Neighbouring trees overhanging garden

[doglover]

The house that we're in the process of buying has been vacant for 2 years so the garden is a jungle! The back boundary has several established trees - which provide gorgeous natural screening - but some of their (large) branches are massively overhanging our garden. We would obviously approach the neighbours about our intention to cut back the trees but, if they turn out to be 'unfriendly' , can we still go ahead and trim anything that is on our property? Any advise would be great, please.

Believe you can cut anything that overhangs the boundary, but no more than that. I also think you need to offer them all the cuttings (as it is their property still).

Just be careful that you don't do damage/kill the trees. If you know what type of tree(s) they are, check the best time of year to prune, and what amount they can stand being cut back if you need to do a lot.

Hth

You can cut back anything that overhangs your property.
You should then offer him the bits you cut off but not just dump them over the fence. If he doesn't want them then you have to dispose of them.

Check they aren't protected by a TPO as if you cut them back you can be charged with criminal damage. Either the owner or the local planning office can help you find out.

You can trim them to the boundary but you have to offer back the cuttings. Be aware though that not all trees will come back from a harsh trim, leylandii for example. I'd rather have overhanging trees than look at a masacred leylandii!

Tree pruning is best done in winter - for the trees and for the wildlife.

That's brilliant guys! Thanks so much for the information.