Tree in garden and neighbours

TornSoldier

In our first home, we have a tree at the edge of the garden that has a few branches hanging on neighbour’s side. It has always been for past 1.5 years (our time) and before.
Recently, we are tiding up the garden and sent our man to trim the tree from their house. I have now received a letter from neighbour asking for more trimming on their side as it is an obstruction.
From our observation and of the gardener, that is not the case. I don’t mind getting the extra work done while we are at it, but I am not sure if I m obliged to do it or setting up a expectation?

What are the rights when it comes to trees in your garden that has branch over neighbours? Can I just ask them to trim it to their joy? Not sure about that 

I am especially annoyed by the choice of words (telling than suggesting) used in the letter. 

Appreciate your expert thoughts on it

Cheers
TS

Greatgimp

I've always wondered why somebody would plant a tree knowing that it will eventually hang over the fence and it's presented to the neighbour fait accompli. It's the same with cats.

swingaloo2

Did you actually 'Send your man' into their garden to trim the tree from the neighbours side and if so did you get permission to do that. If not then that may have wound them up, hence the letter. Do you not speak to each other at all? It  would be so simple to sort this out amicably.

davilown

Tell them to trim it themselves - they'll need to remember that they can do that, but not to a point that it can make the tree unbalance and dangerous.  Then tell them you don't want the cuttings back

nora_nora

They are entitled to cut it themselves and return the branches to you, but i can't see you having an obligation to go into their property and do it for them. Of course much depends on the sort of relationship you want to have with your neighbours. Perhaps reply giving them your blessing to cut whatever they like from their side themselves?

ElephantBoy57

TornSoldier said:

Recently, we are tiding up the garden and sent our man to trim the tree from their house. I have now received a letter from neighbour asking for more trimming on their side as it is an obstruction.
From our observation and of the gardener, that is not the case. I don’t mind getting the extra work done while we are at it, but I am not sure if I m obliged to do it or setting up a expectation?

It may be an obstruction to light, maybe that is what they mean?

If you want to trim more, for the sake of good relationships, or not, just tell them that they can trim on their side. Don't fall out, trees can be a nuisance.

But will that result in the tree looking odd and out of balance?

rik111

You both sound like a right couple of plums. You sending your “man”. Didn’t know you could still have slaves in this day and age.... Them sending you letter instead of just talking to you.....
Sounds like you deserve each other and will make each other’s life misery over a poxy tree. 🤣😂

TornSoldier

Thank you for the insight!
1. By man I meant the team who is working in our garden and they went in with their permission and trimmed what they asked as well.

2. It’s not an adjacent house but more of diagonally away. So, never spoke to them.

3. I think I will just go talk to them as I expected the same instead of a letter 

davidmcn

Greatgimp said:

I've always wondered why somebody would plant a tree knowing that it will eventually hang over the fence and it's presented to the neighbour fait accompli. It's the same with cats.

Remember if you prune your neighbour's cat, you need to offer them the parts back.

Stratus

Don't get me wrong here, I love trees and have quite a few in my own garden, but isn't this a case of wrong tree in the wrong place? Have you considered removing it completely and replacing it with more suitable species in better locations?

Tiglet2

davidmcn said:

Greatgimp said:

I've always wondered why somebody would plant a tree knowing that it will eventually hang over the fence and it's presented to the neighbour fait accompli. It's the same with cats.

Remember if you prune your neighbour's cat, you need to offer them the parts back.

That made me chuckle! I sincerely hope no-one prunes my cat.