Tree problem

aamadami

Hello Everyone,

There's massive tree in front of my house. Roots of that tree are going underneath my driveway and house. It’s not causing any damage at the moment but it has caused damage to my neighbor’s property. You can see drive has been lifted up because of roots. He is saying there's crack on flooring because of roots. This tree is on the road, more towards neighbor’s house and managed by council. Two years ago I made lots of calls but nothing happened. This time I made few calls and they said they will look at the tree and do something about it. They came down and cut the tree. Neighbor has also made lots of calls but no one answers the call in council so he just gave up.

My main question is, it’s not causing damage to my house at the moment but I don't want to wait till it causes damage. What can I do? I have contact environment department many times but no use, is there anything else I can do.

Thank you.

Sammy85_2

Im afraid i dont know where you stand legally as it isnt your tree. But perhaps they are liable for any damage since it is their tree? I would keep calling them, i think its all you can do.

I saw something on tell the other week where residents were destroying trees that were blocking their views, chopping them down and pouring diesel on the stump and around the base - diesel kills trees (illegal - the trees were protected and not theirs to destroy)

poppysarah

Write to council.
Go see councillors.
Take pics of tree and damage

Cannon_Fodder

Pray the damage doesn't get worse, as tree removal can introduce problems as well as cure them.

Takes pictures NOW of what is NOT damaged, everywhere. Date-stamped. Keep them safe.

DVardysShadow

Don't phone, write. You only use the phone if you are happy to be fobbed off.

ERICS_MUM

I don't know if this is feasible but could you get a structural surveyor or enginner to inspect it and prepare a report which you could copy to the council and ask them to remove the tree and kill the roots ? Perhaps you and your neighbour could share the cost ?

Good luck, and keep persevering but do everything in writing and post as "signed for".


Linda

smcqis

Find out if the tree is protected by a TREE PRESERVATION ORDER at your local planning office. Even if it is protected, if its causing harm it can still be removed, its a pity it wsnt in your property but i would go to the council in person with evidence from your neighbours and ask them to investigate and possibly remove it

Sammy85_2

Cannon_Fodder wrote: »

Pray the damage doesn't get worse, as tree removal can introduce problems as well as cure them.

Very true.. as the dead roots shrivel up the earth above can collapse into the void.

Fire_Fox

Do you have the names of all the people you spoke to when you phoned? Get hold of the name of the head of the appropriate department and send them a recorded delivery letter detailing the council's inaction. Send photos of the damage and copy to your ward councillors. Youre neighbour should also be informing his insurers.

dacouch

You could write a letter to the council "To put them on notice" (Use these words) that you expect them to ensure the tree does not cause damage to your property and that you will hold them responsible for any future damage. (It could be worth advising your neighboor to also do this).

This letter effectively puts the council on notice about potential problems and will normally prompt them into ensuring the tree is managed at regular intervals and any actions needed are taken

david29dpo

Worth ringing the council ombudsman, I did and it was amazing how fast things changed after that!