Fences, livestock, trees & weeds

Missouri has TWO fence systems, and which one your county uses changes the answer. Under the general law (RSMo Chapter 272, sections 272.010–272.200), a neighbor who doesn't own livestock usually doesn't have to chip in for a division fence at first. Under the local-option law (272.210–272.370), both adjoining owners generally share the cost of a division fence. So step one is always: find out which system your county uses.

The 'right-hand rule' (RSMo 272.060) — that each owner builds and maintains the half of the division fence on their right, facing the neighbor's land — applies only in particular general-law division-fence situations. It is NOT a catch-all that decides every fence disagreement.

If neighbors can't agree, the court MAY appoint 'fence viewers' to inspect and RECOMMEND — but their report isn't the final legal word on its own. The judge issues the actual remedy.

A 'lawful fence' under the general law is roughly 4 feet high with posts no more than 12 feet apart (RSMo 272.020) — but the local-option standard can differ, so check your county's version.

Missouri is closed-range ('fence in'): you're responsible for keeping your livestock in. When animals escape, liability turns on negligence (272.030), and there can be DOUBLE damages in defined situations (272.050). It's not one simple statewide paragraph — the facts matter.

Trees, encroachments, and weeds: a tree right on the line is generally shared — you can trim back to the boundary, but don't kill it or cross the line. An encroachment (a shed or driveway over the line) left long enough can raise adverse-possession questions. Missouri requires landowners to control certain noxious weeds. And a 'spite fence' built just to annoy a neighbor can be challenged as a nuisance.