Neighbours untamed hedge and trees

Sammyd159

ElephantBoy57 said:

Sammyd159 said:

Added a photo from my bedroom window. The angle of the trees makes the lounge dark at this time of day. As you can see I have cut back pretty much what I am allowed. 

But you do have a good view in the other direction, and the trees are really good for wildlife.

Yes, we do get a lot of lovely birds.  This photo doesn't really show what bad shape the trees are in though :-(

Sammyd159

rach_k said:

If trees overhanging the canal present a real danger, you could contact the Canal and River Trust - https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/maintaining-our-waterways/vegetation-management/vegetation-faqs#offside

Thanks, I will call them, as it is not their ownership though not sure what they will do.

Sammyd159

Posted a clearer picture of what is over hanging.

Sammyd159

Phil4432 said:

You can see the river from your bedroom, and there are no blockages to the frot or right of your bedroom view.  I am seeing a couple of trees that are not that large, and a high bush providing you both with privacy.  There is plenty of room for the sun to shine through and over them.

If you enter a dispute, things can deteriorate pretty quickly and once you start making letters and involving the council, you may face a financial loss if you sell your house.

If you neighbour isn't being anti social, having late party's, barking dogs, then you have a blessing many in this country do not.  I'd enjoy the river and greenery, and forget about it.

It's the health and untidiness of the trees, and also they do block light downstairs and the view down the canal and they block the evening sun. I'd be happy if she would just let us tidy them up! I've offered to pay, I don't understand why she isn't willing considering there are no privacy issues if we cut them back as it's an overgrown bit of canal bank at the bottom of her drive.  It isn't anywhere near her house or garden, her house is another 20 metre away.  I suspect if they were in her garden she would be bothered.  It's a case of out of sight and out of mind. 

Sammyd159

-taff said:

This is what you can do and can't do

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-hedges-complaining-to-the-council/high-hedges-complaining-to-the-council

This is what I read yesterday, I am trying to avoid any disputes to be honest.  I think I will try and approach her again. 

Sammyd159

This is an example of the fence damage from her untamed hedges!  I am happy to replace as it's not her fault the previous owner didn't say anything.  But bothered about the expense of replacing and it happening again.

Phil4432

The health of the trees are fine, unless there's a honey fungus or something equivalent that could spread to your garden.  Unless you are standing right where the picture is taken, the view is not affected and you can still see the other way.  I actually enjoy overhanging branches over rivers; gives a natural, river like feel.

Perhaps she wont care if you ask to cut those overhanging branches, but if you start telling her what to do with her trees in her own garden, it could develop into an unnecessary situation.  People can have trees in their garden.  Sure, you can enter into a dispute over a few feet of branch hanging over the canal, outside of her house.  You could get her to cut that hedge to around 6 feet, which will give you a view of her garden, but not much else.  There's nothing you can do about the height of those trees though.  Then you've lost value on your house and live next to someone you don't get along with.  For what?

Neighbor disputes are nasty.  I'd really just let this one go.

Phil4432

The view from my garden, is a solid green wall of trees.  Great contrast to my trimmed lawn and hedges, gives privacy and shade in a hot summer. 

Sammyd159

Mickey666 said:

Sammyd159 said:

. . . . I am trying to avoid any disputes to be honest.  I think I will try and approach her again. 

Not you’re not.  If you were you would simply leave her alone.  You’re trying to persuade her to do something she doesn’t want to do and are probably causing her some distress.  Asking once is fair enough but not accepting the answer is not fair on her.

She initially said she would when I first approached her. I am only going off what her son in law said, I don't even know for a fact he has asked her.  There is legislation in place for hedges otherwise I would not be asking if anyone has any experience of using it. I am not trying to cause her distress.  What about my distress at my damaged fence? She has a legal responsibility to keep her boundary in good shape and I am entitled to ask her for money for the fence, which in this instance I am not doing. I have busted a gut all summer trying to tame her trees and hedges, I am up a ladder every weekend with a constant pile of garden waste. I am entitled to have a stress free life too :-)

Sammyd159

Phil4432 said:

The view from my garden, is a solid green wall of trees.  Great contrast to my trimmed lawn and hedges, gives privacy and shade in a hot summer. 

I don't have privacy on an open canal bank :-) 
And my garden is mainly in the shade except for a few hours after lunch.