If you want to trim branches that belong to a neighbor, sociopathic as they may be, get an opinion (an arborist should be able to guide you some of the way) as what’s permissible.

The origins of this prohibition date back to Washington’s history in timber: some rascals would skirt into adjoining holdings when they cleared their land and “accidentally” harvest timber for sale that they weren’t entitled to.

Paul, I’m not sure I understand you here. Are you saying that the guy trimmed branches that weren’t crossing over the property line? Geez. That’s no good.

There are still a few very large low branches on our side of the property line which block most of the light that our garden would otherwise be getting. I’d like to remove them, but whenever the subject has been raised with the neighbor, she’s been pretty hostile to the idea. She also doesn’t seem to want us putting up our own fence, so we don’t have to see hers, but I have no qualms about ignoring her on that point. (Also, we suspect that she’s been coming into our yard and spraying pesticide, which is very much not ok.)

But we’re within our rights to trim branches on our side of the property line, aren’t we? We’re not likely to be able to get permission from her, based on previous conversations, and I’d rather not wait until she kicks off to do it.

At least you have neighbours that talk to you. We’ve had three sets of neighbours in the apartment opposite and all of them run with their heads down if we happen to meet in the hall, even if you shout a “Hello”.

Man I just love city living :/