What would you do?

Abbafan1972

Ok, I'm just interested in people's opinions as to what you would do in this situation?

The background:- We had new neighbours move in next door about September time last year (they are not joined onto us). They are in their 60's and have 2 daughters who both live on this road too.

About October time they informed us they were having the massive tree at the bottom of their garden cut down, plus our conifer tree which is just on the other side of the boundary fence, but in our garden. Now, I wasn't there when the conversation happened, as hubby was talking to them, but they more or less told us that they were having our conifer cut down as it was blocking the light into their garden. We didn't have any objections to it.

We were told casually that it would cost £1200 for both trees etc. We wouldn't have been able to afford half of that, but hubby offered to pay them £100 towards it, because that was all we could afford. The tree cutters came at the beginning of December . Hubby saw the guy from next door shortly after that (just in passing) and said would it be ok to pay him after Xmas, he said it would be fine etc.

They haven't mentioned anything further about the money and I asked hubby about it the other day and he said that he regrets ever saying anything about the money and he's not paying it unless we get asked for it.

They seem nice people, but are a bit "bossy" if you get me and will tell you what they are going to do, regardless of what you think. I am just glad we are not joined onto them. They are having a front porch built and IMO the dividing wall (the front doors are next to each other) would block out the other neighbours light. So I don't know if they would have said anything.

In the meantime it feels awkward for me, as I want to keep a low profile and not get into conversation with them too much.

Would you pay them any money for it?

whitewing

I would pay the £100 as you agreed to do this, but I would let them deal completely with your husband.

loracan1

I wouldn't offer it (I'd be cross with myself for being caught on the backfoot and offering it in the first place) unless it's mentioned - I'd probably pay it straight away (reluctantly) then though. They probably weren't expecting you to offer anything in the first place. Damn cheeky of them informing you what they were doing with your property anyway.

19lottie82

If your husband has said he will pay the £100, then pay it.

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow

I would pay the £100 if I had agreed to. It's a bit passive aggressive forcing them to ask for it.

It's really not a good idea to fall out with your neighbours, try to remain amicable with them.

maman

I can see that maybe your DH was caught unawares. Obviously he should have told them they could cut it down at their expense. But he didn't and it's too late now without putting you both in a bad light (excuse pun). He's even reminded them he's planning to pay by asking to leave it until after Christmas.

I should pay up the £100 as agreed and don't let him play out again!:rotfl:

iammumtoone

As you have said you are going to pay it (twice) you really should pay. Is it better for you now the trees have been removed, do you get more light as well? Perhaps try to find a positive that you got your tree cut down for a bargain price.

katsclaws

we had a massive sycamore tree cut down in our garden a few years ago. It was £150. £1200 seems very expensive but I'm no expert.

aileth

Abbafan1972 wrote: »

Now, I wasn't there when the conversation happened, as hubby was talking to them, but they more or less told us that they were having our conifer cut down as it was blocking the light into their garden. We didn't have any objections to it.


They are having a front porch built and IMO the dividing wall (the front doors are next to each other) would block out the other neighbours light. So I don't know if they would have said anything.

Talk about double standards. They sound lovely.

I would wait for them to ask. With any luck, they've forgotten. They seem the sort of people who if they knew £100 was owed they would consistently mention it to get it.

peachyprice

I would pay them the £100, you no longer have the upkeep of the conifer tree and paying £100 is better than getting into a dispute where they could try to say you agreed to pay half. Afterall, you have no proof that your OH agreed to pay only £100.

DaftyDuck

I'd pay them the £100; anything for a quiet life and being in the right.

Mind you, I'd be spending £20 on some small - but very fast growing - Leylandii from here and planting them somewhere along the border. Well, I don't like being pushed about :mad:

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