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By law, you have the right to trim branches and limbs that extend past the property line, according to FindLaw. Let your neighbors know what you’re doing first, in the interest of being a decent neighbor. Explain the situation and give them the option to come over and do the trimming themselves if they’d prefer.
What are my rights if a Neighbours tree overhangs my garden?
You have a common law right to cut back tree branches that overhang onto your property. The law states that any branches cut off belong to the person on whose land the tree originally grew, so you should ask your neighbour if they want them back, or if they are happy for you to dispose of them.
Who is liable for overhanging trees?
Your neighbour is responsible for the proper maintenance of hedges and trees on their side of the fence. Therefore, if your property is damaged by one of their overgrowing trees or hedges, it’s on them to fix it.
Is there a legal height for Neighbours trees?
In general, there is no specific limit to the height that a tree is allowed to grow, but if the trees form a vegetative screen that is limiting a neighbours usage/enjoyment then it could be a High Hedge issue which Planning Enforcement would potentially get involved with. I want to cut down/prune a tree in my garden.
Can you cut Neighbours overhanging tree?
If a tree’s branches overhang into your property from a neighbour’s, you can trim them, but only up to the property line. You can’t lean into the neighbour’s garden to do this, though, as it constitutes trespass. If a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order, you can’t cut the branches.
Who pays to cut overhanging branches?
You can cut back any overhanging branch that comes into your property. However, the cut branch(es), and any fruit or flowers attached to the branch(es) remain the property of the tree owner and must be returned.
Can my Neighbour make me cut down a tree?
Your neighbour can cut any branches that are overhanging into their garden as long as they only remove the bits on their side of the boundary. If they want you to cut your tree or hedge just because they don’t like the way it looks, it’s up to you whether you do the work.
What is the law on cutting overhanging branches?
Can I cut off overhanging branches? Yes, provided it is done without trespassing onto the other person’s property. It is also permissible to climb into the tree to undertake the work, again so long as it does not require going into the neighbour’s garden/land.
Can I complain about the height of my Neighbours trees?
You can also complain to your local authority under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 if the height of a high hedge affects your enjoyment of your property.
Does my Neighbour have to cut my side of his hedge?
You are allowed, by law, to prune the roots or branches of a hedge if it’s a nuisance and protruding into your garden. And therefore your neighbour can do the same if it’s your hedge. Sometimes hedges are protected by law so it’s best not to touch them until you know your rights.
What is the law on the height of conifer trees?
There are no laws on how high the hedge can be grown but a council can take action if it is affecting someones reasonable enjoyment of their property, so maintaining your Leylandii hedge well from the start is recommended. hedges of two or more evergreen or mostly evergreen trees, not to individual trees.
What can I do if my Neighbours trees are too high UK?
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.
How long before a boundary becomes legal?
If the land is ‘unregistered’ then usually 12 years possession of the land gives the squatter ownership of the land, under the Limitation Act 1980. However, in some cases it may be necessary to squat on certain types of land for up to 30 years; or even 60 years if it is foreshore land, for example.
Can you throw branches back over the fence?
Can I throw branches back over the fence? Yes, you can return the waste from the tree to the owner since they are their property. However, before doing so, you have to ask for permission to avoid trespassing.
Can I prune trees overhanging my property?
If you are the property owner, you are legally entitled to prune any branches that overhang your property, including council maintained trees, and cut them back to the boundary line. You may need to contact us before carrying out the work.
What is the legal height of a Neighbours hedge?
hedges are not required to be limited to a height of two metres. permission is not required to grow a hedge over two metres high. action may not be taken when a hedge grows over two metres high. your neighbour may not be ordered to reduce the height of their hedge.
How high can you grow a hedge between Neighbours?
Please note that there is not a blanket rule that all hedges must be no more than two metres in height. The complaint form explains why you consider the hedge is adversely affecting the reasonable enjoyment of your residential property.
