Neighbour has removed tree from boundary!

[MisMaid]

Hi,

Our neighbour has removed a tree from the boundary of our property without asking permission :( We are very upset, and angry that they didn't even bother asking our permission. What do we do in this instance? I'm not sure if I should approach them directly or go to a solicitor? They haven't moved into property yet so we've only said a quick hello. They have also removed shrubbery and flower bushes from our land when removing the tree.

Whose tree was it?

Firstly calm down would be my advice. You don't want to start a new neighbour relationship off on a bad foot.

It's probably a misunderstanding rather than them having any kind of malicious intent.

Was it theirs?

There is a lot of legal issues here. Long story but personally I would speak to a solicitor. They are likely liable for the cost of replacing the tree if it was on our land. Also liable for damage they cause. Get photographic evidence. Not a great start to the neighbour relationship but I would want to know where I stood before speaking with them.

Whose tree was it?

Your land.

If it's their tree you can't do much about it, although disturbing your shrubs isn't good

It was on the boundary so from our understanding belonged to both of us. They just bought their house a few weeks ago.

You need to find out FOR SURE whose land it is and who owns the tree. Dint go by what you always thought as it could backfire. Look on your deeds.

You need to find out FOR SURE whose land it is and who owns the tree. Dint go by what you always thought as it could backfire. Look on your deeds.

You need to find out FOR SURE whose land it is and who owns the tree. Dint go by what you always thought as it could backfire. Look on your deeds.

Ah crap

www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=1022

I’d be very sure of my facts and take 24 hours to think things over before I did anything. Whatever happens, these people have only just moved in. You may have them as neighbours for years.

Thanks @damnthatanxiety

I've just checked the title deeds and it shows that where the tree was is on the boundary.

What would yours and others advice be? What's the best way to proceed?

@AuntyPasta Thanks for that link, that's very helpful, and confirms what I thought.

@ProfessorPollington Thank you. I'll get advice from a solicitor and see what they say. I have collected pictures.

Trouble is, you can't ask them to put it back and it would be unrealistic to ask them to replace it with an equivalent (unless it was a v small tree).

What do you want to happen? What do you want off them?

I'd talk to them. Tell them the tree was on the boundaries, and you've noticed they've cut it down, and before they do similar again can they please consult you first.

No point going on all guns blazing if you can't change the outcome.

What kind of tree was it? Is it replaceable?

Do you mean it straddled the boundary? So you have lived there for x years and they have not long moved in? Blimey. They don't seem too worried about getting off on the wrong foot do they!

Whatever happens, these people have only just moved in. You may have them as neighbours for years - yes, just think of all the other damage they could do!!

Whose tree was it? You said it was on the boundary but who purchased and planted it? It can’t belong to both of you.

This might help

www.hellis.biz/advice-centre/trees-and-the-law/who-owns-the-tree/

It’s it who’s side more of the trunk is on? Can’t see them if only just purchasing and chopping a boundary tree down without checking with their solicitor as clearly it was a priority thing for them.

Is there not a fence? I don’t understand why people don’t fence boundaries and stop problems like this happening.

Forgot to add. Cannot believe the nerve of the people cutting it down before even introducing themselves.