Are my neighbours being unreasonable?

[PawsAndReflection]

Hello!

We've recently bought a new house and our neighbours at the end of our garden are looking to redo the outside of their house.

They came by today to ask for permission as the work would require scaffolding in our garden, and were surprised to find seating and an olive tree in the area.

They've asked if we can move the olive tree and seating in order for them to have the work done, but I'm a little concerned about moving such a big tree. Does anyone have experience with this?

They were making out that it really wasn't a big deal but I've been researching it and it seems not quite as simple as they're making out.

No, obviously you can’t move the tree!

How big is the tree?
Will they pay for expert advice as to whether moving the tree is possible.
where would you move it to?
Does this inconvenience you and can you be bothered?
I would just say no as I couldn’t be bothered

Just say no. Their scaffolders will find a solution.

I take it the tree is in the ground and not a pot? If they pay for a qualified arborist to temporarily relocate then back again I may consider it. Provided I have assurances that if the tree suffers as a result they will replace like for like.

Is the tree in ground or potted?
At least is the seating easy to move?

I assume the tree is in the ground rather than a pot?
I have no experience of moving an olive but when I tried moving a fairly mature but small magnolia from a pot to the ground, the main tap root was broken and the tree died.

Can’t they put the scaffolding around it ?

Honestly, just no (unless it’s in a pot, which you may wish to consider). Moving bigger trees/plants is not easy and there is no guarantee it won’t die as a result. It’s not your issue. And - in my opinion - you shouldn’t make it yours.

Moving a tree isn't like moving a piece of furniture, they often don't survive the trauma of the move even if done by a professional, especially if they're well established. Olive trees really shouldn't be moved in the summer, for the tree to have the best chance at surviving a move it shouldn't be done until late winter when the tree is dormant.

I'd just tell them no, the scaffolders will have to figure something else out.

They've asked if we can move the olive tree and seating in order for them to have the work done

They asked because they can't demand. Therefore, you answer NO.

They will have to find another way to do the work.

Is there no gap at all between their house and your boundary? We need a diagram!

I assume they are offering a substantial amount of money for the use of your property and the inconvenience? If not, they're CFs. Tell them no.

Nope… no way. Dreaming.

We had our roof replaced last year. The roofing company wanted to put part of the scaffolding on our neighbour's patio, but as it had recently been replaced, our neighbours refused (which was perfectly reasonable). Our roofers ended up using a smaller structure which still did the job. So don't feel obliged to move your stuff, as their scaffolders will find a way round it.

Id be saying hard no then buying padlocks for my gates so they cant just sneak in and set up
Keep your stuff in your yard, inc tradies and their scaffolding

Haha

No way! I've had to move rose bushes before, similar reasons but our build, and they over recovered, 5 years later some died, others I get some flowers but nothing like before.
I have a beautiful olive tree that's about 2.5 metres, I wouldn't move it now it's far too well established

Why can't you just say no

I left out the question mark deliberately

Huh? Is something missing, is the olive tree in a pot? No one would dig up an olive tree.

We've had work done by an adjoining house like this; scaffolding at two levels in our garden to work on the side wall of their house (which also forms the boundary). It was messy and invasive and of course the scaffold was in place nearly twice as long as originally stipulated.

How long will the work take and what does it involve? A lick of paint is a different prospect to rebuilding a section of wall. Beware that repointing sounds not too bad but can be extremely dusty and messy.

How much do you value your relationship with your neighbours?

How much do you value your garden and the plants? Do NOT agree to move a rooted tree as it may not survive but if it's in a pot definitely move it to get it out of the way - good news for you and for the builders.

I agree with a pp, if you agree you need to know for how long, scaffolders are notorious for not removing the scaffolding as its free storage for them
However I wouldn't dig a tree up or allow scaffolding for a neighbour that lives behind me, one that I didn't know.
I would allow my ndn to use my land as he's an excellent ndn, watches my house when I'm away, takes my bin in and out, adjusted his security cameras so that they cover the front of my house (expensive vehicle)
As he's an excellent ndn he wouldn't dream of asking me to dig up a tree for his convenience.
Personally I'd say no to the tree but if you allow them access you may find they'll damage the tree anyway so I'd definitely say no to the whole malarkey.

It would be a no from me. I'm sure they can find another way.

I wouldn’t be allowing them or their builders on my land.

They want you to move a tree for them? That is obviously batshit.