Neighbour planting 2 trees on boundary

[Dindundundundeeer]

Our NDN with whom we have a very very difficult relationship (they hate us due to our recent extension) has planted 2 fast growing spruce trees on the boundary and within 1m of the hated extension. The trees will not block our light, but they can grow to 30m. As these trees are not a hedge we would have no rights to restrict the height. We are very concerned that they could cause damage to our foundations.

This has definitely been done as an act of aggression, but apart from getting our solicitor to write a letter, what can we do? Do we have any rights.

I assume they have done it because they don't want to see the extension? Not sure I can give a fair response on this.

No sympathy sorry

Beyond digging up the roots if the cross the boundary line and returning branches etc, nothing.

W
Hope that the extension was worth the aggravation.

I thought there were some restrictions on planting trees like this which can grow very tall very quickly.
It might be worth talking to your council about it. If there is nothing wrong as far as the council are concerned; there is probably very little you can do.

Are you on clay? Could potentially be a problem, however, if the tree is within their boundary, and it subsequently causes issues, it is their responsibility to sort it out via insurance.

They couldn’t stop your extension, you can’t stop their trees. Maybe it’s tit for tat, maybe they just don’t want to look at it.

On the other hand, I don't blame them, if you have built an ugly extension that they don't want to see.......... I have planted lots of trees in my garden so that I don't have to look into/onto other peoples houses and gardens. Good for nature too.

I have no idea why anyone wouldn't be sympathetic if you've built a perfectly legal extension within permitted development

I'd do nothing, say nothing - and wave cheerily at them

Then I'd poison the trees when they went on holiday - totally undetectable

Check who owns the tree or hedge
If the trunk or main stem of a tree or hedge is on your land, you own it. If it’s on the boundary between properties, you’ll need to check the legal documents you got when you bought your home. They’ll indicate where the boundary is and might say who’s responsible for the tree or hedge.
You can buy the documents from the Land Registry if you don’t have them - it only costs a few pounds. It might be a good idea to buy the documents for your neighbour’s house too - they might give information that’s not covered in yours.
If it’s not clear where the boundary is, you can get help from RICS - they work with surveyors who can help with property problems.

Sounds like you built up to the boundary and they don't want to look at it. If it causes damage you may ultimately have a claim but you are some way away from that.

If the problem continues
There are different ways to deal with the problem depending on who owns the tree or hedge.
If your neighbour owns the tree or hedge
If you own the tree or hedge
Get help with your dispute
If you’re not sure what to do, you can get help at your nearest Citizens Advice.
Get help from a mediator
If you still can’t agree, you can get help from a mediator - this is someone who doesn’t know either of you and is trained to help people resolve disagreements.
It’s a good idea to ask your council if they can help you find a mediator.
You can find your council on GOV.UK
If you still need help, you can look for a mediator on GOV.UK.
You might have to pay for a mediator.

Blimey, we took down an old garage that was on the boundary, and our extension is smaller, and doesn’t reach as far into the garden, but glad everyone assumes it’s a monstrosity

I suppose digging to ensure the roots don’t penetrate is the only option.

If I had the energy I’d write the whole sorry saga, but honestly, you’d not believe half of it.

We also moved in by 1m AWAY from the boundary.

Are there no bylaws in your area as to tree distance from boundary lines? I live in a different jurisdictions and trees that grow above 10 m or so have to be 4m away from the boundary, otherwise you can request them to be removed or capped.

Spruce trees are shite for soil, moisture, light and biodiversity so they ABU - a lovely rowan or crabapple hedge would do the job perfectly well. Feel free to hack away at roots and put in a deep metal sheet preventing roots from coming over. The tree might grow wonky then, but hopefully onto their side, not yours. It will probably grow towards the light anyway.

There must be some rules against planting at the boundary - could the council help? Or could you look up local zoning laws? I think in England this is decided at council level rather than by the central executive.

You could speak to the local council Trees Officer for advice. Did you need pp to turn the garage footprint into a habitable room? Any diagrams?

** I have no idea why anyone wouldn't be sympathetic if you've built a perfectly legal extension within permitted development shock

I'd do nothing, say nothing - and wave cheerily at them

Then I'd poison the trees when they went on holiday - totally undetectable**

^This

@LIZS

You could speak to the local council Trees Officer for advice. Did you need pp to turn the garage footprint into a habitable room? Any diagrams?

We totally removed the garage. It was built behind the house. The extension fell 4m short of the garage.

The irony to this is that the NDN was going mental about her right to light, and now she’s planted these in front of her dining room.

I’ll check with the tree person at the council - good tip! Thanks all

Yes we got full planning permission