Cutting back neighbours overhanging tree

Profcool

Hi there, just after some advice/opinions on this matter. I have a tree surgeon coming out after the weekend to prune back my neighbours trees. I have informed both neighbours that this is happening, offered them the return of the branches etc. Essentially trying to ensure that I have followed the right process regarding the law. However both neighbours are objecting to me cutting the overhanging branches for the above points:-

1) Firstly one tree is a eucalyptus and they say it should be pruned only in Feb/March so I am not allowed to prune back outside of these dates.

2) Secondly the large tree over growing my garden is on the boundary of 3 properties; my property, my neighbours property who owns the tree and a third neighbour whose garden the tree is also overhanging. The third neighbour (the neighbour who doesn't own the tree) is objecting to me cutting back the overhanging branches as it will remove growth from their garden as well.

Just wondering if a) I can prune overhanging trees at any time of the year irrespective of my neighbours thoughts on the matter are, and b) whether my neighbours can have any say on whether I prune back the overhanging branches on my border if it affects them too.

I understand this is slightly more complicated than the usual neighbours overhanging branches issue so any advice appreciated.

Thanks

Boohoo

I would of thought your qualified tree surgeon would know all about what tree's can be cut or can not be cut at this time of the year and he/she should of advised of this when they came to look at the tree's you wanted cutting/trimming and gave you the price for the work they will be doing for at the weekend.


As in a few threads on here about people cutting/trimming neighbours tree's/hedges without them giving consent can lead to a lot of trouble and also county court action.


Maybe time to have a rethink before doing all that work?

Mojisola

Profcool wrote: »

1) Firstly one tree is a eucalyptus and they say it should be pruned only in Feb/March so I am not allowed to prune back outside of these dates.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=136
"When to prune eucalyptus
Formative pruning, coppicing and pollarding of eucalyptus are best carried out in late winter to early spring (February to March), just before plants are actively in growth."

There's no law that says you can't prune at other times of year but, if the tree is damaged as a result of the pruning, your neighbour won't be happy.

Is the tree surgeon qualified and insured? Has he said anything about the possibility of nesting birds in the trees?

Profcool

Boohoo wrote: »

I would of thought your qualified tree surgeon would know all about what tree's can be cut or can not be cut at this time of the year and he/she should of advised of this when they came to look at the tree's you wanted cutting/trimming and gave you the price for the work they will be doing for at the weekend.


As in a few threads on here about people cutting/trimming neighbours tree's/hedges without them giving consent can lead to a lot of trouble and also county court action.


Maybe time to have a rethink before doing all that work?

Thanks Boohoo. As I understand the law is that any overhanging branches can be cut back without consent of the owner. Can you expand on the County Court point, and under what circumstances this could be enforced? Or point me in the direction of these previous posts. Thanks

Plantation7

Most of these so called Tree Surgeons that i have seen have virtually no knowledge of trees apart from how to cut them and ruin them, it is certainly better to do this early on in the season so the tree can recover.
I would try to work with the neighbours on some sort compromise because with all the environmental issues and trees being cut down people get very touchy about these subjects, February and March is the best season for pruning from what i understand.

neilmcl

A light bit of pruning will not hurt the Eucalyptus in the slightest. I prune mine back maybe 3-4 times a year with no ill affect.

-taff

a - don't know
b - no


As long as you don't make the trees unstable, you can cut overhanging branches off.

robatwork

You can legally cut the branches back to your boundary and return the branches to them. At any time.

A good neighbour would already have discussed this with you and offered to do that - I do with my neighbours - my tree, my responsibility.

However you have to live next door to them so just because you CAN, doesn't mean you SHOULD. I really dislike Jeff Goldblum so sorry.

Mojisola

robatwork wrote: »

You can legally cut the branches back to your boundary and return the branches to them.

You can ask them if they want the branches - if they don't, it's up to you to dispose of them properly.

kazwookie

Personally I would just get on with it, you have informed the neighbours of what you are planning, so crack on.

tori.k

But please wait until September as the birds are nesting.