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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

In not wanting a tree house overlooking my garden

219 replies

Isthisallowed · 05/03/2021 18:01

NC as could be outing! One of my neighbour's has a garden that backs on to the bottom of my garden. No problem with that of course and there's a fence for privacy. They have decided to build an 8 foot structure though, so their children can access the tree to 'hang out' in the very broad branches. It now feels like an observation tower as the tree is right on the boundary so looks over my whole garden and into my kitchen and childrens' bedrooms. WIBU to ask them to remove the platform and therefore access to to tree?

OP posts:
MaisyMoo2021 · 05/03/2021 23:53

I hate neighbours. I dream of the day I can buy a house with enough land around that I can't see any of them. It's not that I'm anti-social (well, I am a bit), but I've just had neighbours from hell over the years. Neighbour issues are just the worst. Home is your sanctuary and you just want to relax and enjoy it.

Hollyhead · 06/03/2021 06:26

I think it’s a bit unfair for some of you to be so horrible about the neighbours. It’s been lockdown, they probably just thought it would be nice for their kids to have access to the tree for something more wholesome to do than sit on screens all day, not realising that it would invade your privacy, or that you would find it upsetting (lots of people wouldn’t be bothered, but it’s your space abs it is also ok to be bothered). I’m sure if you have a chat about rigging something up for privacy you’ll come to an easy solution.

WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants · 06/03/2021 06:30

@Viviennemary

There are rules governing tree houses. Depending on how many metres away from your garden boundary. But doesn't sound as if it's a proper structure. I'd do a bit of research online before I approached them. Bit cheeky if they've got an acre of garden and yours is tiny. Why can't they build it in the middle.
Because you can't just move a tree! 🙄🙄🙄
WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants · 06/03/2021 06:38

@CornishTiger

I’m fairly sure it’s against planning regulations.
I'm pretty sure building a ladder is not.
WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants · 06/03/2021 06:48

@thinkful

How far is it from your house?

I'm a planning officer, i wouldn't approve an application for a tree house on a boundary, particularly if the distance to your rear elevation was under 20m.

Could you ask them to erect a screen for privacy? Would you have a concern on loss of outlook or that it's overbearing?

It's not a tree house, it's a ladder so the kids can access the branches of the tree.
GreenlandTheMovie · 06/03/2021 07:18

YABU for titling the post as being about your neighbours building a tree house when they haven't.

Why are people so against children playing in their own gardens? Why live in a terraced house if you object to people using their own garden for their family?

JosephineBaker · 06/03/2021 07:30

Oh ffs. IT. IS. NOT. A. TREEHOUSE

They’ve built a ladder so their kids can climb the tree in their own garden and sit on the branches.

Yes, that’s annoying for you because you’re now overlooked, but there’s nothing you can or should do unless the kids are being antisocial.

BusyLizzie61 · 06/03/2021 08:19

@Isthisallowed

Tbh, the taller fence is a good idea but getting through the roots will be like drilling through concrete. It would be worth it though if I'm allowed an 8 foot fence...
You can look at removing the roots from your land, legally. The only issue is if the tree then fell or if protected, that would need permission.

I am not sure if the ladder can be counted as a tree house if actually all they have done is create a ladder to facilitate climbing the tree tbh...

DavidsSchitt · 06/03/2021 08:21

Jesus Christ. God forbid a kid climbs a tree.

"Safe space" Hmm really?

Belinda554 · 06/03/2021 08:27

I totally understand it massively rude to have them sitting watching you.

You can remove all of the roots from your garden. Hire a digger and remove them to the boundary. Or you can dig a trench and saw them off.

This will probably kill the tree and remove your problem.

I love trees but I love privacy more.

LIZS · 06/03/2021 08:40

@JosephineBaker

Oh ffs. IT. IS. NOT. A. TREEHOUSE

They’ve built a ladder so their kids can climb the tree in their own garden and sit on the branches.

Yes, that’s annoying for you because you’re now overlooked, but there’s nothing you can or should do unless the kids are being antisocial.

Op mentioned a platform as well as a ladder
flobberdobberrr · 06/03/2021 09:23

They are kids. They just want to play. They have had their whole lives and all the usual fun put on hold for a year now.

Have a heart. Imagine you were the child.

If it was adults that were observing your property different story but they are kids. Give them some fun.

flobberdobberrr · 06/03/2021 09:24

I promise you this lockdown has been so so hard for young children

BusyLizzie61 · 06/03/2021 09:41

@Belinda554

I totally understand it massively rude to have them sitting watching you.

You can remove all of the roots from your garden. Hire a digger and remove them to the boundary. Or you can dig a trench and saw them off.

This will probably kill the tree and remove your problem.

I love trees but I love privacy more.

If by reason of cutting through the neighbour's tree roots, the tree is weakened and falls over, op would be liable for any damage it causes.
needadvice54321 · 06/03/2021 09:44

I agree, I'd be careful doing anything to the roots however tempting it is

bestbefore · 06/03/2021 09:48

Is there any security issue - ie if someone broke into their garden could they use the new ladder to scale the fence and get access to your property?

SoupDragon · 06/03/2021 09:50

They’ve built a ladder so their kids can climb the tree in their own garden and sit on the branches.

It's slightly more than a ladder given each step is a broad seat. The fact that is it secured to the tree makes it less clear cut too I think. It sounds more of a permanent structure than a ladder.

They've build a very broad and wide ladder, each step is a comfortable broad seat and built/secured it on the natural level platform the branches fan out from.

I promise you this lockdown has been so so hard for young children

It's probably been hard for the OP and her children too.

NotSeenBulling · 06/03/2021 09:53

I honestly don't think there is anything you can do about this. They will get bored really quickly of it though I bet. In your shoes, I would say nothing and hope for the best.

Cassilis · 06/03/2021 10:14

@Isthisallowed

no. this is my first thread on this. Screening wouldn't impact my outlook so that would be best if the kids use it alot.
The other thread is almost identical. Maybe you could ask that OP what she did?
UntamedWisteria · 06/03/2021 10:17

A simple way to screen it would be to add some trellis to the top of the existing fence and then grow things up like clematis, ivy, climbing hydrangea.

Stickytreacle · 06/03/2021 10:18

I'd hate this too, so inconsiderate of them. I think I would contact the council and ask what the regulations are they may wellcome out and take a look. For those saying it is being miserable, there is ample space to build a climbing frame within an acre of garden that doesn't intrude on the neighbours enjoyment of their property and right to privacy.
I'd also consider planting something like a himalayan birch that will be fine in a small garden, but screen enough to give you privacy.

MyDogCalledMax · 06/03/2021 10:22

@KevinBaconsMoustache

Topless/bottomless sunbathing is your friend herr
Came here to suggest this! Wink
MereDintofPandiculation · 06/03/2021 10:26

Why live in a terraced house if you object to people using their own garden for their family? Because, strange as it may seem, not everyone can afford a detached house in a large garden.

daisypond · 06/03/2021 10:28

@UntamedWisteria

A simple way to screen it would be to add some trellis to the top of the existing fence and then grow things up like clematis, ivy, climbing hydrangea.
If the fence is already at the maximum permitted height, you’re not allowed to put trellis on the top. The total height, including trellis, can only be six feet or so - whatever it is. You can grow plants taller than that, but they must be self-supporting and not in need of any trellis etc.
billy1966 · 06/03/2021 11:21

There is a huge difference between normal uae of a garden.

The neighbours garden is much larger and they are planning on using trees right on the boundary, erect a platform which would mean the OP's garden can be overlooked.

I think it is perfectly reasonable for the OP not to want this.

I'm in a similar situation as my garden is 150 ft long and is bordered at the very end onto a garden that is probably max 30ft from the back door.

We also have trees and bushes on the boundary.

We could have very easily put our 14ft trampoline at their end of the garden, but we didn't out of basic courtesy.
We knew 4 children and their friends bouncing noisily on it could be very annoying and spoil their enjoyment.

Lots of people would act similarly.
I value my privacy, and the privacy my trees provide at the end of the garden.

I would definitely understand my neighbours being very pissed off if we used one of the trees as a play area, that would mean our children would be elevated to such a height that they could see into their garden and spoil their privacy.

Not being overlooked at the back of your garden is very reasonably something most people would like to preserve.

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