Neighbour's tree

noelphobic

27col wrote: »

I feel that I have to ask. Which was there first, the tree or the extension.

No idea! I've lived here for 20 years and the extension was here then, so not sure when it was added. If the tree was here then it was so small that I didn't even notice it, if that makes sense.

Would it make a difference? I think it's a sycamore tree by the way.

If this link works then this is the view from my bedroom window

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152466366010609&set=pb.692630608.-2207520000.1402744359.&type=3&theater

noelphobic

This is the view from my neighbour's bedroom window.

mttylad

TBH I wouldn't worry about that, its not going to harm your roof.

You can get a ladder, climb on the roof and cut the branches yourself (or get a friend/relation to do it).

adouglasmhor

I would cut as close to the boundary as possible and chuck the branches in her garden for her to deal with.

Lorian

I beg to differ - in the wind damage will start to be caused to the felt from abrasion. I have cut bushes off a similar flat roof for someone.


The job looks pretty easy for anyone happy to work on the roof.

moneyistooshorttomention

Lorian wrote: »

I beg to differ - in the wind damage will start to be caused to the felt from abrasion. I have cut bushes off a similar flat roof for someone.


The job looks pretty easy for anyone happy to work on the roof.

Is that a way forward then? ie to send the Housing Association a letter (with photos enclosed) and explain to them the damage the tree is likely to cause to the roof and how much it will cost them to put right if that occurs.

I am wondering whether the tree might also cause damage to the roof by virtue of the fact that rain wont be able to evaporate as readily from the roof over that bit the tree is covering and resultant pooling of water might possibly affect the roof too?

Really, I suspect the tree needs to be removed totally, in order to ensure that it doesn't need re-trimming at intervals.

If I were in OP's position, I would certainly be explaining very clearly that THEY would be the ones paying for any damage they caused to occur to my roof and enclosing all relevant data (those photos/quote for cutting the tree/quotes for repairing roof if damage did occur because of them).

There is also the fact that, if that tree isn't trimmed, then how would it be possible for OP to replace that roof if they needed to of themselves at some point (ie because of fair wear and tear). Those flat roofs don't last for ever. I believe they usually last about 15 years?

cyclonebri1

noelphobic wrote: »

No idea! I've lived here for 20 years and the extension was here then, so not sure when it was added. If the tree was here then it was so small that I didn't even notice it, if that makes sense.

Would it make a difference? I think it's a sycamore tree by the way.

If this link works then this is the view from my bedroom window

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152466366010609&set=pb.692630608.-2207520000.1402744359.&type=3&theater

It would make no difference at all and even if the ext was there 1st, claiming the "moral high ground" is a no go.;)

Yes it does look like a sycamore or less likely in a rented/HA property, a member of the maple/acer family.

That close to the houses it will damage not only yours but hers too eventually.

Wouldn't it be fortuitous if the rabbits or squirrels managed to ring bark it:A:A

noelphobic

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

I am wondering whether the tree might also cause damage to the roof by virtue of the fact that rain wont be able to evaporate as readily from the roof over that bit the tree is covering and resultant pooling of water might possibly affect the roof too?

Really, I suspect the tree needs to be removed totally, in order to ensure that it doesn't need re-trimming at intervals.

If I were in OP's position, I would certainly be explaining very clearly that THEY would be the ones paying for any damage they caused to occur to my roof and enclosing all relevant data (those photos/quote for cutting the tree/quotes for repairing roof if damage did occur because of them).

There is also the fact that, if that tree isn't trimmed, then how would it be possible for OP to replace that roof if they needed to of themselves at some point (ie because of fair wear and tear). Those flat roofs don't last for ever. I believe they usually last about 15 years?

I've been in the house for 20 years and the extension was here then. Not sure how old it is but definitely more than 20 years.

I was also concerned that the roof wouldn't dry out after heavy rain.

There's been some development over the weekend as my gardener trimmed the tree extensively, so the problem has been solved short term. I want the tree removed totally though in case the roots are causing damage - the gardener said that the roots are only about 2 feet from my roof/wall.

She is a very difficult person to talk to and I doubt she can even get into her garden any more as it is so overgrown. My plan now is to ask her if I can get the tree removed at my own expense and without going through her house/garden, just by someone climbing over our shared fence. If she refuses then I will approach the housing association again.

If she had been trimming that tree regularly I wouldn't even know it was there, as I can't see it from my bedroom window now that it has been trimmed back.

noelphobic

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

It would make no difference at all and even if the ext was there 1st, claiming the "moral high ground" is a no go.;)

Yes it does look like a sycamore or less likely in a rented/HA property, a member of the maple/acer family.

That close to the houses it will damage not only yours but hers too eventually.

Wouldn't it be fortuitous if the rabbits or squirrels managed to ring bark it:A:A

Pretty sure it is a sycamore.

I don't think either her or the housing association are bothered about the potential damage to her house. It won't be her problem anyway. The housing association seem to have a policy of doing the bare minimum when they have a tenant and then gutting the houses and putting right the damage caused by the tenant when they move out.

They also seem to be very liberal in who they rent to - she is living in a 2 bedroom house on her own, as is another neighbour. Unless they have lied and said someone else is living with them.

I'm pretty sure that the branches that were trimmed and are now in her garden will never be removed - at least not by her. If she had been more reasonable I would have dealt with disposing of them myself.

cyclonebri1

noelphobic wrote: »

Pretty sure it is a sycamore.

I don't think either her or the housing association are bothered about the potential damage to her house. It won't be her problem anyway. The housing association seem to have a policy of doing the bare minimum when they have a tenant and then gutting the houses and putting right the damage caused by the tenant when they move out.

They also seem to be very liberal in who they rent to - she is living in a 2 bedroom house on her own, as is another neighbour. Unless they have lied and said someone else is living with them.

I'm pretty sure that the branches that were trimmed and are now in her garden will never be removed - at least not by her. If she had been more reasonable I would have dealt with disposing of them myself.

Last line of my last post, she will probably never set foot near the tree, but I didn't tell you to do it:o:o:o;)