Husband accidentally killed neighbours tree

[Randomname83738]

my husband was removing some overgrowth on our boundary wall and part of the wall collapsed, killing our neighbours very old quince tree. We get on with these neighbours really well and feel terrible (they’re understandably quite upset).

I want to get them some sort of apology gift but unsure what would be appropriate. The standard would be some sort of hamper but would like to make it more specific to the tree and would appreciate ideas, as we really don’t want to be TAHs for these neighbours…

I think I would write them a card, saying something like we’re so sorry about the tree, it was an accident, and we understand how important the tree was to you. When you’re ready, please let us know if there’s something we can do to put it right. We’re happy to try to find a replacement for you, but know that it’s a little bit too soon for that at the moment.

Our garden was encroaching onto theirs massively and they asked if they could cut it back, we said we’d do it on our side to save them a job (obviously done the opposite).

i said higher up, we did immediately offer to replace the tree but they pretty much said it’s not the same as it doesn’t have the sentimentality attached. We will offer this again though (or just take an established quince sapling round).

thank you to the person who posted the link on how to save a tree, we will offer to do this for them when we fix the wall tomorrow!

@ThenAgain thank you, I think that’s a really good starting point and something we can do straightaway

It was an accident and you were trying to be helpful. It's unfortunate but these things happen.

How is that remotely helpful?

😂

How was your comment remotely helpful?

Hundreds of pounds for a Quince tree?!!!
That’s just nuts, we have one I hate in my garden- it’s hideous. Can’t believe people would pay that money for it.

Me too! I was just about to settle down with my popcorn.......

Buy them a tree of their choice or whatever they would like as compensation; if they want a replacement quince, then offer them your crop until such time as the replacement is bearing well.

Dunno replacing the tree is point.You cant fix fuckt.Is prob upsetting because -it grew-while they did? how thicks the trunk?or branches...? (where it snapped off?) could it be used to create some kinda art thing(that IS the technical term) am not quince familiar-but like slices of trunk=trunkrings. framed= memoryart. ..... or a sorta etsy/arsty recreation using actual twiggage. so........them still got a wee bit\familiarity..............

hahahaha

OP honestly I'm relieved. This came up in active without the final word visible and I immediately thought pet, and hoped nothing worse!

Is yours a quince ree or is it a Japanese quince (Chaenomeles) which is more of a bush? A quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a beautifult hing, nicely shaped tree with big white flowers followed by golden quinces much larger than pears, and good autumn colour. They're not seen around very often.

Me three and then wondered why the hell you would post that on MN.

I know sweet sod all about quince trees and gardening in general but, replace with a sapling, buy them a charity tree/donate a tree, plenty of options out there.
And/or give to a local allotment/garden club/wildlife project in their name for a hefty sum?
And a hamper with quince everything once they are over the shock. If they have a sense of humour anyway.

I read husband accidentally killed by neighbour’s tree!!

Did anyone else read that in Jigsaws voice? 😄

I wouldn’t bother doing anything else, you’ve apologised and offered to replace which they’ve turned down. I was an accident.

It's likely to regrow, but quince trees are usually grafted, and it depends whetehr you get regrowth from above the graft = quince or from below the graft = rootstock. My quince is on a hawthorn rootstock.

Another who was confused as to why you posted that 'husband accidentally killed neighbo...'

You cannot buy a hamper.Are you mad?

Youneed amaturetreeand a tree surgeon at minimum.Very costly mistake and very sad.

Are you responsible for the boundary wall? If it's shared then you're both responsible for failing to upkeep it!

I would send flowers and a card apologising. Saying you will do what they want to out it right when they are ready.

You can buy a replacement quince tree for £30, albeit not fully grown

https://www.pomonafruits.co.uk/fruit-nut-trees?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0LacrJCZggMVr4FQBh1q8wwEEAAYASAAEgIXdvD_BwE&cPath=24&disp_order=&filterCategory%5B%5D=16&price_filter_from=20.00&price_filter_to=106.00

I’ve got 4 in my garden and get hundreds of quinces a year. I can generally only find a use for about 3 of them, and the prickles on the branches drive me bonkers.

So did I!