Legal Definitions - encroachment

An encroachment is when someone builds or plants something on their neighbor's property without permission. This can include things like a fence, a tree, or a garden. It can also happen if someone digs underground and goes onto their neighbor's property.

For example, if your neighbor builds a shed that is partly on your property, that is an encroachment. Or if they plant a tree that grows over the property line and onto your land, that is also an encroachment.

If there is an encroachment, there are different ways to solve the problem. You can talk to your neighbor and try to work out a solution. You could sell them the land where the encroachment is happening. Or you could give them permission to use that part of your property by granting them an easement. If none of those options work, you could go to court and ask for an injunction to make them remove the encroachment.