What can I do if my neighbour’s trees are causing me problems?
Scroll down to find the answer to this tree surgery related question.
in short...
You can prune or remove any branches on your side as long as you don’t damage the tree. TPOs may need to be considered. You must also offer the debris back to the owner.
the full answer...
Whilst you have the right to prune or remove any branches that grow onto your property, you must ensure that this pruning does not threaten the health or stability of the tree or contravene any of the legislative protections outlined above. A professional tree surgeon can advise you on how much you can remove to avoid this. However, you have no right in law to demand that your neighbours reduce the height of their trees or hedges. We have found that a courteous request and an explanation of your problem is probably the best way to proceed initially!
Rules for cutting a neighbour’s overhanging trees
Before carrying out any pruning, you must keep in mind that Tree Preservation Orders or Conservation area restrictions may apply. You must also offer any debris back to the owner of the tree but you cannot compel the owner of the overhanging trees or hedge to carry out this work or pay for it.
What can I do about my neighbour’s hedge?
If your neighbours have an evergreen hedge, which has an adverse impact on your property, you can make a formal complaint to your Local Planning Authority (LPA) under the High Hedges legislation as set out in Part 8 of the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003. There is usually a charge for this and the LPA will consider the complaint using standard government guidance set out in a document called Hedge Height and Light Loss. If your complaint is successful the LPA will determine an Action Height to which the height of the hedge must be reduced.
Unfortunately, under normal circumstances, you have no legal right to a view which may have been obscured by your neighbour’s trees.
If your neighbour’s tree is a hazard
If your neighbour’s tree or hedge is dangerous and a hazard to your property you should contact an arboricultural consultant for further advice. Take A Bough Tree Care is qualified and able to provide this service. We have available tree surgeons for Wimbledon, Wandsworth and many other South West London locations, so please contact us today to discuss your query.
Other questions and answers you may find useful
General Tree Surgery Questions
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Do I need permission to have work carried out on my trees?
It is essential to consider Tree Preservation Orders when planning some work. Searches can be made online or we can undertake these for you if you wish….
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Why do I need to employ a tree surgeon?
Tree surgery is a highly skilled and potentially very dangerous occupation, not to mention the significant risk of damaging your trees……
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How much do tree surgeons charge?
Our tree surgeon costs do not have a minimum charge, unlike other London tree surgeons, and we do not have an hourly charge, as each tree and site is assessed on an individual basis. Our assurance is that the work will be carried out by our qualified tree surgeons, to your satisfaction, for the cost quoted in advance….
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Can trees damage my property?
Trees should be regarded as real assets to our homes, however, occasionally they can cause problems to nearby (about 1.5m) structures. If you are concerned then contact us for professional advice. …
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When is the best time of year to have work done to my trees and hedges?
It is recommended that trees are worked on after leaf fall and before bud burst, however is not true for all species and we can give you a written report and recommendation for your specific trees and hedges….
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Do mature trees need special care?
Regular maintenance ensures continued health and preventing a problem costs less than curing one once it has developed, whatever the age of the tree….
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How can I tell if I have a dangerous tree?
It is a property owner’s responsibility to ensure his/her trees are in safe condition. Assessments should be done by qualified arboricultural consultants….
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What can I do if my neighbour’s trees are causing me problems?
You can prune or remove any branches on your side as long as you don’t damage the tree. TPOs may need to be considered. You must also offer the debris back to the owner….
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Will the presence of birds or bats make any difference to my tree work?
If any type of bird is nesting in a tree or hedge then it is legally protected, so long as the nest is in use. This can delay work until the nesting season is over….
Specific to Take A Bough Questions
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Have you tree surgeon insurance and qualifications?
All of our site teams have the required National Proficiency Test Council qualifications and each tree surgeon carries a card displaying their completed qualifications. And for tree surgeon insurance, we have both public liability and employers’ liability insurance ensuring property and people are covered….
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How much does a tree surgeon cost?
While it may be possible in some circumstances to offer a rough estimate of the cost of tree surgery based on a photograph and a description of the access, it is generally necessary for our qualified tree surgeons to make a site visit, not only to view the tree and assess the access, but also to discuss the options open to you….
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How long will I have to wait to have the work done after I have accepted the quotation?
We will always try to get work booked in as soon as possible and will make every effort to accommodate your preferences….
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My garden has no side access and limited space, how will that affect the work on my tree?
It is always possible to remove or prune or reduce trees of any size in limited spaces and we have many years of experience in doing so in your area……
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Can I use the wood chippings from my trees?
Yes you can, though some chipped trees are unsuitable for garden use. We can advise you of the suitability of your specific trees….