To ask the vicar!?

[howmuchwoodwouldawoodchuckchuc]

...... to sort out their tree!?

Over the weekend, the High winds caused a branch to literally crack and hang down - the tree is in the graveyard, situated behind our house. Our house is lower than the graveyard and the tree hangs over us:

The branch that is hanging is around 20ft long, the branch width is around 3ft - so it's a big blighter!

I don't want it to take out the fence when it eventually drops.

The vicar says it's not the churches responsibility (?) and that hallowed ground belongs to the local council... but the council say they don't own this bit of land.

Aibu to think, the vicar is trying to get out of paying for a tree surgeon?

Photo and diagram below:

I have absolutely no idea about the legalities, but I've got to say I am LOVING the diagram

Fantastic diagram!

If local authority say they don't own the land then likely the church does. Is there a parish council?

That's going to cause damage when it falls! What denomination is the church? I'd go above the vicar if he isn't willing to sort it and neither is the council.

No idea, but awesome diagram!

I didn't think vicars were supposed to lie. Go over his head, that branch is a whopper and it needs sorting.

glad my diagram pleases

Don’t give a toot about the tree OP, but your sketch is fabulous. Have you thought about a sideline in funny greetings cards? I hope your current occupation involves art and humour or your talents are being wasted!

I have no advice but that is the best god damn diagram I have seen on here ever. Bravo!

Call the council to understand why they don't think it's their responsibility. They should have details in the planning dept.

That is the best diagram I have ever seen. Therefore you are 100% right (not a legal position!).

Parish Council?

Wow, OP. You win the Internet for today 👏🏼

Very very few graveyards are still the responsibility of the church most are down to the council. Report it again and make it clear that it is a danger. Take the details of the person you spoke to and a record of the call, back it up in writing and then if it subsequently causes damage you should be able to get compensation.

Easy, ask the Vicker which part of the land belongs the church, ask the council which part belongs to them and fence of the bit noone is claiming. A few bamboo canes and some tape markets and I'm sure the owner will surface.

Worst case you have to get the tree fixed but have a larger garden!

No advice, but I love that diagram. I think that might be the best I’ve seen on here.

Tree may have a TPO on it so definitely contact the council.

I know our local churchyard, now full, is a council responsibility so I suspect the vicar is right. Give them a ring/email

Thank you for the advice - I will get back onto the council and speak to "non Sunday staff" - perhaps I should send them my diagram

Best diagram

I love the arrow pointing to dead people. 😂

Grrr can't see the diagram (Did you use the app, OP? It seems that app pictures are not visible to non-app users)

Churchyards can indeed be owned by the council, and the Vicar may not have jurisdiction over the trees ! (I was on a PCC and we had to tidy some trees up and it required all sorts of "other parties" involvement).

What tablet did you use to draw that?! I'm in the market for a new one :D

Best diagram ever. Good luck with the council.

If the graveyard is still open (has spaces in it and takes burials) it is usually the responsibility of the church. When the graveyard closes, the parish council takes responsibility for maintenance.

@Queenofthestress an iPad

Stupendous diagram! Agree that you need to establish responsibility for tree maintenance and pursue accordingly. If council, local councillor/management.. If church, try the diocese.