As the warmer months arrive and we find ourselves spending more time outside, it can be incredibly frustrating when a neighbour’s tree starts encroaching on your garden. It’s a problem that can affect your property, disrupt your garden and even block out sunlight, but there are steps you can take to stop the situation from escalating unnecessarily.
Gardening lover Michael Griffiths has previously shared what homeowners need to know, and his advice is particularly useful for those looking to tackle the problem, as it turns out there’s really only one point at which you can trim it back. Nobody wants to stir up trouble or spark a neighbourly dispute, after all.
This isn’t the first time guidance on the matter has been offered, either. Previously, people were also informed of the rules surrounding tree cutting.
In a video, he explained: “If your neighbour’s tree is overhanging your fence, what are you actually allowed to do? First of all, talk to your neighbour. They might be reasonable and sort it.
“Ultimately, everyone’s responsible for trees on their land, but that doesn’t mean they need to cut it back. Two, if they’re not interested, you can deal with it yourself, but check if it’s protected first.”
He continued: “It might be in a conservation area, or have a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) on it. Three, if it’s not protected, you can cut anything that’s overhanging your side up to the boundary.
“You can’t jump the fence and cut it at the trunk. Number four, you can’t just lob the branches back into their garden. You have to offer them to them but, if they don’t want them, and most people won’t, you have to dispose of them yourself.”
The clip has since racked up hundreds of views, with plenty of people sharing their opinions. It’s evidently an issue that leaves many feeling baffled.
One person said: “Thank you for this. I have been telling people this for years and they won’t listen.”
Another replied: “I just trim from the side. Not a big deal. We love trees.”
A third also noted: “Also, check for nesting birds and bats. All nesting birds are protected by law in the UK, even pigeons.”
You might not be aware, but Michael’s guidance is spot on. If a neighbouring tree is creating difficulties, it’s advisable to attempt a friendly resolution first. Should that prove unsuccessful, there are alternative steps available.
You’re entitled to trim branches or roots encroaching onto your property, though you must only cut back to the boundary line. Afterwards, you’re required to return the cuttings to the owner, while ensuring the tree itself isn’t harmed.
Beyond this, it’s essential never to remove a protected tree without proper permission. Should the situation persist, you can approach your local council for assistance or, if things worsen, you might even need to consider legal advice.
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The Government website states: “You can trim branches or roots that cross into your property from a neighbour’s property or a public road. You can only trim up to the property boundary.
“If you do more than this, your neighbour could take you to court for damaging their property. If you live in a conservation area, or the trees in the hedge are protected by a ‘tree preservation order’, you might need your council’s permission to trim them.”
Additional guidance can also be found on the website.