If my neighbor’s tree is hanging into my yard, can I trim it?

There is a principle of law known as the “Massachusetts rule,” which allows you to do some trimming of your neighbors’ plants/shrubbery, but with some limits.

If your neighbor’s tree roots are coming onto your property, or if the tree limbs are hanging over on your side, you have the absolute right to cut down the limbs or remove the roots — but only to the property line.

If your neighbor wanted to bust you for destruction of his property, he would have to show that you were “malicious” about it or that cutting the roots on your property would actually kill the tree. That you can’t do.

Source: Exhibit A Staff