Neighbours cut down trees before completion

[Annemum6]

I've just had an ail from our solicitor saying the neighbour has cut down some trees on the property we are buying. It will be in a small 'wooded' area of the garden which we loved. We've exchanged and were due to complete next week.

I can only assume that they haven't been removed by a proper tree surgeon and that stumps are left. What would you do? Any idea on our options?

just to say that removal of plants growing wild is excluded from the definition of criminal damage.
not that the OP is planning that route any more.

I was worried this was your house!! www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/jun/24/cut-down-fir-tree-becomes-sheffield-attraction-after-neighbour-dispute?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other&fbclid=IwAR3Wpe87MKKSlgzJAmEzMrJKXONIhr-mfS-CMJTOU9OLE53tl9dMBAdzJMA

@Usernamerequired

@thriftyhen isn’t it shocking looking? Next step will it all being removed due to being unsightly. Why do people have such issues with trees? 😢

@Usernamerequired So sad. Trees and hedges aren't meant to be cut when there are nesting birds. I wouldn't be at all surprised if the tree becomes unstable. Imagine it in a high wind! As for the neighbours, I should think they are the most disliked people on the street now.

@CrazyCatsAndKittens

Is the house far away? Can you ask to go and inspect the damage before you complete? Unfortunately, as you don’t actually own the property yet, there isn’t much you can do except pull out or ask for a price reduction from the seller.

Surely if you’ve exchanged there is a contractual situation you can call on. Otherwise people could be forced into completion with eg the roof removed or some other major thing. Stupid neighbours

Surely if you’ve exchanged there is a contractual situation you can call on. Otherwise people could be forced into completion with eg the roof removed or some other major thing. Stupid neighbours

I did say that I missed that they had exchanged so ignore my post.

It sounds like things are ok now though, so hopefully the move will go ok. I hate moving so much!!

that's unbelievable !! any update OP ?

I was thinking the same @thriftyhen. Poor birds, yes really be unstable. I hope the neighbours are embarrassed by their actions now

It is a crime. Trespass and criminal damage

Have you established what possessed the neighbours to do this? You don't want any repetition.

@Zzelda

Have you established what possessed the neighbours to do this? You don't want any repetition.

Good question

@Annemum6 hope you have managed to complete and move into your new house and start to restore and enjoy your new garden.

The thing is would you want these people as neighbours ! You ought to inspect the damage . Though you have exchanged the sellers have to keep the prooerty in trust for you not permitting any damage to it....how could the tree cutting have happened without their knowledge