Roots and tree branches making garden fence collapse.

Magic_Moments

I am not sure if this is the correct forum for this subject. My neighbours who rent the property behind me have a tree that is close to my fence. Some large tree branches are resting on the fence causing it to break and some roots have come under my fence which are shooting up. How can I get rid of the roots and what are my right in getting the tree attended to.as it causing damage to the fencing which is likely to come down which will  affected security/privacy.

Aylesbury_Duck

You are entitled to cut any overhanging branches back to the boundary.  If you own the fence and it sits on your land (i.e. just inside the boundary) then you can cut those branches back to the back of your fence.  Technically you must offer the cuttings to the tree's owner but if they decline, you are responsible for disposing of them.

Same with the roots, you can cut them back to the boundary line.  It's a question of digging down, cutting them at the boundary and then filling in the hole.

born_again

Surely the tree belongs to their landlord?

Have you tried speaking to them about it?