are generally shared. Both owners should agree before major pruning or removal.
What if power lines run through the branches?
Don’t attempt the work yourself. The utility manages vegetation near their lines, and we’ll coordinate once they’ve cleared the area.
Need A Local Pro?
If you’re dealing with overhanging branches, a neighbor dispute, or storm-damaged limbs, Joey Tree is ready to help. Call us or text a photo for a same-day estimate, or send us a quick message to get expert guidance on trimming, removal, or a full arborist consultation.
We proudly serve NW Ohio & SE Michigan, including Ottawa Hills, Old Orchard, Perrysburg, Sylvania, Toledo, and all surrounding areas.
Reach out now before it’s too late! Give us a call or send us a message!
