Neighbours over-grown tree, what to do about it.

mex

mex

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Nigel
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My neighbour has a very large magnolia tree in his garden, it's very close to the fence that separates our gardens. 2 large branches ( probably 6-8" diameter) have grown across above the fencing and now hinder my wife being able to put out clothes to dry. I have asked the guy nextdoor if he wouldn't mind trimming the branches but so far he has done nothing, anyone with any idea on where I stand?
 
You can trim back to the boundary line - not past it. You also need to do it in a manner that does not cause damage to the tree - you cant snap the branches off.
 
When did you ask him? May be time for a gentle reminder.

Now is the time to prune as it has finished flowering but magnolias "bleed" when pruned so it needs to be done properly so he may prefer to do it himself ... give him the option with a time limit before you do it. (needs to be done by the end of July really.)
 
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I agree that it would be best to approach your neighbour again, and ask him to cut the branches back himself. If he refuses, you can do it yourself as others have suggested. One caution, you can only cut the branches back to the boundary line, and fences don't always follow boundary lines, so make sure you know where it is before you start cutting to avoid any repercussions.
 
yeah just get snipping, bit at a time.
 
Brentor said:
Whatever the law says, I would suggest a conciliatory approach as falling out with your neighbours can make life difficult.
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Best advice here IMO. You have to live within close proximity so the last thing you need to do is fall out. It's impossible to keep an eye on your own property 24/7 and its amazing how incidents of damage can happen. We all know who's done it but can't prove it.
 
At 6-8" diameter the branches will be heavy - and unless you have the correct protective gear you do not want to be wielding a chain saw - access will also be a problem.
because of the height.
It could well be possible that your insurance will utilise their solicitors on your behalf if your neighbour does not respont to your reasonable approach.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/h...ee-with-your-neighbour-about-a-tree-or-hedge/
 
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Agree with trying the neighbour again, though I appreciate it could be difficult.

On the subject of giving the cut branches back. I think the law is you must offer the branches to the neighbour, which I assume means he could say he does not want them.

Also agree about the use of a chainsaw. Unless you have the experience and the gear there is a risk of serious injury or death(if things go wrong they do not take prisoners) especially if you'd have to work from a ladder.

If you have to tackle the job yourself hiring a pole saw might be safer. I have an electric one and feel happy about cutting branches, in stages, above head height because the business end is a good few feet way from me. I reckon the greater danger is the falling branch.

Dave
 
chris954 said:
You can cut the overhanging branches but you have to give them back to him.
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You don't need to give them back, but you need to offer them back.
I'd let the neighbour know that you will be cutting the branches off, but thought you'd check that he has no objection to you arranging disposal.
 
arclight said:
You don't need to give them back, but you need to offer them back.
I'd let the neighbour know that you will be cutting the branches off, but thought you'd check that he has no objection to you arranging disposal.
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This! Especially as Nigel says this in his OP "I have asked the guy nextdoor if he wouldn't mind trimming the branches but so far he has done nothing, anyone with any idea on where I stand?"

It is possible the neighbours silence is more like a "how the heck do I cut those big branches and get rid of them,......"

But one thing for sure AFAIK beware of making it a dispute as that is a declaration matter when you sell a house!
 
I'm going to try the diplomatic route first ( this could get interesting:eek:) and see what he decides, if he still does nothing...well,we'll see.
 
I had the same issue many years ago, my neighbour had a leylandii about 20 feet tall and spread, at the lower half. The worse thing was about 10 feet was hanging over my side and killing the grass, I had a massive moss garden semi circular about 10 odd feet deep.
We weren't really friends, they had p***ed me off once or twice by hammering small nails in the fence and cutting the heads off, as they didn't want my cat climbing the fence. :rolleyes:

But I digress when they went on holiday I went straight up the side of the tree,
They only spoke once, when they came back something about " I wish you hadn't done that" :D
and then not for about 3 years... Suited me, besides, not long after they cut the damned thing down anyway (y)
 
arclight said:
You don't need to give them back, but you need to offer them back.
I'd let the neighbour know that you will be cutting the branches off, but thought you'd check that he has no objection to you arranging disposal.
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You could always ask if he would like to share the tree surgeons fee?
Neighbours once mention I trimmed my side of the conifer hedge a bit neat,- their hedge- I suggested then they get their gardener chap to trim my side when he does theirs, never happened, nor does he clean up the stuff that is in my garden when he’s done. Took a couple of years but the hedge is green and tidy and trimmed to just inside the border on my side, at 3m tall it does create a fair area of shade though.
 
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No but seriously; if you want it done, then it's probs best to just do it yourself, after informing him of your intentions. Ime, trying to rely on neighbours to do stuff is fraught with difficulty. But it's always best to at least try to get on with yer neighbours; you have to live with them.


Cobra said:
We weren't really friends, they had p***ed me off once or twice by hammering small nails in the fence and cutting the heads off, as they didn't want my cat climbing the fence.
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I don't mind cats, but they are the most destructive creatures found in any garden. Kill all manner of wildlife (and leave it lying around to rot and attract other vermin), s*** in flowerbeds, p*** everywhere etc. I wouldn't want anyone's cats in my garden. Cats are a unique problem, cos no law prevents them from being 'allowed' to enter anyone else's garden (unlike dogs, which you have to keep confined to your own land), but they are the cause of many neighbour disputes. Praps your neighbour has had enough of your cat 'invading' his garden, causing problems, and you aren't aware of that. But doing something to help prevent your cat from entering his garden, what's the problem with that?
 
AZ6 said:
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No but seriously; if you want it done, then it's probs best to just do it yourself, after informing him of your intentions. Ime, trying to rely on neighbours to do stuff is fraught with difficulty. But it's always best to at least try to get on with yer neighbours; you have to live with them.




I don't mind cats, but they are the most destructive creatures found in any garden. Kill all manner of wildlife (and leave it lying around to rot and attract other vermin), s*** in flowerbeds, p*** everywhere etc. I wouldn't want anyone's cats in my garden. Cats are a unique problem, cos no law prevents them from being 'allowed' to enter anyone else's garden (unlike dogs, which you have to keep confined to your own land), but they are the cause of many neighbour disputes. Praps your neighbour has had enough of your cat 'invading' his garden, causing problems, and you aren't aware of that. But doing something to help prevent your cat from entering his garden, what's the problem with that?
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I surmise it depends on what the "something" is? In the case of spikes in the top of fence can that be seen as dangerous solution akin to the (now outlawed?) broken glass cemented on tops of walls to deter intruders???
 
Box Brownie said:
I surmise it depends on what the "something" is? In the case of spikes in the top of fence can that be seen as dangerous solution akin to the (now outlawed?) broken glass cemented on tops of walls to deter intruders???
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40' high mesh fence. Several layers of barbed wire. Machine gun nests. Moat. Landmines.

Still won't keep the little bastards out, mind.

Sigh. :(
 
AZ6 said:
Praps your neighbour has had enough of your cat 'invading' his garden, causing problems,
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No idea what they are, they were fully lawned up, nothing to destroy, or damage.

AZ6 said:
But doing something to help prevent your cat from entering his garden, what's the problem with that?
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Sharp nail heads designed to hurt or maim, of course its perfectly acceptable :rolleyes:
You do have some funny ideas at times !
 
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mex said:
My neighbour has a very large magnolia tree in his garden, it's very close to the fence that separates our gardens. 2 large branches ( probably 6-8" diameter) have grown across above the fencing and now hinder my wife being able to put out clothes to dry. I have asked the guy nextdoor if he wouldn't mind trimming the branches but so far he has done nothing, anyone with any idea on where I stand?
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Having read some of the other comments here and I now agree the best way is probably to approach your neighbour but say you are going to cut the branches yourself and ask him he wants them back when you have done.

As alluded to above if you ask him to do it and he said OK, then you a stuck waiting for him to do something, again.

Dave
 
Cobra said:
No idea what they are, they were fully lawned up, nothing to destroy, or damage.
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Doesn't matter though does it? It's their garden, not yours.


Cobra said:
Sharp nail heads designed to hurt or maim, of course its perfectly acceptable :rolleyes:
You do have some funny ideas at times !
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Surely it's designed to deter, rather than deliberately injure? Why shouldn't people want to keep pests out of their private property?
 
AZ6 said:
Doesn't matter though does it? It's their garden, not yours.




Surely it's designed to deter, rather than deliberately injure? Why shouldn't people want to keep pests out of their private property?
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Have you ever watched the way (most) cats actually climb a fence?

The risk of impalement is high, with the risk to the owner and any who might try to help the cat should it become impaled on the spikes. A deterrent in the case on a cat might be greasing the top i.e. a humane method and not one with a high potential to injure (intended or not) !

PS and yes in the past we really did not like the visits from the neighbourhood cats :( The kept a squeezy bottle of water to scare them ~ i.e. shock deterrance not harm ;)
 
I wouldn't attempt that. 6 to 8. Inch diameter are BIG branches. They must protrude a long way into your garden?
 
Box Brownie said:
Have you ever watched the way (most) cats actually climb a fence?
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Yes, I have. They'll attempt it, encounter summat hazardous, then hopefully be dissuaded. Cats aren't stupid. I've seen many cats climbs stuff, watch our neighbours various cats all the time. I'd say risk of impalement is pretty low tbh. Wiley buggers, cats. Local authorities etc put up anti-pigeon spikes up in loads of places; the odd dozy pigeon gets impaled now and then, but it seems to work at keeping the rest of them away. But what I do know is that if a cat owner p***es someone off, and doesn't acknowledge or respect that other party, cats can end up dead. Not condoning that, but it's best to keep yer neighbours sweet if you want little Fluffykins to roam about without danger. One man's pet is another man's pest...
 
AZ6 said:
Doesn't matter though does it? It's their garden, not yours.
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You mentioned damage, I told you there was no damage to do.
Simples.

AZ6 said:
Surely it's designed to deter, rather than deliberately injure?
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if it were to deter then a fine net would have sufficed, or string / wires stretched out.
This was designed to maim, and in totaly cotrary to the ( in force at the time) 1876 cruelty to animals.
Which of course has now been superseded twice.

AZ6 said:
Local authorities etc put up anti-pigeon spikes up in loads of places; the odd dozy pigeon gets impaled now and then
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Having set 1000's of feet of these over the years, I can assure you they are very flexible and pigeons do not get impaled on them.
If that was the case DEFRA would have banned the use years ago.
 
Cobra said:
You mentioned damage, I told you there was no damage to do.
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Doesn't matter. It's THEIR property, not yours.

Simples.

Cobra said:
if it were to deter then a fine net would have sufficed, or string / wires stretched out.
This was designed to maim, and in totaly cotrary to the ( in force at the time) 1876 cruelty to animals.
Which of course has now been superseded twice.
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Yeah but you don't know that they intended to injure or only deter. Would be pretty tough to prove the former. There is a very simple and effective way of ensuring your pet doesn't end up injured though. Don't let it outside. I know that's not practical or even kind, but I'm playing devil's advocate here. Your neighbours, for whatever reason, don't want your pet in their garden. That is their choice. As it yours, to have a pet cat in the first place. See where I'm coming from? A bit more understanding from both sides, and your problem could become non-existent. They may well be utter c***s, but they are entitled to view their property as they choose. Not wanting your cat in their garden may seem unreasonable to you, but that's their home. They do have the right to live their as they choose. Have you had any conversation about why they don't want your cat in their garden? Bit of mediation and co-operation, and everyone could live in peace.

Cobra said:
Having set 1000's of feet of these over the years, I can assure you they are very flexible and pigeons do not get impaled on them.
If that was the case DEFRA would have banned the use years ago.
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Plenty of metal spikes up in places, all over.
 
AZ6 said:
Simples.
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You know, there used to be a couple of other guys that stalked me around the site, just waiting to take an opposite stance to me.
looking for an angle to argue with. It got rather boring after awhile.

Initially I was quite flattered though, at the fact that they would seek me out, to dissect my posts to the nth degree, no matter where I posted, or what the subject was.
But in the end I kinda felt sorry for them,
wondering just how boring their lives must be that they would hang on my every word :(
 
Cockney said:
I wouldn't attempt that. 6 to 8. Inch diameter are BIG branches. They must protrude a long way into your garden?
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Yes, the weight of branches that diameter is shocking. An 8" dia. x 24" log could weigh about 40-50 lbs.
 
Cockney said:
I wouldn't attempt that. 6 to 8. Inch diameter are BIG branches. They must protrude a long way into your garden?
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8 maybe 10ft over the fence.
 
Cobra said:
You know, there used to be a couple of other guys that stalked me around the site, just waiting to take an opposite stance to me.
looking for an angle to argue with. It got rather boring after awhile.

Initially I was quite flattered though, at the fact that they would seek me out, to dissect my posts to the nth degree, no matter where I posted, or what the subject was.
But in the end I kinda felt sorry for them,
wondering just how boring their lives must be that they would hang on my every word :(
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Right. Ok.... :LOL:

No but seriously:

AZ6 said:
Plenty of metal spikes up in places, all over.
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AZ6 said:
I don't mind cats, but they are the most destructive creatures found in any garden.
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Seriously? Have you seen the damage deer or badgers will do to a garden? I heard about a pond full of koi carp, some of which had been resident for twenty years or so being wiped out by otters. They hadn't eaten the fish as such but taken a bite out of each, killing them.
 
Cartus said:
Seriously? Have you seen the damage deer or badgers will do to a garden? I heard about a pond full of koi carp, some of which had been resident for twenty years or so being wiped out by otters. They hadn't eaten the fish as such but taken a bite out of each, killing them.
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How common is it, to get deers and badgers and otters in the average garden? Seeing as the vast majority of people live in urban areas, well away from typical wildlife habitats?

So, yeah; seriously.

https://academic.oup.com/jel/advance-article/doi/10.1093/jel/eqz035/5640440
 
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