Rude not to ask first

[Hackedtree]

I moved into my house about 6 years ago.
There is a large birch tree at the back of the garden. A few months after we moved in my neighbours asked if I would consider cutting it, they complained it had grown a lot over the years. I refused as I love the tree and we didn’t have the money to do it either.
Last year we had some bushes and trees trimmed in our garden, the tree surgeon said our tree is in good condition and doesn’t need cutting. The tree is at the back of our garden but side of the neighbours house where it doesn’t affect light.

Today I noticed that the neighbours had cut the tree. The tree splits into three and a third had been loped off. I did hear noises yesterday but didn’t even consider they would be cutting my tree.

Of course I understand that they are allowed to cut any over hang but AIBU to think you inform your neighbours (we’ve never had any sort of disputes, just say hello if we pass each other). Also as a third of the crown has gone I worry about the integrity of the tree and would have liked to be consulted to know that it’s safe and won’t die prematurely.

I have trees and astro turf in my garden. The two arent mutually exclusive. In fact this year I have planted another 25 trees (creating an orchard on my allotment).

They are a pretty quick growing species. The ones around me are trimmed regularly to keep their shape and keep them healthy. They bounce back quickly

I think maybe you’re a little confused.

Firstly the fact the tree didn’t need work is irrelevant. They didn’t trim it for its health, it was clearly causing them an issue.

Secondly the fact you’re in a conservation area is also irrelevant. What is relevant is did it have a tpo against it, which it appears it did not,

Thirdly they are legally able to cut down anything which over hangs their garden, and part of what they cut down must have been.

So really your argument is did they go too far and cut some of what was not over hanging,

At least they have removed the branches at the right time of year, so it shouldn't kill your tree, it's autumn so will look a lot worse, it will look a lot better come summer. It must have taken them some time to do this, I'm surprised you didn't notice, but maybe you're a lot less nosier than me or your garden is huge. I do think they should have told you, we went to our new neighbor and told him we were removing the Laurel that overhung our garden, he was fine with it, and finally they should have offered you the off cuts.

They were not being unreasonable for cutting a branch that's overhung their garden, but the one marked in red isn't so they are for cutting that one. If they were planning on cutting that branch they should have had the decency to come and see you. They asked you 6 years ago if you'd cut the tree down not to trim overhanging branches.
People saying it's a massive tree and complaining about leaves falling into their gardens! Crazy. Trees are very much needed. Our previous garden had a silver birch in the front garden and it was a haven for wildlife. Ladybirds loved it and you could see their whole lifecycle on there. We have planted several in a small copse in this garden, close so they don't grown too big, but I expect them to grow quite tall. The colours and the sounds of the leaves are just wonderful.

They're legally allowed to cut over hanging branches and have to give you the off cuts. Nothing more, nothing less.

We had some neighbours who dont even share a boundary and the tree wasn't near their property climb into our garden and cut the top 2/3rd and all the branches off our lovely holly tree during nesting season.

@Bluntness100

I think maybe you’re a little confused.

Firstly the fact the tree didn’t need work is irrelevant. They didn’t trim it for its health, it was clearly causing them an issue.

Secondly the fact you’re in a conservation area is also irrelevant. What is relevant is did it have a tpo against it, which it appears it did not,

Thirdly they are legally able to cut down anything which over hangs their garden, and part of what they cut down must have been.

So really your argument is did they go too far and cut some of what was not over hanging,

Why is a conservation area irrelevant?

You don't know where they live.
In our conservation area you need approval to cut any tree with a trunk over 16 cms.

I live in a garden city and there are beautiful large trees planted both in peoples gardens and along the streets by the council - I think it’s beautiful but seems so many here wouldn’t like to have trees like that so close to home.

@Covert19

Why the tree hatred on here? Tress are beautiful, and they enhance our environment. Moaning about having to rake up leaves in the autumn, but completely missing the joy of what trees give: shade, habitat for insects and birds, biodiversity, soil cohesion and soaking up water. No big trees = more flooding. I bet you all have astro-turf lawns too.

High five

@HappyDays10101

Wet leaves are very dangerous The world’s gone mad!

Only when they are the wrong sort of leaves, the MN frothers approved leaves are fine

Depends on the tree, depends on the place. My parents' house was damaged by a row of lovely old poplars. Nice trees but too close to houses and in a clay area.

I’m sure many of the tree-hating, Astro-turf-loving posters are recyclers and feel themselves to be environmentally conscious.

Absolute hypocrites!! I would bet money on the fact that ‘ere too long astroturf will be banned, save for all-weather sports pitches, which I doubt many people have...

@Nottherealslimshady

They're legally allowed to cut over hanging branches and have to give you the off cuts. Nothing more, nothing less.

We had some neighbours who dont even share a boundary and the tree wasn't near their property climb into our garden and cut the top 2/3rd and all the branches off our lovely holly tree during nesting season.

Disturbing nesting birds can be a crime - too many people don't realise this.

@GnomeDePlume

Depends on the tree, depends on the place. My parents' house was damaged by a row of lovely old poplars. Nice trees but too close to houses and in a clay area.

Our poplar had a TPO on it

Twice tried to get it removed and it was refused. When it fell (only months after being declared sound by the tree surgeon sent by the council that I had to pay for)

It took out:
1 shed
I washing rotunda
4 wheely bins
fencing for 3 houses
A garage roof
A car
BT phone lines to 8 homes
And blocked a road

Yep they should have mentioned it to keep things cordial but what would you have said ??

I imagined tree carnage but your photos show light trim
I would get het up over that to be honest

@nitsandwormsdodger I would have not let them cut two of the branches as low down as they did as they cut into my border. I would have discussed whether we needed permission from the council (we are in a conservation area). I would have agreed to share costs as I would have had work done in my side too to balance out the tree and benefit us both.
As it stands they paid the full cost, the job is half done and will probably not hugely benefit them (the leaves and seeds fall onto their paved area at the front of their house which happens to most neighbours as there are so many birch trees here), also they risk being fined as they significantly cut a tree in a conservation area.

Once the leaves are back it won’t even be noticeable but if they spoke to me it could have been done properly and without bad feeling on both sides.

I had a neighbor that did that, he cut the tree (on my land which he fully admits) and then poured something over it to poison it and stop it regrowing.

I told my landlord and the housing assosiation and they didnt care at the time but now come after me about it because the gardern isnt in its 'original state' as far as I see it its not my fault and not my problem and they should have dealt with the neighbor at the time.

@WillSantaBeComingToTown
That is beyond ridiculous! Did you sue the council et al. to make sure they pay back the damages and putting in danger the lives of so many people, including kids!? Very irresponsible.