Blocking light, littering leaves and fruit… Overhanging trees can be a real pain.

If your neighbour’s tree is growing into your garden, you have some rights to deal with it… But maybe not as many as you think.

The do’s and dont’s of overhanging trees.

Do:

• Stay on your side: Do not step into your neighbour’s garden or lean over the fence to trim anything, as this is trespassing.
• Stop at the boundary: Only cut plants up to the property line. Cutting past the boundary into your neighbour’s side can lead to claims for property damage.
• Offer to return what you’ve trimmed: Any cut branches and fruit belong to the owner of the tree, so check with them before keeping or throwing anything away.
• Check for protection: Check with your local council if the tree has a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a conservation area, as this can restrict what you are allowed to trim.
• Speak with your neighbour: Disputes over property boarders are one of the most common causes of issues between neighbours, so before undertaking any work, it’s usually best to have a chat with your neighbour to make sure they are happy with your plans.

Don’t:

• Kill the tree: Avoid pruning in a way that harms the health or stability of the tree. You could be held liable if the tree dies.
• Assume your right to light: You do not have an automatic legal right to demand a tree be cut back just because it blocks sunlight from your garden.
• Take on more than you can handle: Tree trimming and pruning is a serious business that requires specialist equipment and know-how. Obviously there is a risk of injuring yourself or others if things go wrong!

Need a hand? Give me a shout!