Trees in neighbours gardens

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As anyone got any experience in requesting neighbours to reduce the height of trees on their side of the boundary. (Are they obliged to reduce the height of trees if they start to obstruct overhead property power cables ?)
 
As anyone got any experience in requesting neighbours to reduce the height of trees on their side of the boundary.

Yes - our neighbours at the back asked us to chop down a sycamore in our garden because it was 'blocking their view of the sunset'.

I told them to pi$$ off - the tree stays because we like it.
 
I have a similar issue with my neighbour. The problem is they live abroad and let the property out and are pretty much un-contactable. The tree is getting very big now and needs reducing in height before it starts causing issues (in fact it constantly blocks the gutters which their letting agent pays to get cleared and charges them for). They do not seem to care at all though. I had a few problem trees (conifers) removed recently and managed to get them a vastly reduced quote for a professional prune. They did not take it up preferring their own (or the letting agents own) contractor, who was not a professional tree surgeon and who quoted a huge amount more...so in the end, they did not get it done! I am thinking of offering to pay to get it done if they are going to be that stingy....as it will end up damaging both our properties.

Anyway...back to topic....

...Unfortunately, as far as I am aware, you have no authority or legal right to do anything. You can only trim any overhanging branches that go to your side of the boundary. I think you "legally" have to offer these back to your neighbour or something.....

Howvever, in your specific case it may be an idea to contact the power distribution board for your area. They may have the power to require your neighbour to cut back the tree on safety grounds...

First though.....have you actually talked to them?
 
I have a similar issue with my neighbour. The problem is they live abroad and let the property out and are pretty much un-contactable. The tree is getting very big now and needs reducing in height before it starts causing issues (in fact it constantly blocks the gutters which their letting agent pays to get cleared and charges them for). They do not seem to care at all though. I had a few problem trees (conifers) removed recently and managed to get them a vastly reduced quote for a professional prune. They did not take it up preferring their own (or the letting agents own) contractor, who was not a professional tree surgeon and who quoted a huge amount more...so in the end, they did not get it done! I am thinking of offering to pay to get it done if they are going to be that stingy....as it will end up damaging both our properties.


Anyway...back to topic....

...Unfortunately, as far as I am aware, you have no authority or legal right to do anything. You can only trim any overhanging branches that go to your side of the boundary. I think you "legally" have to offer these back to your neighbour or something.....

Howvever, in your specific case it may be an idea to contact the power distribution board for your area. They may have the power to require your neighbour to cut back the tree on safety grounds...

First though.....have you actually talked to them?

I have talked to them they with the response the same as the previous author.
May be I can sell my how house to total undesirables and clear off and leave the area in a total mess.
 
This happened to a friend of mine, the neighbour didn't want to know. But funny enough, about a year later the tree died. The neighbour had to have the tree completely removed.

Andy
 
Well I just did a search and found this on an FAQ:

http://www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/internet/en/our-services/

There is a question about cutting back trees. It infers that they have the authority to cut back the trees if there is a danger but the landowner has to clear away the remains.

This board covers london, south west and the east. Find out who your local distribution board is and call them. Worst they can say is "no we do not have the authority".
 
Are they obliged to reduce the height of trees if they start to obstruct overhead property power cables ?)
Just had a look out of my office window and I can see the mature oaks over the road have power cables running through them.
This scenario is probably repeated a million times up and down the country.
I should forget this idea if I were you.
 
Once every three years or so, the local power company come and trims 6' diameter holes in huge fir tree canopies all the way down to road to give clearance for their cable. I would approach them, because its in their interest to keep their cables away from foliage.
Frank
 

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