Scots must follow the guidance from these four experts or you could end up owing your neighbour compensation.Steffan Rhys and Eilidh Farquhar Trainee Trends, Showbiz and Lifestyle Writer
15:37, 30 May 2026
Experts have shared if you are allowed to trim your neighbour’s tree if it is encroaching on your garden.(Image: Getty Images)
A taste of hot weather has signalled summer is close by and many Scots are preparing their garden for barbecues and sunny days in the coming months.
The Scottish climate brings long and cold winters and many households will need to tasks to address their overgrown gardens. An added problem which can occur is whether hedges or trees from your neighbour’s gardens have grown to encroach on yours.
Whether branches from your neighbour’s apple tree are now blocking out the sun or an overgrown hedge is creeping through the fence, instances like these can be frustrating when you are trying to give your greenery some TLC.
However, before you go and start chopping away, it is important to know what gardeners are allowed to do with overhanging branches and what they need to avoid. If these rules aren’t followed, you could end up owing your neighbours compensation for damage.
Thankfully, four legal and property specialists have given their guidance on what options are available if your neighbour’s tree is taking up space in your garden, reports the Mirror. An added bonus is that they all agree on how to proceed with the matter.
Essentially, homeowners have the right to trim back branches up to the boundary line of the neighbour’s garden, however you cannot go beyond that. Additionally, it is advised that you speak to your neighbour ahead of taking action and that you make sure that the tree isn’t protected in any way.
Experts saying gardeners can trim back branches to the boundary line but no further.(Image: Getty Images)
Jagdeep Sandher, partner and head of civil litigation at Blythe Liggins Solicitors, explained: “If the tree trunk is wholly sat on the neighbour’s land and the branches are overhanging on to your land, you only have a right to trim back the branches up to the boundary line, not beyond it.
“You can’t reach into the neighbour’s garden and cut them back. Legally, the tree is theirs, so you should offer them the branches back – if they don’t want them, you’re entitled to dispose of them. The best approach is to have a conversation with your neighbour before trimming the tree, to maintain neighbourly relations.”
Dave Sayce, co-founder and managing director of Compare My Move, added: “You can trim a neighbour’s tree if leaves, foliage or branches are over your property boundary. You can only cut up to the boundary line, anything further can be classed as trespassing.
“You also can’t enter your neighbour’s land without permission to trim the tree, and you cannot damage (kill, destabilise) or fell the tree. If you do, your neighbour could be entitled to compensation from you.
“You don’t have to discuss with your neighbour, by law, to trim any part of their tree that crosses your boundary line, but we recommend discussing it with them beforehand to avoid any disputes.
“The cuttings from the tree will legally belong to your neighbour, so you should discuss with them whether they want them back, however, they don’t have to take them back and the responsibility of disposal will still be on you.”
Scots are urged to speak to their neighbour’s beforehand and make sure the tree isn’t protected in any way.(Image: Getty Images)
Dean Meadows, principal arboriculturist and tree risk management lead at Arbtech, explained: “Firstly, ensure the tree isn’t protected in any way. Trees in the UK may be covered by tree preservation orders (TPOs), located within conservation areas, or subject to the felling licence system, all of which require you to seek permission before carrying out any work.
“If it’s not protected, you can prune branches up to the property boundary. Any further than this could be considered damage to your neighbour’s property, potentially leading to legal action.”
Meanwhile, chief customer officer at Homeprotect David Joyson has shared some insight into how to avoid disputes with your neighbours when wanting to trim trees or hedges that are coming from their garden and into your property.
David suggests that homeowners should take the following steps to avoid tension:
Communicate with kindness: A friendly conversation can make all the difference. Your neighbour might not be aware there’s a problem.Pick your battles: The odd bit of noise or minor irritations like a noisy barbecue in the garden or garden upkeep are simply part of living in a community.Avoid retaliation: Remain composed and courteous when addressing neighbours about disruptive behaviour – you never know when you might need to depend on them in future.Know your position: If issues continue despite raising concerns, maintain a record of what’s occurring and when. This can prove valuable if you need to contact your local council to report a nuisance or require legal assistance.Think about your insurance options: If you find yourself in a more serious dispute with your neighbours, having legal expenses cover could offer protection should the disagreement escalate to court proceedings.
Comments are closed.