Usually, yes—but do not grab the saw yet. Texas generally lets you trim the portion that crosses your property line. If you cut past the boundary, seriously damage the tree, or misunderstand a shared boundary tree, a leaf problem can turn into an expensive dispute.
The safest answer depends on the situation: a few small branches, a major limb or root, a dangerous tree, vegetation near power lines, or storm damage. Each one needs a different next step.
The core rule: your right stops at the property line
In Texas, ownership generally follows the land where the trunk is located. Branches or roots crossing into your yard do not make the entire tree yours. You may generally address the encroaching portion on your side, but you should not cross the line, enter the neighbor's property without permission, or kill or unnecessarily injure the tree.
A trunk that straddles the boundary is different. A 2023 Texas Fifth Court of Appeals case, Lisle v. DO-MO, involved a healthy ash tree on the property line. One case does not decide every dispute, but it is a clear warning that a boundary tree is not simply “your half to do with as you please.”
Use this 30-second check before you cut
Where is the trunk, and does it straddle the boundary?
Does the fence match the legal boundary shown on the survey?
Is this a small branch, a structural limb, a large canopy section, or a major root?
Is there visible decay, dead wood, cracking, or significant lean?
Could the tree, your body, or any tool come near a power line?
Is the tree in a public right-of-way, or subject to HOA or deed restrictions?
If any answer is unclear, pause. Small branches are one thing; large trees, roots, power lines, and visible defects should not be handled by guesswork.
Scenario 1: A few healthy branches cross into your yard
This is the straightforward case. The goal is not to shear the tree into a flat wall. Remove only what actually crosses the boundary and interferes with the roof, windows, access, or normal use of your property.
Confirm the boundary instead of relying only on the fence.
Take a before photo and tell the neighbor what you plan to trim.
Work only from your property and keep people and tools on your side.
Use proper pruning cuts; if the job requires removing a large portion, treat it as professional work.
For ordinary overhang from a healthy tree, expect to handle the cost of trimming your side unless you and the neighbor agree otherwise.
Scenario 2: A major limb or large root crosses the line
Do not make a heavy cut on your own. A structural limb can carry substantial weight, and major roots help keep the tree standing. A bad cut may slowly kill the tree or make it more likely to fail in the next storm.
Ask an ISA-credentialed arborist to answer four questions in the estimate or assessment:
Will the work affect the health or stability of the tree?
Can all work be completed without crossing the property line?
Is there a safer alternative to cutting the limb or root?
Does the contractor carry liability insurance, and who handles debris or accidental damage?
Sharing a concrete assessment and plan with the neighbor usually works better than saying, “Your tree is bothering me.”
Scenario 3: The tree looks dead, decayed, cracked, or badly leaning
This is a potential safety issue, not a routine leaf problem. A casual conversation is easy to forget, so give calm, specific written notice.
Copy-and-paste message to your neighbor
Hi [Name], I'm reaching out about the [tree/large branch] near our shared property line. I've noticed [dead limbs/visible decay/a crack/a significant lean], and I'm concerned it may pose a risk to [the roof/fence/power line]. I've attached photos taken on [date]. Would you please have a qualified arborist inspect it and let me know how you'd like to address it? I'd be happy to coordinate access or discuss a safe trimming plan. Thank you.
Replace the brackets with the actual facts, attach dated photos, and keep the text, email, or certified-mail record. Do not diagnose the tree yourself or begin with threats. State what you can see, the risk you are concerned about, and the next step you are requesting.
If the neighbor does not respond, obtain an arborist's assessment and send a second written notice. Contact Houston 311 for public-safety, street-tree, or right-of-way questions. Bring in your insurer or a Texas attorney when property damage or disputed liability becomes substantial.
Scenario 4: Branches are near power lines
Do not try this one yourself. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 752 generally bars people, tools, and equipment from coming within six feet of a high-voltage overhead line unless required safety arrangements are in place. CenterPoint gives homeowners a more conservative rule: stay at least ten feet away.
Stop work and request an inspection from CenterPoint at 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143. If a branch is already touching a downed line, stay away and do not try to pull it free.
Scenario 5: A storm has already dropped the limb onto your property
Take photos and video before moving debris.
Make safe temporary repairs to prevent additional damage.
Contact your own insurance company promptly instead of waiting for the neighbor's insurer.
Keep receipts for cleanup, temporary repairs, and materials.
Preserve earlier photos, arborist reports, and written notices about a known hazard.
The Texas Department of Insurance says a neighbor's policy usually will not automatically pay just because the tree came from next door; fault matters. Many homeowners policies may cover damage when a tree hits the house, while cleanup for a tree that lands only in the yard may not be covered. The policy language controls.
Five mistakes that create avoidable disputes
Treating the fence as proof of the legal boundary.
Shearing the canopy into a vertical wall for appearance.
Entering the neighbor's property without permission.
Assuming the tree owner automatically pays every loss.
Giving only verbal notice when a tree appears dangerous.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make my neighbor pay for trimming?
Not automatically. For ordinary overhang from a healthy tree, you generally handle your side unless both owners agree to share the work. Actual damage, a dangerous condition, or prior written notice may change the liability analysis.
Can I cut roots that cross into my yard?
The self-help principle is often discussed for roots too, but cutting a major root carries far more structural risk than removing a small branch. Do not cut major roots without an arborist's assessment.
Can each owner cut half of a boundary tree?
That is not a safe assumption. A boundary tree may involve shared ownership interests. Work that could kill, destabilize, or materially damage the tree should be agreed to in writing first.
Does routine yard pruning require a City of Houston permit?
Light pruning of a private yard tree is different from removing a protected tree, a tree in the public right-of-way, or trees affected by a development project. Check with the HOA, Houston 311, or the Planning Department when the tree is near the street, may be protected, or the work resembles removal.
Sources
Texas State Law Library: Neighboring tree branches and roots
TexasLawHelp: Dangerous trees, storm damage, and written notice
Texas Fifth Court of Appeals: Lisle v. DO-MO
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 752: Overhead-line safety
CenterPoint Energy: Tree Trimming & Removal
Texas Department of Insurance: When a tree falls
City of Houston: Tree and Shrub Ordinance
ISA: Find and verify a credentialed arborist
Related reading
When you tour a detached home, mature trees, roof clearance, drainage, and lot boundaries should be reviewed together. Read next: Touring a Houston Home? Look Beyond the Cosmetic Updates
If you are evaluating a Greater Houston home and are unsure whether a tree, fence, or lot-line issue may create future maintenance risk, send me the address and what you have observed. I can help organize the real-estate questions; legal liability, tree safety, and insurance claims should go to the appropriate attorney, arborist, and insurer.
Disclaimer: This article reflects public Texas and Houston sources available as of September 21, 2026 and is general information only. It is not legal advice, a tree-risk assessment, or insurance advice. Property boundaries, liability, HOA rules, and permit requirements depend on the property and specific facts.
About Joyce Tang
Joyce Tang is a Greater Houston real estate agent and investor, co-founder of the North American Real Estate Association, founder of JoyHome and JoyNest, and co-leader of the Dr. Wang Real Estate Team.
She has helped more than 200 families buy or sell homes and has participated in more than 40 renovation projects. Her approach examines not only price, but also location, carrying cost, cash flow, risk and future exit options.