Over hanging tree and ivy

nattybuk

Hi,

Our property is next to the local library, the library grounds have a couple of large trees that their branches overhand into our garden and make it quite shaded and messy. They also have a ton on ivy coming over our fence and close to our property.

Am I within my right to have the over handing branches trimmed to up to my boundary and remove the ivy right back to their side of the fence?

Being a council library do I need to inform them?

Many thanks

AdrianC

Is there a TPO on the trees? (How long have you lived there, what species of tree, what size?)

Yes, you can trim the ivy that's come over onto your side, but you must offer them the trimmings back. They don't have to accept, and you can't just dump them.

Slithery

Yes you can, but legally you have to offer them the cuttings back first before disposing of them.

sevenhills

You may be doing them a favour if you cut the ivy back at its base, just cutting it back when it comes over your fence will be a monthly task.

G_M

As above- but why not speak to the head librarian? Who knows, the council might arrange to cut /trim both sides. Never understand why people are reluctant to communicate.......

Rosieandjim

I would have thought that the local authority would be the people to speak to as it is a government building

davidmcn

AdrianC wrote: »

you must offer them the trimmings back.

Slithery wrote: »

legally you have to offer them the cuttings back first

Technically that may be correct, but it's also worth pointing out that the neighbour is hardly likely to take legal action if you fail to offer them the cuttings back. Not sure what the reaction would be if you wander into the library with an armful of cuttings.

Fire_Fox

nattybuk wrote: »

Hi,

Our property is next to the local library, the library grounds have a couple of large trees that their branches overhand into our garden and make it quite shaded and messy. They also have a ton on ivy coming over our fence and close to our property.

Am I within my right to have the over handing branches trimmed to up to my boundary and remove the ivy right back to their side of the fence?

Being a council library do I need to inform them?

Many thanks

I'd have a bash at getting the Council's tree surgeons on the case. Based on risk of damaging your - and their? - property or 'elfin safety of kids climbing them, rather than shade or mess. Winter 'tis the season to be pollarding (fa la la la la ....).

Agree that ivy needs more severe pruning than you are permitted to undertake without the landowner's permission. IMO 'butter up' the manager of the library.

sgun

I have been working with a local council library to help them develop a learning space in their garden, there simply isn't any money to maintain the existing plants and trees. The council amenities team has had its budget cut by 97% and libraries are at the bottom of the list for fund allocation. You would probably be doing the library a favour if you cut back all the ivy on both sides (ask first!) You might have more issues getting the trees sorted but if you wanted to trim them yourself I think they would bite your hand off. Please dispose of the trimmings though or else a poor library volunteer will end up having to do it.

AdrianC

davidmcn wrote: »

Technically that may be correct, but it's also worth pointing out that the neighbour is hardly likely to take legal action if you fail to offer them the cuttings back. Not sure what the reaction would be if you wander into the library with an armful of cuttings.

...which is why the next sentence in my post was...

They don't have to accept, and you can't just dump them.