Is it legal to trim your neighbor’s branches in Louisiana? What law says

Spring is a time of warmer weather, blooming flowers and when trees regain their leafy branches.

During this time, many Louisiana residents will likely begin landscaping projects, like shaping up the trees and bushes on their property.

Although, if a neighbor’s tree or bush limbs reach over to your property, are you allowed to trim them?

You can trim branches from neighbor’s trees in Louisiana if they cross onto your property

When it comes to tree branches or roots, bushes or plants on a neighboring property, landowners have the right to demand that anything extending over or into their property be trimmed.

This means if a neighbor’s trees, bushes or plants encroach onto someone else’s property, the branches or limbs may be trimmed at the expense of that neighbor.

However, landowners do not have the right to demand such if the neighbor’s roots or branches do not interfere with the enjoyment of the landowner’s property, according to Louisiana State Legislature.

If a neighbor refuses to cut or trim trees or bushes that reach over onto your property, then you may be permitted to cut or trim them yourself.

However, you could be held liable for property damage if you cut or trim parts of a tree or bush that are still on your neighbor’s property without their permission, says Bayou Tree Service. If a neighbor’s tree or plant dies as a result of you cutting or trimming a portion, this could also make you liable for property damage.

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com