My neighbours have ripped out my trellis..

[Fencetroubles]

I want a totally honest opinion of what I should do I'm a bit upset. I came home today to find my neighbours are having a new fence erected. This is fine, but their builders (who are a professional company) have torn down two 6ft trellis panels that stood independently on my side, along with all the greenery on them. They did this so that they could attach their new fence to my existing end concrete post, rather than run it off their house wall. My trellis wasn't in great shape (it leant into my garden as my wooden posts were old) but they didn't actually need to touch it at all. Also, it would probably take another 4 or 5yrs to get the greenery that established again.
I have a 2nd problem in that a tree planted in their garden (against the fence) now has a trunk so wide it encroaches into my land a little and they won't be able to fence around it, only up to it either side. What do you think?

Complain

I am constantly astounded at the arseholery of some neighbours WRT gardens and fences!

Is there any chance they thought the trellis was there's? I'd be going bananas!

If it was your trellis on your land then that's criminal damage. House insurance sometimes offers free legal advice - may be worth checking?

Out of courtesy they should have spoken to you abou the work that was going to be carried out and if indeed the fence is actually theirs to change. You could have then discussed with them what was acceptable and what wasn't.
You have every right therefore to complain and take legal action if they are not willing to be amicable. Hopefully they will be.
You of course now have to be diplomatic in approaching them and explain the situation rationally. If they respond the same way then that would be great if not call the police on 101 and ask them. A civil suit might also be in order and your house insurance legal cover will help.

I think you need to speak to them asap. They shouldn't have ripped out your trellis or used your concrete poles, and in addition they can either fence in front of the tree extending your garden or vice Versa..

I have two very mature trees on my boundary that are mine but have grown into neighbours garden as they got bigger. The fence stops on either side of the trees

Make absolutely sure what is your property and what belongs to your neighbours on both sides.

'Hello (neighbour). I don't have a problem with you having a new fence, but there's been some mistake because the workmen have torn down my trellis and plants. I don't suppose they checked with you first?

How shall we sort this? I liked it as it was and I need replacements put back in or full compensation.
Secondly the tree that's been put in is close to our boundary so when it grows the roots are going to undermine my grass/garden/ path/ driveway/ house. I'm mentioning this now before the tree settles in'.

They have to make good on your side at their expense. You can keep it friendly by taking the line of oh god, you won't believe what your gardeners did by mistake.

Can't to speak straight to the fencing company? Maybe get their number off the neighbour so you can talk about the tree at the same time. Whats idiots.

• you

We need a diagram....

That aside, I agree it's the go in friendly approach as a first step.

So your neighbours haven't actually ripped out your trellis - the builders have.

I would take it up directly with the company involved - call their head office and take photos. I wouldn't involve the neighbours at this stage.