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.

They never move the scaffolding. It stays forever. That enough for a no.

Move a tree? It's a no.

How close is the back of their house to the tree?

My instinctive answer is no, BUT if the tree is very close to their wall, it might be worth trying to move it.

I’d say no. There’s another thread somewhere where someone was complaining that the neighbours wanted £5k for putting up with the scaffolding in their garden plus a deadline for its removal or additional financial penalties, if I recall correctly. It can be really disruptive. Especially if you have small children.

If the tree is in the ground then I'd be inclined to say no. A good scaffolder will find a work around.

If you like the tree and want to keep it I'd tell them no. As it's likely to die. You can't move trees like moving a wheelie bin etc. Sometimes they survive but what if it doesn't.

If you don't like it so don't mind if it dies, or it's in a pot, I'd tell them yes.

DO NOT AGREE TO SCAFFOLDING IN YOUR GARDEN

It will be there for much longer than it should be and will cause much more damage and mess to your garden and plants than you anticipate.
No-one will accept responsibility nor will you get any compensation.

I strongly advise you to say NO to any such requests and what's more put up a camera to film any activities so you have evidence of trespass and/or damages.

If it's in a pot I might say yes providing I'm compensated on a weekly basis for the inconvenience of having scaffolding in my garden along with a contract that the neighbours pay for.

If it's in the ground then no way. Olive trees don't generally do too well in the British climate so if yours is thriving leave it be!

Nope, I've read too many horror stories about other people's building work/scaffolding so it would be a hard no from me to anything on my land which doesn't directly benefit me. As PP's have said the scaffolders will find a way round it, they just like to go for the easiest option (for them) first and see if you will agree. Just say no OP!

Say no. The scaffolding company will find another way.

Just say no to the scaffolding! It’s a massive pain, the work will take longer than expected.

The fact they are already downplaying moving the tree - which they don’t care about cos it’s not theirs tells you they will probably give you a “best case” on works duration time etc

It definitely isn't straightforward and this is absolutely the wrong time of year to do anything with trees in any case.
Scaffolding can be done many ways, we had a request for use of our drive way and we gave a bunch of requests and actually the scaffold company came back as they could do a different solution which didn't require drive way use. It was just more expensive so that's why they didn't suggest it first

No to the scaffolding at all, never mind moving a tree

"surprised to find seating and an olive tree in the area" 🤨 Cheeky fuckers, it's not their garden! Definitely no!

A mature olive tree is something to be treasured and protected, so I would not consider moving it if it’s planted.

Just say No, and don't give them an explanation.

I'd say no unless I really liked the neighbour and wasn't keen on the tree. It will be a pain in the ass, make a mess and your tree might die.

Hard no. Your garden will be unusable for months and left in a mess.

They want you to move a tree???

Errr, that’ll be a strong NO!

Trees are extremely difficult at the best of times (experience with commercial tree planting). I would not disturb the tree if you like it. And neighbours might be tricky paying for any damage or deny it was them when moving it.

Scaffolders are very resourceful people they will figure a way. I know they can build bridges so they can build a bridge bit over the tree to avoid moving it. Your neighbours won't tell you this because it will cost them more money in design fees for the scaffolding but stick to your guns here

Just say no

Mad idea

What work are they having done?

How long will it take? (Always assume it will take at least twice as long)

What access will the scaffolders and builders need to your garden?

Who will be responsible for any damage done and what guarantees do you have that you won't be left with a big clean up bill?

And the tree? No you won't be moving it. If you give them permission to erect scaffolding, they can work round it, but only if they take approved precautions to protect both the crown and root spread of the tree.

Big fat no unless you really really like them

If it's a mature tree you like then no. Show them the cost of a mature tree. I expect the cost of having to replace it might give them pause for thought.

I think that’s a no.

Interested as to why they were surprised, have you just planted the tree?

Of course, they are being unreasonable. You can't move a tree, that's ridiculous. Suggest they move their house back a few feet to accommodate the scaffolding.