As Brits enjoy the hot weather this summer, many will be spending plenty of happy hours in their gardens. Unfortunately, frustrations may arise if a neighbour’s tree ends up blocking out precious sunlightBrian Dillon What’s On and Travel reporter and Julia Banim Audience Writer
10:42, 18 Aug 2025Updated 10:48, 18 Aug 2025
As the warm weather continues, keen gardeners will be making the most of the sunshine (stock image)(Image: Kathrin Ziegler via Getty Images)
Legal experts have shed light on what you can do if your neighbour’s tree is casting a frustrating shadow over your garden. As Brits bask in the glorious summer sunshine, many will be spending quality time in their gardens, soaking up the rays. But for some, their sunbathing sessions are being thwarted by their neighbours’ towering trees.
A team of legal whizzes has now clarified the rules surrounding this all too common issue and what steps you can take if you’re not happy about your neighbour’s sunlight-draining tree. According to Spire Solicitors, an East Anglia-based law firm, your options, unfortunately, may be more limited than you’d expect; however, there are certain actions you can take, depending on various factors.
It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment.
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Lawyers have weighed in on your right to light in your garden (Stock Photo)(Image: Getty)
These experts have clarified that, under current UK law, there’s no general right to light in a garden. In simple terms, you don’t have an automatic legal right to demand that a tree be pruned or removed, even if it is casting a shadow over your garden, reports the Express.
However, under the Prescription Act of 1832, you do have a right to light in windows and rooms in your home. This means you can take action if light has entered a window uninterrupted for 20 years or more until now, the right hasn’t been waived or altered by agreement, or the light obstruction significantly interferes with the room’s use.
If you find yourself in any of the above situations, it’s usually necessary to seek professional assessment and legal advice to substantiate your claim. If problems arise, the best initial step is to have a peaceful chat with your neighbour.
Should your neighbour’s tree branches overhang into your property, you are legally entitled to trim them back up to the boundary line. However, while doing so, you must remain on your own property, as you don’t have the legal right to enter their land to perform this task.
If it’s your neighbour’s hedges that are causing issues with light, you might 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.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com
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