Neighbours untamed hedge and trees

Sammyd159

Mickey666 said:

-taff said:

I think you should let this go. If she wanted them cut she would have asked you.

You are one who wants her to cut her trees down.

You are the one who wants her to cut her trees down over the river. If anyone does have an accident I've no doubt her garden will be the subject of an insurance investigation if they could or would choose to.

Cut them down your overhanging branches your side, leave her alone. If your fence gets damaged again, tell her it's being damaged and you might be thinking about asking her to pay for the new one..that's about all you can do.

I agree, though good luck with claiming for fence damage.  Firstly, it’s not her who is damaging the fence it is ‘nature’ - which is not being flippant because I don’t believe she has a legal duty to maintain her garden plants (except for certain species such as Japanese knotweed).  Also, how old is the fence.  Wooden fences don’t last forever and how could you prove the damage is from the plants or from expected wear and tear?
All very difficult, time-consuming and stressful.

Since the fence has been there a while and the house was empty and previously rented, I know it hasn't been looked after, so I am happy to pay for the replacement fence this time.  I wouldn't dream of pursuing her for it. But to get it in some of the hedge will have to be cut back as it's pushed out the panels. 

Sammyd159

Mickey666 said:

That’s fine.  If the fence is yours and on your land then you have a perfect right to cut any vegetation above it so that replacement panels can be fitted.
I find it hard to believe the trees grow so fast that you have to cut them back every week.  Maybe initially, but once they have all been cut back to the fence line then once per year should be enough.

These sorts of situations are difficult.  I’m sure you’re stressed out by it all but have some sympathy for how your neighbour feels as well.  She may really like her trees as they are and you may be causing her as much stress as you are feeling.  Is it really not possible to just ‘let it go’ and be a bit more chilled about it?  As you say, you have a wonderful view over the river, you live in a nice area and - to be fair - the trees were there when you decided to move in.  You don’t want to be one of those people who move into a new area and then start trying to change it just to suit you, do you?  If the trees really are such a big issue (which is fine if that’s how you really feel) then why move there?  If it’s because everything else suited you (which is also fine) then it’s not so much to compromise Is it?

I hear you, and yes there are always worse things to worry about.  when I moved in the hedge was just over the height of the fence. If you look at the photo you can see how much it has grown this year.She had the sides trimmed recently but didn't touch the top. I can only cut what comes over to me, so I'm cutting off random branches when really if it had a good cut across the top that would be it for a while.  I don't mean that I am cutting a branch and the same branch is growing back tall in a week, I mean that I cut off what I can and then the bits I can't cut grow bigger to the point I can cut them as they start leaning over. Can you see what I mean from the photo? Do you think I should just carry on randomly trimming the odd branch of the hedge or is it pointless, should I just let it grow? I feel like I am fighting a loosing battle with it.

Norman_Castle

Depending on how deep the hedge is I'd be lopping the thicker branches about 6 inches on her side and invest in a hedge trimmer on a pole and trimming at 45 degrees. She'd keep the height and you would get more light and have less to clear up. Its quite possible she wouldn't notice or care, if she does, they'll grow back.

Sammyd159

@Norman_Castle Thank you!  when I get the fence replaced I will do that.

Davesnave

If you buy a pole saw, the sort of hedge maintenance you're doing will be easier and you can do it from the ground. Don't forget a helmet/visor. I was in A&E recently after 'forgetting' mine.

https://www.screwfix.com/c/outdoor-gardening/long-reach/cat8010006

societys_child

I'm starting to feel really sorry for the neighbour . . .

Apodemus

Davesnave said:

If you buy a pole saw, the sort of hedge maintenance you're doing will be easier and you can do it from the ground. Don't forget a helmet/visor. I was in A&E recently after 'forgetting' mine.

https://www.screwfix.com/c/outdoor-gardening/long-reach/cat8010006

Sorry to hear that - I had a lucky escape when a cut branch came vertically down on me, cut-end first.  Even with a helmet on it was quite a blow, without it, I am pretty sure it would have penetrated my skull.

Davesnave

Apodemus said:

Davesnave said:

If you buy a pole saw, the sort of hedge maintenance you're doing will be easier and you can do it from the ground. Don't forget a helmet/visor. I was in A&E recently after 'forgetting' mine.

https://www.screwfix.com/c/outdoor-gardening/long-reach/cat8010006

Sorry to hear that - I had a lucky escape when a cut branch came vertically down on me, cut-end first.  Even with a helmet on it was quite a blow, without it, I am pretty sure it would have penetrated my skull.

I dropped a large 3 pronged oak branch, and  managed to avoid it landing on me , but it bounced back in my face and a  tiny twig 5mm across did the damage by sliding up behind my specs. Tore a hole in the outer skin of my eye, fortunately missing  anything important. Not very nice , but a good reminder not to be sloppy with basic protection. :'(

Norman_Castle

https://www.screwfix.com/p/mac-allister-mhtp550p-50cm-550w-220-240v-corded-electric-pole-hedge-trimmer/6928r#product_additional_details_container

Sammyd159

Norman_Castle said:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/mac-allister-mhtp550p-50cm-550w-220-240v-corded-electric-pole-hedge-trimmer/6928r#product_additional_details_container

I don't know whether I trust myself with that ha ha!