This is New Jersey. You don't touch anyone's trees, not even your own without a process. I knew someone years ago that cut a tree on his own property and the neighbor filed a complaint with the town because they claimed they looked at that tree through their kitchen window for 30 years. The guy ended up having to put up another tree to satisfy the town. You'll probably have charges brought against you and at the very least an opportunistic homeowner will squeeze you for some money in return for not bringing charges.