Trees on private land
A tree located within a neighbours garden or other private land, is the responsibility of the owner of the land.
If a tree in a neighbouring property is causing you an actionable nuisance or concerns, your first point of contact is with the owner of the land. This could be your neighbour, the landlord or the property owner.
Removing branches that cross over onto your boundary
You have common law legal right to remove branches that cross over onto your boundary:
- only do this from your own property
- remove back to the limits of your land and no further
- if you do need to cross the boundary, you must get your neighbour's permission
- if you lean a ladder against the tree trunk, you must get your neighbour's permission
- all works must be undertaken to British Standards 3998
- you must ask your neighbour if they want the branches you've removed back
- if they do not want them back, it's your responsibility to get rid of them. Do not place them on your neighbour's land