As Brits enjoy the hot weather this summer, many will spend time in their gardens – but some may be frustrated to find their neighbour’s tree is blocking the sunlightBrian Dillon What’s On and Travel reporter and Lucy Farrell Trends Editor
11:19, 18 Aug 2025
Neighbouring trees can block sunshine from other gardens(Image: Getty Images)
Legal experts have shed light on what can be done when a neighbour’s tree is obstructing your sunlight. As Brits bask in the unusually warm and sunny weather this summer, many are spending considerable time in their gardens soaking up the rays.
However, some may encounter problems or become irked when they find that their neighbour’s tree is blocking the natural light from reaching their gardens.
A team of legal professionals has clarified the regulations surrounding this issue and what steps you are entitled to take if you have a problem with your neighbour’s tree.
According to Spire Solicitors, an East Anglian law firm, your options may be more restricted than you anticipate when it comes to a neighbour’s tree obscuring your sunlight.
However, there are certain measures that can occasionally be taken, depending on various factors, reports the Express.
The specialists clarify that under current UK law, there is no general right to light in a garden. In other words, you don’t automatically have a legal right to insist that a tree be pruned back or removed if it is casting a shadow over your garden.
Legal experts have explained how to handle the situation(Image: Getty)
However, under the Prescription Act 1832, you do have a right to light in windows and rooms in your home.
This means that you can take action if light has entered a window uninterrupted for 20 years or more until now, the right has not been waived or altered by agreement, or the light obstruction significantly interferes with the room’s use.
If you find yourself in any of these situations, it’s usually necessary to seek professional assessment and legal advice. The best initial step if problems arise is to have a peaceful chat with your neighbour.
Should your neighbour’s tree branches extend over the boundary into your property, you are legally entitled to trim them back up to the boundary line.
However, you must remain on your own property while doing so, as you do not have the legal right to enter their land to perform this task.
If the issue lies with a neighbour’s hedges blocking light, you may be able to lodge a complaint.
This could be the case if the hedge has grown taller than two metres, if it has encroached onto your property, or if it consists of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs.
Trees are a subject that can pose issues between neighbours in other ways besides obstructing the sun.
If one feels that a tree next door is overhanging into their property, they may feel entitled to sort out the issue themselves.
However experts previously dished out separate legal guidance for this, which can help resolve the problem while keeping both sides of the fence happy.
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