As Brits make the most of the summer sun, many are finding their gardens are in the shade thanks to their neighbour’s trees – but what can you do about it? Legal experts have the answer
13:23, 18 Aug 2025Updated 14:50, 18 Aug 2025
(Image: Getty)
Legal experts have highlighted the options available to those frustrated by their neighbour’s tree casting a shadow over their garden. As Britons enjoy the summer sunshine, many are spending quality time in their gardens, basking in the sun.
However, for some, their sunbathing sessions are being impacted by their neighbours’ towering trees.
A group of legal experts have now clarified the rules surrounding this frequent issue and what steps you can take if you’re not pleased with your neighbour’s sunlight-draining tree. According to Spire Solicitors, a law firm based in East Anglia, your options may be more limited than you’d hope; however, there are certain actions you can take, depending on various factors.
This follows advice to Brits to avoid placing one prohibited item in garden bins as it could lead to punishment.
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 Mirror.
However, under the Prescription Act of 1832, you do have a right to light in windows and rooms in your home.
(Image: Kathrin Ziegler via Getty Images)
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 predicaments, it’s typically necessary to seek professional assessment and legal advice to substantiate your claim. If issues arise, the best initial step is to have a cordial chat with your neighbour.
If your neighbour’s tree branches encroach 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.
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