When your neighbor's trees cause trouble

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Last week in Chicopee, a young girl was injured when a tree branch fell on her in the city's Sarah Jane Sherman Park.

Though the girl was injured within the park itself, Stanley Walczak of the Chicopee Parks and Recreation Department told 22News that the branch actually came from a tree that was on private property abutting the park.

So what can you do if your neighbor’s tree branches are growing onto your property and you want them removed?

The easiest course of action, of course, is to have a conversation with your neighbor asking them to trim their tree.

According to Attorney Mark Beglane, from Bacon Wilson Attorneys at Law , if they won't trim the tree that is crossing onto your property, you have the right to trim that tree in a reasonable manner.

"Branches as they grow are naturally growing things. You have the right to protect your property,” Beglane said, but added “You can't force them to protect your property unless it's a damaged tree.”

You cannot cross onto your neighbor’s property to do this trimming unless you have permission. If the tree is dying or dead, you may be able to force your neighbor to take care of the tree and branch removal.

Similar rules apply to city trees. You can trim them to the point that they're not longer crossing into your property.