Did I have the right to cut down a tree that I planted if it was half on my property and half on my neighbor’s?

Did I have the right to cut down a tree that I planted if it was half on my property and half on my neighbor’s?

I planted a tree about 5 years ago in between my property and my neighbor’s property; it is half on min, and half on his. The tree is about 10 inches around so 5 inches on my property and 5 on his. Back then he didn’t want me to do it but it was done and he took no legal action. He grew to like the trees but so many years later they were dying. I cut them all down. There were more then one but only one was half on his property. I plan on putting up a fence on my property along with new live trees. He says that he is going to sue me. Could he win?

Asked on October 17, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Minnesota

Answers:

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.