Managing Neighbor's Pine Tree Roots Encroaching Your Yard

Dealing with Invasive Pine Roots Across Property Lines

When a neighbor's mature pine tree sends large roots under your fence, hindering planting, you have the right to cut roots on your side of the property line. However, applying herbicide like Roundup to those cut roots is risky—the chemical can translocate through the root system and kill the entire tree, potentially creating liability and neighbor disputes.

Recommended Approach

Simply sever the offending roots cleanly with a sharp spade or saw. The tree may lose some branches on that side but will generally survive. Install a root barrier along the fence line if regrowth is a concern. Always communicate with your neighbor before taking action.