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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to request the cost of replacing tree

52 replies

MrsQuince · 23/03/2021 17:51

We live in a terraced house and our next door neighbours recently asked if we could have a tree in our garden pruned, as it was casting shade on their garden. We were happy to do this and declined their offer to pay costs. They have now said that another tree, a rowan, creates an unbearable smell when in flower and could we have that removed too. It's not something I've noticed, but I do have a poor sense of smell. I know they are being sincere when they say they find the smell offensive. They have offered to pay for its removal, but would it be reasonable to ask they pay for its replacement too? They are nice neighbours and I don't want to create ill feeling. But it would cost us several hundred pounds to replace and I rather like it.

OP posts:
TheRosariojewels · 23/03/2021 17:52

I think they are taking the piss to be honest. I wouldn’t remove it.

isitsafetocomeoutyet · 23/03/2021 17:53

Honestly? I would say no.

It's a tree. It's not in flower the entire year.

What will they have a problem with next?

But if they're generally nice people and you want to keep the peace yes definitely ask for money for the removal and replacement of a mature tree.

Notthemessiah · 23/03/2021 17:54

How would you replace it and how much would it cost?

Soontobe60 · 23/03/2021 17:56

Rowan trees can have an awful smell - like cat wee. Ask them for the replacement cost and see what they say?

Mintjulia · 23/03/2021 17:57

I have a couple of Rowans and have never noticed a smell from the flowers. I think they are being cfs.

If you are happy to change the tree, definitely ask them to pay for a replacement.

DaftVader42 · 23/03/2021 17:59

I love my Rowan trees - have never noticed a smell !

Kottbullar · 23/03/2021 18:01

We had a Rowan tree and it smelt very strongly of what I can only describe as semen when in flower!

I wouldn't get rid of a tree you like on the neighbours say so.

Pollypudding · 23/03/2021 18:07

I hope you are not superstitious as it is apparently terribly bad luck to cut down a rowan tree as they keep evil spirits away < misses point> Blush

MammaMiaWallace · 23/03/2021 18:12

If you want to remove the tree at their behest I’d certainly be expecting them to pay for a replacement. However I cannot believe the brass neck of them requesting this in the first place?!? 😂

Where will it end? Not liking your curtains? Car not smart enough? Grass too long? Windows need cleaning?

They seem entitled to suggest what you have on your property should be changed to accommodate them - pruning the tree is a kind, neighbourly thing to do but expecting you to rip up other plants is pretty unreasonable, and the line has to be drawn somewhere.

If you’d prefer something else there then you choose what you want and they can pay for it, otherwise “no”.

LifesNotEnidBlyton · 23/03/2021 18:15

Well I don't think you should remove it at all. They're taking the piss really asking you to keep ripping up nature in your garden that you like (and has presumanly been there longer than they have).

Chloemol · 23/03/2021 18:27

I wouldn’t be removing it, however if they insisted they can lay and also pay for a replacement

Chloemol · 23/03/2021 18:27

Pay not lay

Sparrowfeeder · 23/03/2021 18:39

Rowan trees are native and one of the best for biodiversity apparently. If they don’t like trees or nature, maybe they should buy a city centre flat instead. CF and I would tell them to get lost or you risk more and more unreasonable requests. Perhaps your kids or dog are too noisy, can they just use the garden for an hour a day? Maybe your rose is too perfumed? Or your dustbin too loud. What other strange requests can these people come up with?

B33Fr33 · 23/03/2021 18:41

If they don't like it they should have researched their choice of house better.

Griselda1 · 23/03/2021 18:49

Absolutely not, they're being ridiculous

PembrokeshireDreaming · 23/03/2021 18:52

There can be a smell when it's in blossom but that is very short-lived!!! I think they are being CFs and I would not remove the rowan tree.

HeckyPeck · 23/03/2021 18:58

Another vote for not removing the tree!

I suppose for neighbourly relations you could suggest they pay for removal plus replacing with a mature tree of the same size and hope the cost puts them off.

If you like the Rowan though, say it's great for nature so you'll be keeping it.

thecatsthecats · 23/03/2021 19:04

@B33Fr33

If they don't like it they should have researched their choice of house better.
Yup.

My neighbours have a privet hedge that I adore the smell of, but if they decided it was to go, none of my business, and if I didn't like the smell... Also not in my control.

Knittedfairies · 23/03/2021 19:06

Who/what was there first - the neighbour or the trees?

SilverDragonfly1 · 23/03/2021 19:42

Tell them it gives you protection from witches so you're not prepared to take the risk. Depending on how wild-eyed you are when you say it, you may never hear from them again.

Original poster
MrsQuince · 23/03/2021 20:06

Thanks everyone for your helpful responses. The tree was planted about five years ago, so it predates us both. My husband has just reminded me that some time ago we did notice an unpleasant smell in the garden - like manure - for a short spell but couldn't work out where it was coming from. I'd completely forgotten about it but am now wondering if it was the tree! It is right by our patio doors so I can see why they found it objectionable, but as PPs have said blossom is fleeting and the tree is an important natural resource in the garden. We are also in a conservation area, so may not even be allowed to cut it down (crosses fingers!).

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsQuince · 23/03/2021 20:11

@SilverDragonfly1

Tell them it gives you protection from witches so you're not prepared to take the risk. Depending on how wild-eyed you are when you say it, you may never hear from them again.
A tempting strategy! Grin
OP posts:
Bargebill19 · 23/03/2021 20:11

Missing the point - but wouldn’t it be easier if they just offered to buy your house? !

Don’t do it. Such trees are important for birds. Plus they will never stop asking.

thecatsthecats · 23/03/2021 20:14

It doesn't matter if it has a conservation order on it.

You. Don't. Have. To. Cut. It. Down.

Honestly, I'm quite pleased that when people ask me to jump, my first thought is "fuck off" not "how high?"

44PumpLane · 23/03/2021 20:19

I have an oddly sensitive sense of smell and if my neighbour had a tree that smelled terrible all the time I may ask them, if we had a good relationship.... But I would fully expect to pay all costs for removal and for a replacement and to have everything put right and tidied up in their garden.

However if it only smelled bad for 2 or 3 weeks a year I wouldn't say anything.