neighbour tree causing damage

[gilby]

my neighbour has a laylandii type tree that has grown over the height of the house. it was planted right next to the fence and now it is that big that it has started to push the concrete post over. the fence is the neighbours property but it is being pushed onto my side. because of this the fence panels dont fit aymore and it looks dreadful. am i in the right to try and get the tree removed. i have asked the neigbour but she said no. plus the tree is home to squirrels which keep breeding.!!!

[WendyS]

A new law has recently been introduced regarding the height of these lleylandi trees because of the problems they have caused. Check out this website:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4596685.stm

Suggest you write a polite letter to your neighbours, explaining the problem, saying you would like to resolve the issue amicably and asking them to reduce the height to the legal level.  Keep a copy of the letter and if they don't reply, follow up again in a month with another letter.  If they still refuse to act, contact your local Council.  But be warned, some Councils are introducing a fee which you may have to pay up front to get the issue resolved.  Seems unfair when you are the innocent party but that's the way it is!. I think legally you can remove any branches hanging over your side of the fence but you must return the clippings to them.  You can't go on their property and remove their tree.  Hope you resolve the problem.  These wretched trees have caused a lot of problems to a lot of people.

[Hammer]

The new laws relate to hedges, not trees. One tree is a tree, two or more overlapping trees are a hedge, so not sure if this would help you.

I would have a look on www.gardenlaw.co.uk in the forums as there are loads of experts there.

[sandbach99]

If you can drill a hole in the trunk, hand drill or when she is out.  then push in some copper wire and cover hole with mud.   When the sap rises it will slowly  kill the tree.  Totally illegal, takes time but effective.