Neighbouring trees

[CAPP0]

Not sure whether this is SPL or Homes & Gardens, but.....our garden backs onto a field which is owned by the local primary school (and therefore ultimately I guess by the LEA). There's a tree on the boundary which seems to grow at a fair old rate. This year, it's *just* starting to get to a height where it will cause shade at certain times of the day; by the same token, it's limiting light into the garden.

I asked the school to prune it and their response was that their annual tree survey had deemed it safe, and therefore they could not justify the cost of pruning it but I was welcome to have it topped at my own expense.

Not looking for a barney here (I've had two real live ones today already!) but just a steer - what does the relevant law state, and is their position reasonable and I should pay, or should I insist that they do?

Ta.

[richyb]

The law states you can cut back to your boundary line so effectively anything that overhangs can be cut off. You are required to do so in a manner sympathetic to the tree and as a LA they may ask that it is done by a properly insured/qualified contractor. They are not required to do or pay for anything. It is going to be out of your pocket I'm afraid.

[5705]

IMHO, the school is being very reasonable with the topping permission.

Won't be cheap, of course, because the school won't let just any chancer with a chainsaw up there.

[CAPP0]

Thanks - yes, they were quite specific that I could pay for THEIR contractor to do the work.

[5705]

FWIW, there is a relevant law. It came out of the Leylandii nonsense, but I don't know if it would apply to a single and specific tree. ISTR that 4m was the important height.

ETA: some fairly balanced info here: http://www.medway.gov.uk/environmentandplanning/co...

Edited by 5705 on Friday 15th June 17:33

[Mr GrimNasty]

5705 said:

FWIW, there is a relevant law. It came out of the Leylandii nonsense, but I don't know if it would apply to a single and specific tree. ISTR that 4m was the important height.

ETA: some fairly balanced info here: http://www.medway.gov.uk/environmentandplanning/co...

Edited by 5705 on Friday 15th June 17:33

Doesn't apply to single trees, have to be evergreen, action height is derived from a complicated formula it is not 4m. So apart from that.....

As has already been said mostly, you can cut back to the boundary and offer them the cuttings which they can decline, provided there is no TPO, they are under no obligation to pay for work you want doing to it, or generally to consider your light, leaves, mess, bird crap or anything else. So they have been more than reasonable in letting you pay if you want it trimmed.

[Who me ?]

I've got this problem with Leylandi from next door . Council advised words with neighbours, then if no action, formal letter to neighbour, mentioning possibility of council inspection. But for council to act ,it costs approx £340 .
Personally, I'm thinking of removing all plants from that side of garden that I care about, digging ditch, and flooding it with concentrated root weed killer - be a lot cheaper & quicker . There is a right to cut back, but that only removes the overhang, not the 4m+ on her side of the fence .

[williredale]

Sounds like the school are being reasonable tbh. Not sure of the relevant laws but that's what my gut feeling is...

[Dwight VanDriver]

Be careful before weilding the axe. Check with local council to ensure it is not in a Conservation Area or that there is a Tree Preservation Order in force. If so you will have to get Council permission.

dvd

[TwigtheWonderkid]

A few copper nails banged deep into the trunk when no ones around. That should do the trick.

[richyb]

TwigtheWonderkid said:

A few copper nails banged deep into the trunk when no ones around. That should do the trick.

which is fairly blatant about who did it and you will likely be fined/prosecuted by the LA tree department.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

richyb said:

TwigtheWonderkid said:

A few copper nails banged deep into the trunk when no ones around. That should do the trick.

which is fairly blatant about who did it and you will likely be fined/prosecuted by the LA tree department.

You can get those thin ones. If you use a punch to bang them in a few mm beyond flush, completly undetectable. The tree just dies, which happens. Who knows why. Not that I would advocate such drastic action.

[CAPP0]

I'm relatively happy with the tree being there, I just don't want it getting to 40' tall, casting a permanent shadow in the garden and killing anything growing nearby! Thanks for all the responses, seems fine and fair, I'll have to stump up :P when it gets a little bit taller.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

CAPP0 said:

I'll have to stump up :P when it gets a little bit taller.

Please...don't branch out into comedy!

[CAPP0]

Thanks for the advice, Twig....

[fangio]

If you get it topped now, won't it be cheaper than if it's taller? I think it won't grow upwards but spread out more?

I'm sure an arborist? will be along to correct me if I'm wrong!

[TwigtheWonderkid]

I wanted to be a tree surgeon, but I couldn't stand the sight of sap.

[Cyrus1971]

richyb said:

which is fairly blatant about who did it and you will likely be fined/prosecuted by the LA tree department.

It's not blatant or likely. Last time I checked the "authorities" needed evidence for a fine or prosecution to be initiated.

[monkey11477]

Don't forget to give them the cuttings back otherwise it could be deemed as theft!

[JMGS4]

Get an auger, drill into the trunk at ground level about 1-2", fill hole with rocquefort or other green cheese, replace bark; tree dies quickly, tree unsafe, get it cut down at their cost, end of story.....