Enormous tree in neighbour's garden

[treewoes]

I live in a small terraced house. At the bottom of my next door neighbour's garden there's a huge tree. I'd say it's at least three times taller than the surrounding houses... probably about 100ft if I had to guess?

Every day the tree blocks the sunlight in my garden for about 3 hours solid in the early afternoon, before the sun swings back round again in the late afternoon/early evening.

I would really love to get the tree either significantly reduced in height or removed altogether, but obviously it's on my neighbour's land so it's not my call.

I don't know the neighbours at all well (we only moved in six months ago and have barely seen them) and am really nervous to ask them, in case they're annoyed or think I'm interfering.

I'd be willing to pay for some or all of the work if the neighbours weren't happy to do so. DH thinks we should go halves but since we're the ones who have an issue with it, I think it's only fair that we cover the full cost if need be.

Does anyone have any advice on how they would deal with this situation? Do you think it's worth exploring getting the tree cut since I do get sunlight in my garden for about 6 hours a day (but none at all from 12-3)?

And does anyone know how much it would cost to get such an enormous tree cut back or chopped down? Logistically it could be a challenge as the tree is located between two rows of terraces.

Thank you!

But it's not that you dont get light. You do. You just want an extra 3 hours. What is wrong with you?

I’m not sure how I’d react if a neighbour asked me. Unless the there was something wrong with it I would never consider chopping down a healthy tree so would decline your offer but would be very conscious of your disapproval of it and probably give you a wide berth in the future.

Why buy the the house if this tree bothers you so much?

I'd tell you to sod off. The tree was there when you bought the house, it will have been very obvious.

I had a similar sized tree at the bottom of my garden; when my neighbour had it shortened I was sad as I see far fewer birds when I lie in bed.

I must admit, if I had you knock on my door asking about removing or reducing the tree and wanted me to pay towards it too, I'd tell you politely to fuck off, as I wouldn't be wasting my money to please you.

If the tree has a preservation order on it, it won't be going anywhere soon, regardless of what you want.

Gwacky can you leave me alone please?

Given the advice I think I will leave it - thank you.

People seem to be assuming it's a beautiful oak or something. My money is that it's a laylandii that are just awful.

The neighbours may well want it shortened or removed. Its worth asking.

I'm cant see why asking would upset them. I think it's a very reasonable request as you are offering to pay and you're prepared for the answer to be no.

I don't think it's awful to ask in a polite, friendly way but I would settle yourself in first and have a full year in the property before talking to neighbours about things in their garden.

When the time comes, I wouldn't be offended but I would want to choose the tree company myself even if you were paying. I don't want some cowboys damaging the rest of my garden/shed/greenhouse just so you get a cheap deal.

The tree was there before you bought the house. Why not enquire beforehand.

Cutting down trees or having them cut back is expensive. Only ask if you are prepared to pay for all of it.

However, if you are prepared to pay then definitely do ask. They might be delighted.

(Ignore the ‘save this one tree‘ posters. Trees are amazing and precious but not every tree in every location! These posters must never go to the park...)

We, wildlife and the environment need all the trees we can get. That's far more important than your three hours of sunlight.

gwackywacky No not ashamed in the slightest. Previous owners has planted leylandi which had become huge. Instead, I’ve put planting and a more manageable, wildlife friendly hedge and the neighbours have been able to plant a nice garden. The other tree that will be coming down is dangerous as it’s far too big for where it is and is and interfering with the electricity wires. In its place we’ll put something more manageable and are planing on planting more in the garden.

When trees overhang other gardens it is reasonable to ask the owner how/ if it’s maintained. They might never get it pruned, or they might do every year.

FWIW we had a huge fir in our garden the grew massive whilst we were refurbishing the inside of the house- we never would’ve prioritised the money on the outside until it was finished but our neighbours did ask if they could go halves to reduce it. We said no worries it needs removing anyway and did it a few months later. So you never know

We had to remove a large tree as it was rotting and dangerous. It cost 1.5k without stump grinding, to give you a cost idea.

Trimming might be possible but needs to be done by a professional as it could damage the tree if done badly.

Some people might fine with having this done others won't consider it, until you talk to them you won't know their views.

Was the tree not something you considered when buying the house?

I don’t think you’d necessarily be U to ask, but be prepared to pay completely, or for them to less politely tell to to piss off.

Also, what type of tree is it? If it’s a sycamore they grow like stink so even if they’re pollarded they need re-doing every few years.

Do you know what kind of tree it is ?

If it’s a deciduous tree ( loses leaves in winter ), you could approach the neighbours and ask them if they would be willing to have the tree pruned - it’s called lifting and thinning the crown.

If they are interested, you can get quotes from tree surgeons for doing the work. Then choose one and arrange access etc with your neighbours.

They might be very happy to have the work done at someone else’s expense. If it’s actually 35m high then it’s the wrong tree to be planted in the garden of a terraced house and it’s probably casting shade in their garden too.

Wow you're just slaughtering life left right and centre arent you? You should be ashamed

😂🤣😂🤣😂 You are off your head. Let’s see how much YOU do for this planet ? The poster clearly explained that she is going to replace the trees with something more suitable.

Trees need looking after every few years anyway.

I’m currently getting one tree cut down at the request of a neighbour (it’s infected and will die in the next 2/3 years, and is causing them problems), and getting another healthy tree trimmed and re shaped that takes light from their garden. Happy to do it, neither our neighbours or I are going to move anytime soon and they are pleasant. They haven’t offered to pay towards it, I’d bite your hand off if you offered to help! (I guess I think they are my trees to look after).

I’ve also asked neighbours who I didn’t know in a past property for them to maintain a tree that took out a lot of light, and they were more than happy to (I did pay then though so my logic doesn’t stand up!). It had a TPO on it but the council visited and were more than happy with it being reduced and re shaped.

Think I’m lucky with my neighbours from some of these responses!

My neighbours have trees, I carefully shear the branches back to just slightly behind fence level so they don't overhang my garden.
It's still a bit shady in that part of the garden but not overwhelmingly so.

I wouldn't dream of asking them to thin them or do any big pruning.
Why did you move in if there was a massive tree you hated?!

Trees are amazing but of course houses are packed tightly around some of them and it can significantly reduce the amount of light in the house or garden. I would ask them nicely about a nice prune and paying for it if you can afford it but don't get it removed. We need trees. Just be aware that tree work is expensive.

Nothing wrong with asking Op, and if they were to get funny over a simple question, then it just shows how unreasonable and childish they are. Not the sort of people I would want any type of relationship with.

First I would check online if the tree has aTPO. If it is a huge tree in not so a big a garden, the neighbours themselves might be slightly annoyed about it especially with tons of leaves falling down this time of he year, but might not be allowed to touch it. Although I think you are allowed to trim it by up to 10% or something like that.
Once you know the situation, you can approach them and have a very polite chat. I’d fully expect the answer to be No.
trimming a big tree would probably cos a few hundred pounds.
Home insurance usually asks if there are any big trees within a certain distance from the house, mention this to them as well.

I think the OP is being given a hard time. Some trees are randomly planted with no thought to their growth pattern in fifty years time.

Our house was built over 25 years ago and we, along with our neighbours, have liaised with the council over tree issues. Some were removed, some replaced and everyone was happy and, more importantly safe.

I'd definitely go and have a friendly word with the neighbours and see what they say.

Op prepare for a flaming on here. I posted something similar a few months back, our neighbours tree is about 4 metres from my back door and totally shades garden and dining room most of the day! I approached them but they're not up for trimming it at all - not sure why I thought they would since everything else in their garden is so overgrown!