Ohio neighbor throws a tantrum over homeowner's tree branches crossing the fence, complains and cuts them off, then reveals he's been trimming them himself for 20 years: ‘He never reached out’

Cata Holmes • Writer

Sep 2, 2026 7:15 AM EDT

Question for you: Who's responsible when a neighbor's tree crosses the property line?

I've been reading these crazy neighbor stories for a long time now, but this one… somehow sounds completely different from the rest. Every common neighbor encounter starts off with one of them complaining about something: the fence is rotting, and someone has to pay for the change; people trespassing; driveway issues; or tree problems, like this one.

What caught my attention is that the neighbor threw the biggest tantrum over tree branches that were on his side of the fence. He was very upset, threatened to call the police, and even took a saw and removed the branches to later throw them into the homeowner's backyard. During this whole scene, he never came to their door and knocked to explain the problem… He decided to complain and then take measurements himself.

Now, here's the part that threw me off…

According to the statement given by u/Glittering_Search335, the next day they contacted this neighbors to appologize and to even help them cut the rest of the branches… but the neighbor reply, with very bad manners, that they had been taking care of this for the last 20 years, and that they tried to reach out multiple times but the homeowner's never answered the door… so its sounds like didn't have a choice but to take care of this on their own.

This really upset the OP, since they were trying to help and to avoid any more conflict, but realizing that they threw the branches into their backyard was an act of offense, and the neighbors deserved to be put in their place. The wife replied to that text the next day, saying that the next time they have a problem with the tree, they should come up and discuss it like adults, and if they decide to throw anything else, that would be breaking the law….

I'm sure nothing else was heard from the neighbors, and that not a single leaf will cross the fence ever again.

*A homeowner and his wife research Ohio property law after a neighbor complains about tree branches crossing the property line.*
*Photo is a representation of scenes.*

Our neighbors (T,62 and R,61) moved in 20 years ago, and we mostly keep to ourselves. Our properties meet at the back fence.

2 nights ago my son was reading on the back patio when he heard T come outside yelling and cursing saying things like we let our tree grow into his house basically just

yelling like a lunatic that he's "calling someone" blah blah blah... My husband then watched T take a saw to our tree and throw a large branch over the fence into our yard.

We were shocked. He has never once reached out about the tree in 20 years. We chose to sleep on it rather than react to his rage.

The next day, I texted R: "Good morning T and R. This is your back door neighbor. My son told me that T was upset last night over some branches growing over the fence and I see the one that you cut laying

by the fence. We sincerely didn't know the branches were intruding and we are happy to take care of any remaining low lying branches that are in your way. Please just let me know if any more are bothering you."

R sent a snarky reply complaining that 'T has been trimming back the branches for 20 years' and that they knocked but we didn't answer. She included photos of their fence and a

branch near their second-story window. I didn't reply immediately to avoid matching her energy. We slept on it one more night.

But today, my husband and I are furious. They have had years to trim it on their side. Am I supposed to trespass to maintain their yard? Also I felt my text was being helpful. Why

*A neighbor uses a chainsaw to cut overhanging tree branches after a dispute over who is responsible for maintaining each side of the property line.*
*Models for explanatory purposes only.*

would she double down with the attitude?? I looked up Ohio law, realized they are entirely responsible for their own side, and sent this text laying down firm boundaries:

"First, I would like to address the tantrum on Friday night. Next time you talk to me or my family, do it as an adult speaking to an adult or we will not be talking period. Also,

throwing things into my yard is called dumping and it's illegal, so don't do that again either. Now to the matter at hand.

Looking at those pictures, I'm not sure what you expect from us. You are responsible for your side of the fence. Do you think the house next to me trims stuff that grows onto

my side? No. It's illegal to enter someone's backyard without permission, and we are not obligated or allowed to trespass to do it.

J will be trimming up our side this week. We are happy to lower the hedge if you'd like. Let me know how much you would like to see off and we will keep it in mind.

The Ohio law says that you are responsible for your own side of the property line. Under the law, property lines extend straight up as a right of airspace, giving you a self help remedy. This means it is your

sole responsibility to trim any overhanging branches back to the property line, provided you don't recklessly damage or k I the plants. Feel free to double check that with the state or your attorney as I did."

So reddit AITA for refusing to help them now because of their rudeness in handling the entire situation?

*A neighbor cuts tree branches after complaining that they have been growing across the fence onto his property.*
*Stock photo unrelated.*

MrTitius NTA. Stand firm while being polite and they can cuss and kick all the rocks.

Crowlady77 Absolutely NTA, perfect response.

Tstrombotn From Ohio, our tree was encroaching on the neighbors yard hanging over the swimming pool. They politely asked if we wanted them to trim it or if we wanted to. Now we have this conversation every year, our tree provides a little shade for their yard, and we make sure we trim it before the seed pods drop and block their pool filter

uwupingu NTA. They could've done so many other non-AH things about the tree and they went with a tree-sawing temper tantrum.

cryssHappy NTA but set up cameras to make sure they don't harm your tree.

ThatGuyTurney NTA. In that moment, your neighbors wanted to act like children. You responded in kind. Honestly, you're better than most; others, myself included, would not have responded as kindly.

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Ohio neighbor throws a tantrum over homeowner's tree branches crossing the fence, complains and cuts them off, then reveals he's been trimming them himself for 20 years: ‘He never reached out’

Question for you: Who's responsible when a neighbor's tree crosses the property line?

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