They've planted an oak tree 30ft from my house - that's not good is it?

[Orinoco]

Ok, brief summary of long explanation:

We've lived for 9 years overlooking fields which were to become a golf course, only the council ran out of money. About 5 years ago they planted some trees to act as a screen against the golf course, ok, fine so far.

Now that the trees have grown above my fence, I can see that the one nearest and two others within a couple of metres are oak trees (today confirmed by my dad, the esteemed arbouriculturist(!)

Am I right in thinking that I've got a problem here, that these trees will eventually be massive (and house outlaws such as Robin Hood). I'm thinking roots under our house, no light, no views, problems with resale of our house?

So what can I do? My gut feeling is to sneak over the fence with an axe or a big bottle of weedkiller, but that seems a bit callous.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Well, oak trees are not particularly fast growing, but i dont think that is quite what you want to hear

I dont know what the rules are on planting along boundaries etc.

Would worry about the roots. If it could potentially damage your property am sure they could be reasoned with? Council normally seem to be quite reasonable and efficient once you've been put through to the right person and if you explain the situation they may be able to do something about it.

my dad planted an oak tree in my front garden, its been there 4 years and is still quite small i think 30ft away is probably alright, not sure about mine in years to come though!

I've looked this up before as I have an oak tree in my back garden. It seems a safe distance from property is 30m for when the reach full height, mine is 6m from my back door. I live in a HA property and they are totally uninterested.

Trees are lovely though, don't kill them. :)

Noooooo...don't you dare touch the weedkiller!!! It will take many many years to get big enough to bother you. Anyway IME councils are only too happy to chop down trees at the slightest opportunity so I wouldn't worry on that score.

we have three huge ones leass than 20 feet away from our house

They look lovely BUT the worst thing about them is the leaf drop n the Autumn AND the catkin/bud drop in early summer, our driveway is permanantely covered in one or the other

if the branches overhang your property you can cut them back also remember roots approxmiately are as long as the longest branches so if the branches arent overhanging the roots wont be either.

one of ours is diseased so we are rather hoping it might be cut down but as we live in a conservation area it is unlikely

also be prepared for massive local backlash if you do get it cut down, people love trees!

It could be a problem dont know about oak but we had to move a lovely eucalyptus before it got established as it was too close to the house (quite upset because it was beautiful). If they get too established before they are moved it can effect your foundations - this could effect your property value if you want to move.

Dont talk to the council until you have all the facts So before you start check

1. How far they should be from your house - this should be easy enough to find out online.
2. The lawyers who visit this site may be able to help as I was told there is legal comeback now if someone plants trees which will damage your property (???) In my recent experience the council are not helpfull unless it has financial implications for THEM, so this info would be useful for you.
3. Put it in writing.

At least Oaks dont grow too fast but I WOULD deal with it sooner rather than later, they will dig their heels in once the trees get more mature.