Problem tree/bush on neighbours property

redlady_1

I have a problem. Outside my back window next door has planted a bush and a conifer. These have been there before I owned the property. When I moved in there was as issue with the drains caused by root damage, which I paid for even though the drains are on his land. The leak caused substantial damage in the cellar. The conifer appears to be growing in my cellar as I now have roots coming through. I have spoken to his letting agents, who in return have spoken to him and he is refusing to remove them. Now, if the conifer causes me subsidence I will obviously claim on his insurance as it is on his land affecting my property. The other problem is I cannot renovate the cellar because his bloody trees are growing in it!!! I believe the original leak may have caused me dry rot in the timbers too. The bush is blocking the light in my room.

What I would like to know is where I stand regarding this please? Any advice would be appreciated especially should the trees just happen to die as I will be putting weed killer down the drains on a regular basis to prevent more damage.

mrcol1000

Your need to get a structural engineer to produce a report if you think the roots are causing problems to your house. You could then use that report to take private legal action.
Really it all comes down to taking private action. Maybe you could get a solicitor to write him a letter as a first step but you would really need proof it was causing a problem to you.

Colincbayley

There are rules now regarding conifers.
How tall is it? ( Approx )

redlady_1

ah, the conifer is only about 10 ft high as they keep it well trimmed but its the roots that are growing in my flipping cellar that I am concerned about. I want to finish renovating it but there is little point making it water tight if the drains are going to go again caused by the roots. I think weed killer would be easier than legal action! Plus, I really dont want to go that far as it will affect the price of my house when I come to sell.

redlady_1

I cant. The property is rented out and I have no idea where he is. I am going to send a letter through the letting agents setting out the issues and also pointing out that as the drain is actually on his property then he should have been liable. However, as I rectified this problem and incurred costs all I am doing is asking him to remove the problem so it doesnt happen again and therefore incur HIM the ongoing costs.

patman99

Hammer a load of copper nails into the roots. Copper dissolves, and will kill the tree.

redlady_1

ah, and because it is on my property then its tough??

patman99

Exactly. You may also try shoving the root in to a bucket of liquid weed killer for good measure (although this is expensive)

redlady_1

I have access over his property to get to the back of mine. These are also in the way to enable me to gain access to my guttering, part of the house as you wouldnt fit a ladder between my house and the bush/tree. I really want them gone and I cannot believe he is going to be so stupid and risk having to fork out for repairs over a 30 quid tree and a fivers worth of bush!

Colincbayley

Remove the bark around the base of a tree, only about 1in high, but got all the way round the truck = Tree will die, and so will the roots.

tbs624

Colincbayley wrote: »

Remove the bark around the base of a tree, only about 1in high, but got all the way round the truck = Tree will die, and so will the roots.

Colin have you visted Sandbanks in Dorset recently?