trees

[dervish]

The shadows cast from a neighbour's trees blocks out all the sunlight to our garden.  Are they legally bound to trim the trees down or would I have to pay for a tree surgeon?

[Loosehead]

You have no way of getting them trimmed. You can cut what hangs over into your garden otherwise you have to appeal to the owners if you want them cut back

[ursula62]

You can get good advice from this site, but if in doubt consult a solicitor.

http://www.gardenlaw.co.uk/ 

[jake-the-peg]

Legally the new legislation refers to nuisance hedges to qualify the trees must be overlapping so qualifying as a hedge, be at least 2m high and be preventing the "reasonable enjoyment" of your land.

Your individual council can help with the details as they are applying them here's on example

http://www.marketharboroughonline.co.uk/pp/pressrelease/pressDetail.asp?ID=3609

[ianess]

One of the biggest causes of disputes between neighbours.  The Government is working on a plan to limit the height of hedges but at the moment there is no automatic "right to light".  As Loosehead says, you can cut back any growth overhanging your property but it still belongs to your neighbour and must be handed back.  Best of luck.