It's a common situation around Bethalto, Wood River, and East Alton: a neighbor's tree hangs over the fence, and leaves, limbs, or nuts keep landing in your yard. Trimming branches that cross onto your side is often allowed, but local rules vary, and that's only part of the picture. Cutting too much, or cutting in a way that damages the tree, can turn a small annoyance into a real dispute.
The best first step is a friendly conversation, since a neighbor may be glad to share the cost or may not even know a limb is a problem. If the tree looks dead, cracked, or unstable, an arborist's assessment gives both of you a clear, neutral picture of what's needed. When trimming does happen, proper cuts at the branch collar keep the tree healthy instead of leaving a lopsided canopy that's more likely to fail.
A clear plan and clean cuts usually keep both the tree and the neighborly relationship in good shape. Have you ever had to sort out a tree issue with a neighbor, and how did it turn out?
#TreeTrimming #MetroEast
An authentic photo of large limbs reaching over a backyard fence in a Metro East neighborhood, or the Riverbend crew making clean pruning cuts from a lift near a property line. Real job photos strongly preferred over stock.
Canva text suggestion: "Your Neighbor's Tree, Your Yard" or "Good Cuts Make Good Neighbors"