Is there anything I can do about these trees?

[GlassRoses]

I live next to a field which has a row of massive trees. The trees are very close to my house and I'm scared they will fall on it. Is there anything I can do about it?
I really don't think it's safe.

Well, didn’t you notice the trees when you moved in?

I understand that anxiety is a beast, but this one is on you.

Trees are valuable. We chop them down far too eagerly and I’m sure in a few years time we’ll regret it.

What do you mean by “make sure they’re being checked as they should”

I would think if your wanting any tree surveys or a tree surgeon to take a look that would come at your own cost

Actually, a landowner has an obligation to ensure that their trees don’t pose a threat to people or property.

See the Occupiers Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984.

However, this doesn’t mean they are obliged to prune or fell trees just because someone nearby is anxious about them. If the OP is seriously concerned, as I mentioned before, she needs to ask a tree surgeon to assess the trees and she can then pass this information to the landowner IF the trees are a danger.

I agree that trees are valuable, take such a long time to grow and we are losing so many.
I hope you can get them checked, to reassure you.
(it would have been a plus for me when I bought the property, to have mature trees nearby)

I've got a huge old tree next to my garden, has a TPO on it. It's lovely. I understand it can be nerving in strong winds to see them blowing about and huge branches falling into our garden, however remember how long that tree has stood there for and what the chances are of it falling over, and even if it did falling into your house, and even if it did that it would somehow then kill you. Very, very, very slim.

If they are "massive" then they will have been there for many decades, potentially over 100yrs (depending on tree type) so in the grand scheme of things I should imagine you are pretty safe.
Yes trees do come down but they are a (very) tiny minority so try not to give it much headspace. Following the recent high winds, have they dropped much debris?
Does the prevailing wing mean they are being pushed towards your house?
Wind direction does change but in my experience it usually comes from one direction and it is very noticeable when on the (odd) occasion that direction changes. Where we are, the wind (and it is quite windy where we are) almost always hits the house from the SW, when it changes (which is not very often) you can tell not only from the weather-vane but also from how it moves the trees & plants.

Exactly so that tree surgeon you mention to assess the trees will be at her own cost.
I never stated a landowner has no obligation. Just asked what she meant by make sure they are being checked.

Do you work for Sheffield Council OP?

They hate trees so much they cut down thousands of them for no reason. So many birds relied on those trees, they provided shelter and food. All gone now.

Maybe you should move there.

The UK is now one of the most nature-deprived countries in Europe and it is people like this poster that has made it so.

Shame on you.

Have you been drinking? Are you quite alright?

As far as I can tell, the OP asked for advice about trees she was concerned about near her house. She didn’t fell a load of TPO’d trees in the middle of the night, which was what Sheffield Council did.

Jeez. I rolled my eyes at the waving in the wind thing too, but I didn’t make a leap between that and mass tree murder.

I understand your worries.
I remember the storm of 87 and trees falling all around us and the damage that caused.

We recently had a neighbours 70ft fir tree fall in strong winds. It had not long been ansses as safe! And are now worried about a nearby oak. I don’t think the oak needs to come down, but just be reduced.

Sometimes just reducing them can make them less susceptible to wind and help them grow stronger.

Trees waving in the wind is a positive sign, it means they are healthy, it’s what they are supposed to do.

however if it’s not your house you need to raise your concern with your landlord.

Um what now?

The council will check for free, if they’re ash and have die back they’ll cut them down.

My rear near neighbour has a massive tree on her land. If it came down on my house it would kill me in my bed!

I spoke to her about my worries and she did eventually (but took her time) get it lopped which suits me fine. I never wanted it to be totally chopped down. The reduction in leaf fall into my garden has been so much more manageable too.

I still worry when winds are gale force but I’ve come to terms with it.

Speak to the land owner and ask about reductions in height but, bear in mind, tree surgeons are expensive. He might not want to pay.

This level of paranoia about perfectly healthy trees is simply nuts.
If everybody showed this level of panic about trees that might fall on them there would be barely any trees left.
Have you been drinking?

Me? I wasn’t agreeing with the OP at all, I was trying to offer some rational advice. I work in a related field and you would be amazed at the lengths people go to to get rid of any trees near their houses. I have literally seen people refuse council accommodation until a tree in the garden is felled. It’s insane.

Can anyone quote the part where I said I wanted the trees cut down?

Believe it or not I like trees. We need them. I just wanted to know what I can do to get some reassurance that they are not going to crush my family.