Table of Contents
What to Do if Your Neighbor’s Tree Is Impacting Your Property Talk things out first. You can’t march into your neighbor’s yard and cut down a tree that isn’t yours. Report your neighbor to your local government office. Document all damage caused by that tree.
What are my rights regarding Neighbours trees?
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.
What can I do if my neighbor has a dangerous tree?
If you think your neighbour’s tree is dangerous, you can report it to the council – for example if you think it might fall over. They might ask the owner to make it safe or deal with it themselves.
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.
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.
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.
Are trees protected in UK?
Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) All types of tree, but not hedges, bushes or shrubs, can be protected, and a TPO can protect anything from a single tree to all trees within a defined area or woodland. Any species can be protected, but no species is automatically protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
How do I ask my neighbor to remove a tree?
The best way to ask a neighbor to remove their tree is to just have an informal chat. Explain why you are concerned about the tree, the risks it poses, and whether they would be open to removing it.
Can I cut Neighbours tree roots in my garden UK?
The general position under the common law is that a neighbour can cut back branches or roots on their side, up to the boundary line. Usually, they cannot compel the owner of the tree to do this work, but are entitled to undertake it at their own cost.
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.
Whose responsibility is it to cut overhanging tree branches?
The person who owns the land (your neighbour) on which the tree grows i.e. where the base of the tree is, owns the tree and is responsible for it, but is not necessarily responsible for felling the tree or pruning branches that overhang their neighbours’ (your) property, even if these are seen to be causing a problem.
What can I do about my Neighbours untidy garden?
If a neighbour’s hedge, brambles or tree are causing problems on your side of the boundary, you are entitled to prune or remove anything that encroaches onto your side of the boundary, although by law you should offer any clippings back to your neighbours.
Is there a law on the height of conifers?
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.
Do I have a right to light in my garden?
The Rights of Light Act 1959 states that if a property has received daylight for the last 20 years (the minimum prescribed period), you may be entitled to continue to receive that light. Your local planning department can advise on your rights.
What trees can be cut down without permission UK?
The only time tree work can proceed in a Conservation Area without council permission is when it involves cutting down, lopping, topping or uprooting a tree that has a diameter less than 75mm, or cutting down or uprooting a tree with a diameter less than 100mm so as to improve the growth of another tree.
Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property UK?
Without permission, it’s an offence to cut down, uproot or wilfully destroy any trees: subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) in a Conservation Area.
Can I cut down trees in my garden?
You will need permission to fell or prune a tree in your garden or land if: It is covered by a tree preservation order – you will require permission from your local authority. It is within a designated conservation area – you are required to notify your local authority to get permission.
Can I cut down a conifer in my garden?
Conifers, including pine, spruce, fir and juniper, can be a lovely, colorful addition to a yard or garden, but conifer removal is sometimes necessary. The best way to kill coniferous trees is by cutting them down and killing and removing the stump to prevent them from regrowing.
How do I write a letter to neighbor about tree removal?
Dear [Neighbor’s name] / [If unknown, just address as ‘Dear Neighbor’], I live at [address]. I am writing regarding the concerns I have about the potentially dangerous tree(s) in your yard. The property owners have a legal duty to make sure that their trees do not pose a danger to neighbors or their property.
