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.

Quite apart from anything else, surely this is the time of year when you want to enjoy the seating area in your garden? It would be no from me.

Just say no to the scaffolding in your garden.

There will always be another option, but using your garden will be easier and cheaper for them.

We had an extension built up to the boundary (with agreement). Our builders wanted access to the neighbours' garden to build the wall. They (completely understandably) said no. The builders built it entirely from our side. Challenging for them but possible. Given the attitude of your neighbours I would say no and let their builders figure it out.

Olive trees are very slow growing and expensive! I'd say no to tree. Scaffolders are usually pretty good at figuring this sort of thing out. Have an agreement in place in case they damage anything though!

Is the tree in a pot? Otherwise the answer is no. They’re absolute nutters if they think you’re going to dig up a tree!

"Please do not ask as refusal often offends"

Just say no, absolutely not possible.
An olive tree is to be treasured, it may not survive being moved and it's the wrong time of the year to move trees and shrubs anyway.

Scaffolding and the mess the builders make could damage your garden, never mind the disruption.

They have got a nerve even asking.

Laugh at them and say "No fucking way"
CFs

no, absolutely not.

That is absolutely not worth the money and hassle for some work that isn’t even being done on your property. I’d move the furniture (if it’s not fixed in place) but wouldn’t even consider moving any matured trees.

scaffolders have to work around all sorts of obstacles, they’ll work it out.

A big fat no!!
My shared drive neighbours were doing their loft conversion themselves in between other jobs (he is a builder) we had scaffolding in the drive for about 18 months!

Obviously you can’t move a tree! They’ll have to work on their own land.

The fact that they would even ask that of you shows they are massive CFers and would be a nightmare to deal with. Say no.

and were surprised to find seating and an olive tree in the area.

Why would they be surprised at someone else using their own garden to put stuff in?! That’s what gardens are for.

Even if it was a tiny olive tree in a plastic pot and rattan garden furniture that could be dragged up the garden a bit, I’d still think twice about whether I wanted someone to put scaffolding in my garden!

No, absolutely not. The tree will not recover. They will have to find a different way.

No is a complete answer in this case

No they can't put any scaffolding on your property

Put it in writing & film yourself delivering the letter making sure you clearly identify the house.
Also state that you do not expect to be disturbed by the work and will seek compensation for any debris or damage to your property or fencing.

It’s a no. The tree will most likely die even if you use a gardening professional.

if you say yes then have an agreed timescale for scaffolding with a legal agreement for any over run with a weekly charge. Plus you need the services of a professional plants person to cover tree care and/or like for like replacement. All costs to be covered by the neighbour

Why are you just meekly considering this? I would have actually laughed at being asked to dig up a tree in my garden for the neighbour's benefit.

I agreed to scaffolding on my land for my neighbour and they ruined my lawn, my trees, even our newly built shed. my neighbour was an elderly woman who couldn’t afford to fix the damage - she was mortified

The scaffolders didn’t give a hoot. Never came back. Even left some of their scaffolding in my garden!!

Please proceed with caution. They can and will find another way to do the job - it’s just that yours is the easiest option!

Be careful OP!!

PS the tree sounds lovely! Don’t dig it up

No way would I even think about moving a tree to accommodate THEIR work on MY property.

The fact that they’ve asked you to move a tree as if it’s the same as asking you to move a flower pot shows how cheeky and unreasonable they are. When my neighbours wanted a tree moved in my garden for their benefit, I was kind enough to allow them permission to do it but the expense of it was all theirs. No way would I spend a few hundred pounds moving a harmless tree for someone else’s benefit.

Other people’s scaffolding is usually a huge inconvenience. The company has no incentive to be considerate to you because you are not their paying customer and they often leave their scaffolding in place for ages because it’s more convenient for them to move it directly to the next job than to take it down, store it, and then move it to the next job.

Say no.

I would say no.

Also, is the extension on the border? They need a party wall agreement if so.

And they have no right to build close enough that guttering overhangs your boundary.

I would be looking closely at the plans of people who are so cavalier of your garden!

When is this work due to start?

I would have too, it’s so ludicrous. “Move a tree Gladys? Seriously?”

Is the Olive tree in a Pot? Ours are in very large pots and would be very heavy to move but, if they are in the ground then they will probably die if you move them as they are probably very established where they are.

Seating - obviously could be moved.

Why do they need to put scaffolding up in your garden?

I personally would say no if i was in your situation as it sounds like it will be a ball ache for you.

There must be an alternative that they can do which shouldnt have to involve you.

Go into any nursery and see how expensive it is to buy an established olive tree, they cost £100s!! Any tree is a danger to move, and an olive tree even more so. If it’s moved and dies, this would be a great shame. Please don’t do this x