Your neighbor’s tree has branches hanging over your fence, dropping leaves in your pool, and scraping your roof. Can you cut them? Who pays? In Florida, the rules are clear but often misunderstood.

Your Right to Trim at the Property Line

In Florida, you have the legal right to trim any branches or roots that cross onto your property — up to the property line. You do not need your neighbor’s permission. However, you cannot cross onto their property to do it, and you cannot damage or kill the tree in the process.

If trimming the overhanging branches would kill or seriously harm the tree, you could be held liable for the cost of replacing it.

Who Pays for the Trimming?

If branches from your neighbor’s tree hang over your property, you are responsible for the cost of trimming on your side. Florida law does not require your neighbor to pay for trimming their tree on your property.

However, if the tree is dead, diseased, or obviously dangerous, and you have notified your neighbor in writing, they may be liable for any damage if the tree falls on your property.

What If the Tree Falls on Your House?

In Florida, if a healthy tree falls due to a storm and damages your property, your homeowner’s insurance covers the damage, not your neighbor’s. This is true even if the tree was on their property.

If the tree was visibly dead or dangerous and you had previously notified your neighbor in writing, they may be held negligent. Always document these situations with dated photos and written notices.

Steps to Handle It Professionally

1. Talk to your neighbor first. Most people are willing to split the cost or handle the trimming themselves once they know about the problem.
2. Get a professional assessment. A certified arborist can document the condition of the tree and provide a written report if needed.
3. Send written notice if the tree is hazardous and your neighbor refuses to act. Keep a copy for your records.
4. Hire a licensed tree service to trim on your side of the property line.

Professional Tree Trimming in Central Florida

DeAngelos Land Services handles property line tree trimming across Lake Mary, Sanford, Orlando, and Seminole County. We trim to the property line, clean up all debris, and leave your yard better than we found it.

We are BBB A+ rated, Google Guaranteed, and backed by 211+ five-star reviews. Veterans receive a 10% discount.

Call (386) 675-2303 or request a free estimate today.