If you’re wondering what action you can take if a neighbour’s tree is hindering your property, one TikTok user has explained the rules and what steps you should take before getting the buzzsaw out
10:47, 06 Nov 2025Updated 10:48, 06 Nov 2025
It’s important to understand the rules about cutting back a neighbour’s tree(Image: AP)
Gardening enthusiasts may often find themselves in a bit of a pickle when it comes to dealing with problematic trees, particularly those located on a neighbour’s property. However, if you’ve been pondering over what steps you can take if a neighbour’s tree is causing issues for your property, the answer has finally been clarified.
For years, many have questioned how to tackle such an issue, and it appears the solution is rather straightforward. Gardening expert Michael Griffiths shed light on this common dilemma in a recent video, providing advice that will undoubtedly assist many in restoring order to their gardens.
If you’re unsure about whether it’s legal to trim back a tree overhanging from a neighbour’s garden, there are some guidelines you should be aware of. Michael explained: “If your neighbour’s tree is overhanging your fence, what are you actually allowed to do?
“First of all, talk to your neighbour. They might be reasonable and sort it.
“Ultimately, everyone’s responsible for trees on their land, but that doesn’t mean they need to cut it back. Two, if they’re not interested, you can deal with it yourself, but check if it’s protected first.”
He added: “It might be in a conservation area, or have a TPO (Tree Preservation Order) on it. Three, if it’s not protected, you can cut anything that’s overhanging your side up to the boundary.
“You can’t jump the fence and cut it at the trunk. Number four, you can’t just lob the branches back into their garden. You have to offer them to them but, if they don’t want them, and most people won’t, you have to dispose of them yourself.”
The clip has racked up hundreds of views since being posted, with numerous viewers rushing to share their thoughts. It appears to be a subject that leaves many people baffled, reports the Express.
One viewer commented: “Thank you for this. I have been telling people this for years and they won’t listen.”
Another chimed in: “I just trim from the side. Not a big deal. We love trees.”
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A third person also responded: “Also, check for nesting birds and bats. All nesting birds are protected by law in the UK, even pigeons.”
As Michael says, when a neighbour’s tree is creating problems for you, it’s advisable to attempt a courteous resolution initially. Nevertheless, if this approach fails, there are certain steps you can take.
You’re entitled to prune branches or roots that encroach onto your property, but you must only trim back to the boundary line. Following this, you’re required to offer the cuttings back to the owner, whilst ensuring the tree suffers no harm.
Additionally, you must never fell a protected tree without proper authorisation. Should the issue persist, you can approach your local authority for assistance or, if the situation deteriorates further, obtain legal counsel.
The UK Government website explains: “You can trim branches or roots that cross into your property from a neighbour’s property or a public road. You can only trim up to the property boundary.
“If you do more than this, your neighbour could take you to court for damaging their property. If you live in a conservation area, or the trees in the hedge are protected by a ‘tree preservation order’, you might need your council’s permission to trim them.”
Additional guidance can be found on the website as well.
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