Under common law, a person may cut back any branch (or root) from a neighbour’s tree that overhangs or encroaches onto their property. you must not trespass onto the land on which the trees are growing. branches or roots must not be cut back beyond the boundary in anticipation of them overhanging.

Who is responsible for overhanging tree branches?

tree owner
It is the responsibility of a tree owner to prune any overhanging branches that are breaching a neighbour’s boundary. This should apply whenever the tree owner is notified that the overhanging branches are posing a danger to neighbour’s animals, building or other property.

What is a tree encroachment?

If a tree owner allows the tree to grow so that it uproots a fence, it would be considered an encroachment onto the adjacent property. A property owner cannot cut the entire tree down and cannot destroy the structural integrity or the cosmetic symmetry and appeal of a tree by improper trimming.

What can you do about Neighbours overhanging trees?

Your neighbour can cut any branches that are overhanging into their garden as long as they only remove the bits on their side of the boundary. If they want you to cut your tree or hedge just because they don’t like the way it looks, it’s up to you whether you do the work.

How do I ask my neighbor to trim a tree?

The best way to ask a neighbor to remove their tree is to just have an informal chat. Explain why you are concerned about the tree, the risks it poses, and whether they would be open to removing it.

How close to my property line can I plant a tree?

Planting Trees Near Your Property Line So, if a tree sits on a property line, it’s considered common property and you are both owners. It’s best to plant trees 3 – 4 feet from all property lines to leave room for future growth.

Can you trim tree branches hanging over your property?

If limbs or branches from your neighbor’s trees extend into your property line, you are legally allowed to trim the areas hanging over your property. When trimming them, however, you must stay on your own property. This means you may not go into your neighbor’s yard for a better angle when cutting or destroy the tree.

How do you deal with a Neighbours overhanging tree?

Overhanging Branches on Your Property Even if the tree trunk is on your neighbor’s property, you have the responsibility for cutting any branches that extend onto your property line. You are responsible for the cost of cutting any branches you choose to trim. You can cut back anything up to your property line.

Which fence is mine in back garden?

There is no general rule about whether you own the fence on the left-hand or right-hand side of your property. So forget any ‘rules’ you’ve heard previously that state otherwise – not everyone will own the left-hand side of their fence.

Who’s responsible for that tree on the property line?

A tree on a property line has shared ownership and responsibility for both neighbours depending on what is being done to the tree. If you want to prune your side, it’s your responsibility, the same goes for your neighbor with trimming their side. In the case of full tree removal, both parties are responsible and will need to share the cost.

Can you legally cut branches hanging over your property line?

If limbs or branches belonging to a neighbor’s tree extend over your property line, you are legally allowed to trim the areas hanging over your property. To trim them, however, you must stay on your own property — no going over to the neighbor’s yard for a better angle when cutting.

What happens if my Neighbor’s tree falls in my yard?

So if your neighbor’s tree falls in your yard, your homeowners insurance would typically help cover the cost of removing the tree and remedying the damage it caused, after your deductible. The same is true in reverse: If a tree on your property falls in your neighbor’s yard, your neighbor should file a claim with his or her insurance company .

Who is responsible for cutting overhanging tree branches?

Dear Juno. The neighbour is responsible for cutting branches overhanging his/her garden. Strangely enoug the tree owner is not. If however the tree branch were to fail because the tree was ailing then the tree owner may well be responsible if they were careless in not ensuring that their tree was safe.