Tree roots

[Claymoreiron]

My NND has 3 huge trees in her garden. They grow unabated. The roots have now lifted many of the stone flags on our patio and are approaching a garden building, there’s not a chance she will do anything about it.

Does she have legal duty to maintain her trees if they are damaging my property?

I am thinking of bringing a tree surgeon in to do something with the roots but then there’s a chance it will make the tree unstable.

No point in asking her to do nothing nicely. Awful neighbour.

Any advice please?

Why does it matter if you’ve seen a picture or not?? I’m asking for general advice. The flags are damaged. Why is there a requirement for sort of proof? Odd.

I haven’t been able to post a photograph and I won’t be doing now.

So no

please explain why you are so desperate for a photo? Bizarre.

To be fair OP
it would help with photos
why? I work for the council and this is (vaguely) the sort of issue within my remit (nor directly, difficult to explain)
and the issue is fraught with complexities!

OP has said she knows her ndn is on here so doesn’t want to post.

We had a similar issue albeit was our own tree with a TPO pushing up the driveway. We did get permission from the council to cut the specific roots impacting us as was deemed the tree would be stable enough without. We had to get a tree consultant report to do it which was a few hundred.

But if the tree still stood…. More roots would have taken their place

I don’t think it does if already at full height/ maturity. Part of the consultants job is to look at overall stability/ lean etc.

Could you maybe post a pic of the bark. That would help people work out what type of tree it is and wouldn't be identifyableto your house. Then someone might know how long that type of tree normally lives. Some trees only live 20-30 years so if the tree is near the end if its lifespan if might help you with extra evidence of why it needs removing?

You are entitled to cut back anything on or overhanging your land. You'll need a tree surgeon to advise you, and then to carry out any work, which will likely have to be repeated every few years.

If your neighbours genuinely don't have the money, pursuing them won't help. You'd be better to deal with it yourself.