Are my neighbours being ridiculous?

[Rainbows41]

Newish neighbours have been informed by myself that they have a tree in their back garden which is growing up against our adjoining fence (my fence). I have politely asked them if they would remove the tree as it is pushing up against my fence causing damage to the concrete posts, as well as uplifting my brick path.
They said, at the time, they will look into this.
They posted a handwritten note through my door today stating that I need to remove my fence posts in order for them to be able to remove the tree, which they have arranged for the beginning of August.

These are concrete posts. How the hell am I supposed to remove them? Surely they can simply cut the three down without this?

Well if you want the roots removing then the fence needs to come down.

Dear [Neighbours’ Names],

Thank you for your note regarding the tree removal scheduled for August.

I appreciate you arranging to have the tree taken out, given the damage it has been causing to my fence and brick path. However, I must clarify that I am unable to remove the concrete fence posts. These are deeply set in concrete and require professional tools and significant work to dismantle.

Given that the tree is located within your garden, I trust that the tree surgeons will be able to safely remove it without needing access through or disruption to my fence. I’m happy to discuss any practical alternatives that do not involve removing or damaging my property.

Please do let me know how you wish to proceed. I hope we can resolve this amicably and avoid further complications.

Best regards,
Rainbows41

Thank you for this.
I will first seek advice from a tree surgeon about how best to remove the tree, and will then write a letter, much like your suggestion.

You can agree to remove the fence panel but not the posts which may be what they meant.

Just go and talk to them, this kind of thing is much easier to discuss in person than via letter! If anything, drop a note in saying, ‘great you’re looking to sort out the tree, can you give me a call on xyz and arrange a time to pop over and discuss?’

You don’t need to talk to a tree surgeon, that’s what they’re doing, no need to double up and make a big deal out of it.

Then both take a look at the fence/panels etc, show them how the posts can’t be removed and work out a plan.

Massively passive aggressive and unnecessarily formal, discussing in person will get this sorted much easier.

Actually I agree with you 😂

I appreciate your honesty 🤣 nice doing business with you 😆

You too 🤩

Actually OP if you are getting a tree surgeon round, which seems like a good idea, why not talk to the neighbours while he's there? You can compare notes on what needs doing and how.

If the tree is causing damage to your concrete posts then don’t they need removing anyway to make your fence safe too?

I think you’ve asked them to remove the tree, they are doing so at your request when they could have refused. In your shoes I would be facilitating that in any way I could in order for that to happen.

There might be an option where the tree can be cut to a stump and root killer applied so the roots rot.

Their tree surgeon has probably told them that to get your path level again he would have to remove the roots/needs the post removed, so they are relating what he has said.

Or maybe the cutting angle is very tricky with the post there. Maybe tell them - in person - the post is hard to remove, and ask them if you can speak to their tree surgeon to better understand what's needed?

Thanks everyone for your comments, all of which are very much appreciated.
I will seek advice first, and will just go round and have a chat with them to clear up any confusion about what they want. I think in hindsight, continuing communicating via letter will just create an air of awkwardness, which isn't what I want.
Whether they meant fence panels or posts, this isn't something I can just do willy nilly, so Ithis is why I need advice.

There is a gizmo called a stump grinder which can shred the stump in situ without requiring a massive hole.

Used this in a previous life in areas where no ground disturbance allowed.

We have the same issue with a tree causing the same problem and the fence, including concrete posts, is coming out completely so the stump can be removed. Then everything will be concreted back in.

So I don’t think they’re being ridiculous.

That's a great idea. Thank you!

They may well be using a stump grinder. Out tree surgeon had to smash out concrete edging, which wasn’t even too close to the stump, so that it didn’t damage the machine. This could be the reason they are asking for removal.

I totally understand why they would need the panels out to get 360a access to trunk and a falling branch could destroy a fence panel

I think you just need to talk to them about why they have asked this. To be honest, if the tree roots are impacting enough on the fence posts for you to want the tree removed, then I can well imagine that the position of the tree roots might be such that either the concrete posts need to be removed before the tree is removed, or removing the roots WILL damage the posts.

👍🏻🤣🤣

Getting the stump ground out will be a nicer result in the end (prevent regrowth, uncompacts the soil etc) but the grinder itself is usually a brutal bit of kit (they have diamond tipped blades) and can be a metre or two longer (think big lawn mower) and almost impossible to drive up to a fence without pummelling the fence as well (they are fierce). I can see having the panel out will help - hopefully the posts can stay but depends on positioning? Agree that talking to the neighbours about their plan makes most sense.

Needs some space around it though to operate and, given the expense and the fact it failed to kill the willow that had rubbed holes in the roof of the old garage, several caveats needed
Does not always prevent regrowth sadly @Lovingthelighterevenings

Lovely. Thanks for explaining this to me, I had no idea what one of these was let one how big they are. I can certainly see how they could require alot of space to get the job done.