It’s important to know what you can do if a neighbour’s tree is causing problems in your garden. UK households have been told if they can really cut back overhanging trees
13:09, 06 Nov 2025Updated 13:10, 06 Nov 2025
There are some rules you need to follow (stock image)(Image: Grace Cary via Getty Images)
Whilst having trees in your garden can be delightful, they can sometimes prove problematic, particularly when they’re situated on a neighbour’s side of the fence. However, if you’ve been pondering what steps you can take when a neighbour’s tree is affecting your property, the matter has now been clarified.
For years, many have questioned how to address such issues, and it appears the solution is relatively straightforward. Gardening guru Michael Griffiths outlined everything in a recent video, offering guidance that’s certain to assist numerous people in restoring order to their gardens.
Whilst you might be questioning whether it’s ever acceptable to trim a tree back, there’s crucial information you ought to know. As it happens, there are specific regulations you must follow when attempting to manage a neighbour’s tree.
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.”
Content cannot be displayed without consent
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 video has racked up hundreds of views since being posted, with many people quick to weigh in. It appears to be a subject that leaves a lot of people baffled.
One viewer commented: “Thank you for this. I have been telling people this for years and they won’t listen.” Another chimed in with: “I just trim from the side. Not a big deal. We love trees.”
A third also responded: “Also, check for nesting birds and bats. All nesting birds are protected by law in the UK, even pigeons.”
What you might not realise is that Michael’s guidance is spot on. If a neighbour’s tree is causing problems, it’s advisable to try and sort things out amicably first.
However, if that fails, there are steps you can take. You’re entitled to trim branches or roots that encroach onto your property, but you must only cut back to the boundary line.
You then need to offer the trimmings back to the owner, and make sure no harm comes to the tree. Additionally, you must never remove a protected tree without authorisation.
If the issue persists, you can get in touch with your local council for assistance or, if things escalate, seek legal guidance. The 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.
Comments are closed.