Tree pruning

Shabbycat

My neighbour has a fir tree in their front garden in the corner adjacent to the highway. The tree leans forward at an angle so overhangs the pavement in front of both their and my house. Only a very small amount of the tree overhangs my actual property. The tree doesn’t bother me at all. My neighbour across the roads keeps mentioning it and wants it pruned but only speaks to me about and not the actual owner of the tree. Am I responsible for my neighbours tree overhanging the pavement in front of my property??? Thank you.

Emmia

I think you should point the neighbour that complains in the direction of the owner, if they keep mentioning it, keep pointing out that it isn't your tree.

But yes, you can prune the bits in front of your property, offering the tree owning neighbour the bits chopped off.

Shabbycat

Thank you for your reply Emmia. I have no wish to pay for it to be pruned, it would need a tree surgeon to do the work. I just wanted if I have to bear the responsibility of the branches in front of my property or is this down to the owner???

Emmia

Shabbycat said:

Thank you for your reply Emmia. I have no wish to pay for it to be pruned, it would need a tree surgeon to do the work. I just wanted if I have to bear the responsibility of the branches in front of my property or is this down to the owner???

Normally if you want branches overhanging your property trimmed, it's up to you.

But if it's impeeding the pavement, then you ought to either cut it back or persuade the owner to do so.

RAS

Tell the person complaining that they need to speak to the owner. Or contact the local council, who can instruct the owner.

fatbelly

You have no responsibility for the tree.

But a large conifer with overhanging branches is something the council may take an interest in.

Shabbycat

Emmia said:

Shabbycat said:

Thank you for your reply Emmia. I have no wish to pay for it to be pruned, it would need a tree surgeon to do the work. I just wanted if I have to bear the responsibility of the branches in front of my property or is this down to the owner???

Normally if you want branches overhanging your property trimmed, it's up to you.

But if it's impeeding the pavement, then you ought to either cut it back or persuade the owner to do so.

It’s not impeding the pavement at all. On the odd occasion when a branch has broken and it’s a danger, I go and tell them and they deal with it. None of the branches bother me as they don’t affect my property at all. My neighbour across the road I think is concerned that if the tree fell down it might hit their car. I think it’s the owners responsibility, not mine.

Emmia

Shabbycat said:

Emmia said:

Shabbycat said:

Thank you for your reply Emmia. I have no wish to pay for it to be pruned, it would need a tree surgeon to do the work. I just wanted if I have to bear the responsibility of the branches in front of my property or is this down to the owner???

Normally if you want branches overhanging your property trimmed, it's up to you.

But if it's impeeding the pavement, then you ought to either cut it back or persuade the owner to do so.

It’s not impeding the pavement at all. On the odd occasion when a branch has broken and it’s a danger, I go and tell them and they deal with it. None of the branches bother me as they don’t affect my property at all. My neighbour across the road  I think is concerned that if the tree fell down it might hit their car. I think it’s the owners responsibility, not mine.

Then when the neighbour raises it with you, just keep telling them it's not your tree, and you're not getting involved. 

Why is the complaining neighbour not raising it with the owning neighbour? 

Shabbycat

I’ve spoken to the council and they have confirmed it is not my responsibility at all and they can send a letter telling them to cut it back to the boundary. I will tell the complaint neighbour they can do this if they choose but I won’t be getting involved. 

Thank you for all the replies, most helpful.