What Michigan Law Says About Overhanging BranchesGood news: Michigan law (MCL 750.382) says you have the right to trim branches that cross your property. A tree full of leaves that have already changed for fall wait for wind and rain to clear them from the tree and onto the neighbors side of the fence. If a tree crosses over your yard, you can cut up to the property line without asking your neighbors' permission. Leaf Ownership & Cleanup RulesAutumn leaves hang on a tree with leaf litter below it and branches hanging over the fence into the neighbor's yard. Though you have the right to trim the tree, your neighbor isn't responsible for cleaning up leaves that fall into your yard.