Whose responsibility is it to cut overhanging tree branches?

Overhanging Branches on Your Property

Even if the tree trunk is on your neighbor's property, you have the responsibility for cutting any branches that extend onto your property line. You are responsible for the cost of cutting any branches you choose to trim. You can cut back anything up to your property line.

Who is responsible for cutting overhanging tree branches UK?

If you own the tree or hedge

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 Neighbours trees UK?

Under common law, a person may cut back any branch (or root) from a neighbour's tree that overhangs or encroaches onto their property. In cutting back any overhanging branches (or encroaching roots) the following must be observed: you must not trespass onto the land on which the trees are growing.

Can I ask my Neighbour to cut his trees?

You have a common law right to prune back parts of a tree or hedge growing over the boundary into your property (subject to any legal restrictions being overcome first such as Tree Preservation Orders or conservation areas) but you cannot compel the owner of the trees or hedge to carry out this work or pay for it.

What are the rules on overhanging trees?

If the branches of a neighbour's tree start to grow over to your side, you can cut them back to the boundary point between you and your neighbour's property, as long as the tree is not under a tree preservation order.

Tree Laws: Tree on Property Line, Who is Responsible?

Can I ask my Neighbour to cut his trees UK?

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.

Can you legally cut down branches overhanging my property?

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 is responsible if a Neighbours tree falls into your garden?

Having trees checked regularly and dead wood removed is the most responsible – and wisest – thing you can therefore do. Where a tree from a neighbouring property has fallen onto your land, the owner of the tree will be responsible for the cost of clearing it, although it may well fall to you to arrange its clearance.

Who is responsible if a Neighbours tree falls into your garden UK?

If a neighbour's tree has caused damage to your property, they will be liable. For example, if branches fall or tree roots damage property foundations and you can prove this was a result of the tree, you can begin legal action.

Who owns a tree on a boundary?

Ownership of trees belongs to the owner of the land upon which they are planted. The whole of the tree is owned by him, including parts of the tree that encroach on the neighbour's land.

Can I cut back a tree that overhangs 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.

Can you throw branches back over the fence?

Ironically, even though the branches belong to your neighbour, you cannot simply throw them back over his fence. That could be deemed to be fly tipping of garden waste. Advise your neighbour that you intend to burn them or take them to a recycling centre.

Can I throw my Neighbour's leaves back UK?

Once branches are cut off they should be offered back to the tree owner. If the owner doesn't want them then you will be responsible for disposing of the prunings; you can't simply throw them over the boundary into your neighbour's garden!

What are the rules about Neighbours trees?

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. Do not just throw trimmings back over the boundary - this could constitute 'fly tipping'.

What is the 7 year boundary rule?

Some believe that there is a 7-year limit on adverse possession, meaning that a squatter can take ownership of land after they have been using that land without the owner's permission for a certain amount of time.

Is there a height limit 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.

Does my Neighbour have to cut my side of his hedge?

Both you and your neighbour should be trimming each other's respective side of the hedge. You are free to cut back roots or branches that are within your property's boundaries. However, you're only allowed to trim the growth on your property.

Can a Neighbour come into my garden?

Generally speaking, your neighbour should not go onto your land without your permission. There are some situations where they may be able to access your land in order to complete repairs to their property, and their right to do this may be set out in the title deeds for the home.

Who owns the hedge between two properties?

If a hedge is acting as the boundary, it is a joint responsibility to keep the hedge maintained from either side. However, hedges aren't always the property of the two residents– at least not in a legal sense.

Should tree branches hang over roof?

At the very least, any branches that hang over the house should be high enough up so that air can pass between the limbs and your roof or the siding of your home. Otherwise, branches of trees or bushes that physically touch your house can scrape the outside walls, damage your roof and potentially break windows.

How far should tree branches be from house?

So, how far should tree branches be from house? Generally speaking, the safest distance your house must be from a tree is around 20 feet. When it comes to its branches, the closest your branches should be is at least 10 feet away radius.

Can I cut down a conifer tree 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 much do tree surgeons charge UK?

Tree surgeons' daily rates

On average, expect to pay £500 to £650 for local tree surgeons for a day's work. However, there are smaller companies that only take on easier projects. A team of 1 or 2 workers will cost anywhere from £400 to £550 a day, depending on where you are located.

Do you need planning permission to cut down a tree in your garden?

You need to notify the council of your intent to prune or remove the trees within a conservation area. You must give us formal notification at least six weeks before you want to do the work. The best way to apply is through the Planning Portal.