Neighbour has cut my tree...a lot!

[NeighbourCutMyTree]

How much is usual? I know they can trim overhanging branches, they've gone right to the top of the tree. I'll see if I can add a photo.

I am going to do a exactly the same thing to our neighbours huge apple tree that over hangs in to my garden, drops dozens of apples everyday that I have to pick up for weeks. Clear all the leaves on autumn. It's a lovely tree but far too close to the boundary and needs to be kept in check, which it is hasn't been.
Awaiting neighbour fall out - but I will let them know we plan to do it and agree when (when is best for the tree) however I would not bother discussing with them if they were renters rather than owners.

Why not just deal with the early windfalls and then enjoy ripe apples in the autumn?

I imagine all the tree haters have concrete backyards, or at most some plastic grass, that they are forever hosing down to remove the dog pee

Quite a leap of imagination. There are no tree haters here. Retaining halves of encroaching trees isn't going to help save the planet, unfortunately.

No plastic grass here, just well maintained plants and trees that are planted in a manner appropriate to their surroundings so as not to encroach upon my lovely neighbours' gardens.

• but I will let them know we plan to do it and agree when (when is best for the tree) however I would not bother discussing with them if they were renters rather than owners.

Nice to see some people have decent manners and are prepared to have a chat.

Whoa that is some brutal pruning. I would be very miffed! What a shame.

If literally half your tree was overhanging then neighbours then the tree was in the wrong place - far too close to the boundary. I know it doesn't look pretty but that's the risk if you let half your tree. encroach next door. I wouldn't have cut it if it were my neighbour's though. We've got some big trees included a 60ft oak and a 50ft elm and I love the shady bits under them - especially today!

Yep it looks totally shit. And the tree might possibly die.

But they're totally entitled and it's fine.

No discussion beforehand obviously. 🙄

What is it with some MNetters when people raise concerns about neighbours trees.🤷🏼‍♀️

Very few people will want trees cut down , we all know they’re good for environment 🤦‍♀️

the key issue is whether it is the right tree in the right place or the wrong tree or the wrong place

stupid people plant trees on boundary right against the fence or whatever. Some even more stupid people plant trees within 5m of a building. These cause issues. Damage to building foundations and unwanted overhang into neighbours gardens. Some stupid people have the excuse that the tree was planted decades ago and are now dead, but whoever buys the house from them has a responsibility to ensure the tree is not causing a nuisance

The right tree in the right place is a joy. The more the better. There are beautiful trees out there suitable for typical uk gardens, and could be planted pretty close to a boundary without it spreading into neighbours, but a thumping great horse chestnut ( probably self seeded anyway) , a massive overgrown silver birch, or a fast growing conifer, eucalyptus etc isn’t suitable unless your garden is massive and it’s well within your boundary and away from buildings

Please think about if your trees are the right tree in right place. If not,, don’t be surprised when a neighbour does this.

If it dies then the neighbours are liable for the complete cost of replacing the same maturity tree. OP would need to take it to court if the neighbour refused.

It's riskier to prune to such an extent this time of year (though better than the Spring). It's most ideal to do it in the winter, but most species are bombproof unless they are already diseased or struggling.

The right tree in the right place is a joy

Exactly. Ridiculously sized pines and sycamores are always getting windthrown in my estate!

There's a tree casting shadow across my lawn. It's way too tall on the boundary and I have to deal with all the leaf drop.

I'm no tree expert. Not sure if there's a nest in there. But whilst my neighbour is out. I ' 'deal' with it.

Believe me, there's no overhang now!

If my neighbour says anything I'll just say back to her " it's the law"
" I'm entitled"
"no room for compromise"
She doesn't have a leg to stand on.

They can cut it but legally they should return the branches.
It's a shame they did not discuss it with you so that a more appealing shape could be achieved.
I never understand not having some dialogue with neighbours.

I would hate living next to this tree , so for me you are BU. Try it down a bit and then it will fill out again. But do consider the light and sun you are stopping for your neighbours.

They are allowed to cut it but are supposed to offer you the clippings

sunglassesonthetable You seem to have grasped it, yes. Unless the tree dies, as I've just said.

If you disagree with this perhaps you can lobby your MP?

Then when the branches overhang neighbours' gardens, they will cut them off.....

@sunglassesonthetable I though you might have appreciated some shade today!
It's a shame you don't have the ability to have a nice raport and dialogue with your neighbour to discuss a suitable resolution.

I never understand not having some dialogue with neighbours.

couldn't agree more

If it overhangs their property, they can cut it. Even if that means cutting half the tree off.

*sunglassesonthetable You seem to have grasped it, yes. Unless the tree dies, as I've just said.

If you disagree with this perhaps you can lobby your MP?*

I don't think you've grasped it. Clearly.

MP? What for good manners? 😁

They can cut off overhanging branches but you may have a counterclaim that they've permanently damaged, injured or structurally destabilised your healthy tree.

Either way, it looks awful now and would probably be better removed.

They did nothing wrong OP. The tree(s) is planted too close to the boundary.

That works both ways.

OP should have started the discussion prior to letting the tree take over part of the neighbour's garden.

Even if the tree was already too large when OP moved in, it's still up to them to sort it out if they don't want the neighbour to take their own action.

The neighbours should have cut it in the winter when the sap receded, that's just good manners.

Not true @ThreeLittleDots, check the link. It protects nesting sites, built nests & nests being built. You can't even legally move pigeon nests out of season as they reuse old nests. I doubt the neighbours even bothered to check, but it more likely than not that a tree like that would have had nesting birds