Neighbours tree in front garden obstructing footpath

usignuolo

My neighbour has a very large tree in his front garden right on the border with our garden. We have kept our side pruned but he does nothing to his which has got very large and the bottom branches are very low down hanging over the pavement outside his house, less than 5 foot. This is right on the border with our house.We have twice offered to share costs on pruning it, but he just declines, says he arrange it himself thank you, only he never does. It is not money, he is just eccentric.

I am concerned that the low hanging branches are becoming a hazard for pedestrians and if they fell over coming up the road from his side, it would be onto the pavement outside my house. Can I report him (reluctantly) to the council to force him to get it pruned?

Brenny

I don't think the Council will be able to do anything. Try the Highways Department of the County Council.

bouicca21

Someone once complained about a tree of mine that was very slightly overhanging the pavement. The council wrote to me. I didn't realise it was a problem, I would have much rather have someone complain to me, but hey ho, I cut the tree.

AnnieO1234

If it's overhanging a public pavement (i.e not a private road) it's usually council who will give him so many days to sort it or do it themselves to an extremely high cost. I know of one 4/5 yard length of privet that was ridiculously overhanging footpath that landed the homeowner with a bill of £2,500. Xx