Under Maryland self-help, what is permissible for a landowner?

• A. Cut back encroaching limbs or roots to the property line, but may not destroy or cut down the tree
• B. Destroy the neighbor's tree
• C. Cut down the neighbor's tree entirely
• D. Move the tree onto one's own property

Answer: (A)

The key idea is what a landowner may do with encroaching growth without harming the other person’s tree. Under Maryland self-help, you can trim back branches or roots that cross onto your property up to the property line, but you may not destroy or cut down the tree itself. In other words, you handle the encroachment from your side without injuring or removing the tree. The other options aren’t allowed because destroying the neighbor’s tree, cutting it down entirely, or moving the tree onto your own property would cross legal boundaries and could expose you to liability. If there’s a dispute, it’s best to document the encroachment and seek agreement or, if needed, legal guidance, while sticking to pruning from your side up to the line.