AIBU to request the cost of replacing tree

[MrsQuince]

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.

Some do smell disgusting, google it. Everything from semen to rotting meat. There’s one by us and it’s scent is vomit inducing.

@thecatsthecats

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?"

You're right of course, but it would make for an easier conversation if I can just say 'I'm afraid the law doesn't allow it', IYSWIM.

Suggest them move.cf!!

I am sensitive to the smell for some reason. Makes me feel nauseous and faint.

I can be a miserable cow for sure but fuck me, am I actually a witch.

Hilarious Mitchell and Webb sketch!

I'd tell them to fuck off I can't be doing with all this cut down your trees nonsense, if they don't want trees then go move somewhere where there aren't any.

Smelly Rowan. I'm sorry but that is just nonsense.

The poster who says rowan trees smell of semen wins the thread!

Trying to figure out how that thought would have formed in your head 😂 'what's that smell? Like semen but not ....'

Bloody hell, I can't believe how horrible some of you are!

The neighbour asked nicely and how the hell were they supposed to know these things until they moved in?

@MrsQuince to answer your actual question, if I was your neighbour I'd happily pay gor the removal & planting of another similar sized tree of your choosing (though it would need to be another one that didn't smell vile)

But obviously, it's your tree & your choice

@Ameliablue

Smelly Rowan. I'm sorry but that is just nonsense.

Just because YOU can't smell it, doesn't mean some varieties don't stink!!

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/gardening/753150-Rowan-blossom-is-it-just-me-or-does-it-stink

You could suggest you wait until its in blossom to assess the impact? You don't have to do anything though, I'm not sure I would. We have cut down a tree in our front garden when requested by a neighbour but only because the roots were lifting their drive.

What happens when other flowers grow? Will they be telling you what you can and can't have in you garden from now on? Fuck 'em. Only a week or so and birds love them. Keeps witches away too.

The flowers probably do smell a bit gross, they are pollinated by insects which are attracted to the odour. Just one of those things.

I think I'd be saying, Sorry But No. (Without feeling particularly sorry but there's no harm in placating them...) If it overhangs their garden I wouldn't be surprised - and I'd turn a blind eye - if they cut off any flowers overhanging the boundary.

Smells are very subjective though, you could plant nicely scented plants along the border to try to drown it out a bit, and they might not like those smells either.

I think this is madness. Pruning is one thing but asking you to change your own home is as ridiculous as asking someone to change the colour of your front door because it clashes with theirs.

Oh I really like Rowan trees. I would not be cutting it down if I had one. They may smell but if they can't deal with the smells of nature, maybe they need to do what a PP said and go buy a nice city flat with no greenery to be seen!

Just googled it and in fact some do have a horrible smell! I never knew. We are going to get one but it will be at the end of our garden. I guess the compromise would be to move it away from the house, but not get rid completely. Rowans are great for birds due to their berries in the autumn.

They are being very cheeky!
Your tree, you choice. Depending how big it is, I suspect it's likely to cost at least £400 to cut down, remove the stump and replace.

They just don't like your trees and are using excuses.
Say no.

Well I never knew about the smell. Can't be as bad as my neighbours and their weed! But anyway, all trees are indeed protected in a conservation area.

You're right of course, but it would make for an easier conversation if I can just say 'I'm afraid the law doesn't allow it', IYSWIM

On another thread someone reminded me of the classic Phoebe line from friends, use it well OP:

"Oh I wish I could, but I don't want to"

Eurgh Rowans are sperm trees. Yuk yuk yuk yuk. I would happily pay to replace a neighbours sperm tree.

They’re great for wildlife. So no don’t get rid of it. They’re being really cheeky asking

I’d be surprised if you can find anyone to cut down a Rowan. In Scotland nobody would cut mine down.

Very superstitious here.

My neighbour doesn't like the smell of our Rowan tree either, so he told me.
I said I hadn't noticed it myself (I haven't).
It's not been mentioned since (though, I do know he chops bits off it when he thinks I'm not looking).

Trees in conservation areas are protected so you would need permission.

You also aren't allowed to cut it down now as it's beating season.

But your neighbours are CF to even ask to be honest! It's no wonder the planet is screwed.