Rule of thumb for cutting trees infringing on garden

[traveler2]

Hey EDites, what is allowed/acceptable when it comes to cutting branches from a neighbor's tree that extends over your garden? Owner of tree gave permission for trimming but getting a bit of grief from other neighbors- even those that are not directly impacted by tree but who merely like it being there. The tree is quite overgrown (50+ ft tall) and really has no business being in a residential garden. Concerns from my side are mainly safety for kids, subsidence and blocking sunlight. There is no protection order in place for this tree. Comments appreciated.

Trav

[dbboy]

If it's growing over the boundary into your garden, suggest speaking with the neighbour first before then cutting back to the boundary fence.

[Loz]

I believe the law is that you may trim back to the boundary, but must give (or at least offer) the cuttings back to your neighbour. Which I always consider just rubbing salt into the wound, really.

[chris-]

if its hanging over your fence then just cut it. cant do anything to the height though. hope you get it sorted

[cle]

Unless the higher bits are also over your boundary.

Offer them the chance to remedy it, but with a deadline and on that date, you will begin. Perhaps they could come round and see it from your garden, might help empathy a bit.

Otherwise, sneak over and lime it.

[Nigello]

I second letting them know, explaining why you want it cut back and then doing it yourself if they refuse/decline.

If you ring 7525 2000 and speak to an operator there (at Southwark's enviro line) they will come along and do it: if you have neighbours with unruly bushes, give them a ring. It's still an annoyance (to me but potentially a big problem to the blind, disabled, some elderly) here in SE22 where plenty of privet-lovers can't be bothered to cut wayward branches back.

[red devil]

Check that the tree doesn't have a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on it before hacking away at it...

[traveler2]

Thanks all for good suggestions.No Red it doesn't have a TPO. BTW Nigello I tried the council but they were reluctant to get involved unless its on the street.Ended up pruning main branch but still got a little grief from one neighbour who was upset she wasn't "consulted first".

[holloway]

it is your legal right to trim back any branches or leaves overhanging into your garden from a neighbouring garden. if you do this you are then legally obliged to toss the brances or leaves back into the neighbouring garden.

i would strongly advise against rushing into this course of action as have seen, not from direct personal experience, but from a couple of families i used to live near who nearly came to blows when one of them did this.

[traveler2]

Holloway,very tempting to do this but agree prob not best course of action. Just wish people would b more considerate and take care of there trees so it wouldn't come to this.

[maxxi]

If it's a large (tall) specimen then trimming one side only may unbalance it and make it unstable - possibly to the point it becomes a safety hazard which means it falls into a different category. This could persuade your neighbour to trim their side accordingly.