How to make an actor in front and behind tiles in a 2d game type.

How would one make it so an actor is in in front of an object like a tree, they're face isn't covered by the tree and then if the actor moves up and around it the tree will cover them.  I hope this make sense.  Would I have to assign parts of the tree in one layer, and the upper part in another?

http://gyazo.com/cc90f905f64aeabf46337bec6fc62074

You have to make two layer scenes, bring one layer to be on top of the actor, and the other behind

at least that's how I think it is.....try it out...