Cutting branch off tree

[anxious_ant]

I have been generally ignoring the issue but lately the branch is really pushing against the fence and I worry that in windy conditions it will break the fence panel.

The tree is planted at edge of gated communal parking area which I don't have access to. Part of my fence borders this parking area.
Spoken to council which advised that I should speak to the developers which I still haven't managed to get any response.
I have tried to speak to the residents having access but have been either ignored or refused access so far.

Will it be ok to cut at least the top of the branch off? To ensure that the branch doesn't regrow into the fence panel I would need access to the parking area.

ETA: no idea why the picture is rotated this way, as it looks right on my end.

[deckster]

Well first of all just cut off the bit you can reach. You're perfectly entitled to do that although technically you have to offer the owner the clippings.

Then I'd lean over and see how far over you can get a pair of loppers, and take it off as low as you can. If anybody complains (they won't) then deal with it then. But really just get on with it, as you say it's going to push the fence over if you don't and that's going to be a whole new world of hassle.

[anxious_ant]

deckster said:

Well first of all just cut off the bit you can reach. You're perfectly entitled to do that although technically you have to offer the owner the clippings.

Then I'd lean over and see how far over you can get a pair of loppers, and take it off as low as you can. If anybody complains (they won't) then deal with it then. But really just get on with it, as you say it's going to push the fence over if you don't and that's going to be a whole new world of hassle.

Cheers for the advice. It’s quite a large branch so I will wait till it’s less windy to cut it down. It’s right at the back of the communal parking with a large bush infront of it so hopefully no one will mind.

[Chubbyross]

Nobody will care, let alone mind. You will be the only person on the planet who will know what you’ve done. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.

[anonymous-user]

OMG I wouldnt be able to sleep at night if my fence panel had a split in it like that.

Lop the branch off and sue the developers

[VSKeith]

OP - take the damaged fence slat out (easy with a crow bar, nail removing edge of hammer or even a long large flat head screwdriver).

This should give you access to lower down the branch for cutting.

It's then as simple as getting another slat and nailing it in before painting.

As others have said, none of the lovely people in the lovely gated community will notice. In case they do, just keep pics of the damage the branch was causing.

[ARHarh]

Get real, just climb over the fence and cut it off at the bottom, trim other branches as well while you are in there, if anyone bothers to question you tell them you have tried asking but got no response and carry on.

[Pica-Pica]

Chubbyross said:

Nobody will care, let alone mind. You will be the only person on the planet who will know what you’ve done. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second.

But … but … but … this is PH!, people can’t do anything without seeking advice.

[anxious_ant]

Many thanks again all, I did some Googling about this but was still unsure so the advice is much appreciated.

I have cut what I can off, in the process noticed another smaller branch lurking behind that is also pushing against the fence which I have also trimmed.

I will have a think about removing the panels to trim the rest. The bigger branch still leans a bit when windy, but it's definitely much better now.

edit: not too sure what's up with the orientation of the pictures, both looks right side up on my end

[Canon_Fodder]

Good luck with the new border OP - what have you planted in there?

[anxious_ant]

Canon_Fodder said:

Good luck with the new border OP - what have you planted in there?

Thanks
It’s mostly hidcote and some felice as per advice from my other thread.
I’ve also got some flowering perennials from B&Q but forgot what they are.
Hard work keeping the weeds at bay.

Edited by anxious_ant on Thursday 26th May 14:48

[MesoForm]

anxious_ant said:

Thanks
It’s mostly hidcote and some felice as per advice from my other thread.
I’ve also got some flowering perennials from B&Q but forgot what they are.
Hard work keeping the weeds at bay.

Edited by anxious_ant on Thursday 26th May 14:48

Bark chippings help a lot with weeds, then once the lavender grows a bit (i.e next year) you won't get many more weeds coming through.

[anxious_ant]

MesoForm said:

Bark chippings help a lot with weeds, then once the lavender grows a bit (i.e next year) you won't get many more weeds coming through.

That’s food for thought. I was thinking slate chippings but would be too costly for the area I need to cover. Might have a look at bark chippings instead

[Canon_Fodder]

Hidcote is lovely.. My soil is too rich for it though

[anxious_ant]

Canon_Fodder said:

Hidcote is lovely.. My soil is too rich for it though

I just chuck some topsoil on my raised bed. Lined the bed with some poly sheet to prevent the fence and wood from rotting (can’t afford sleepers) and cut some drainage holes underneath.
Seems to be doing fine so far

[AndyNetwork]

Just wear a hi vis and ahard hat, and no one would question you then.

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

It looks like laurel (a hardy plant )

It grows like a devil so you'll be tackling it periodically.

[anxious_ant]

2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:

It looks like laurel (a hardy plant )

It grows like a devil so you'll be tackling it periodically.

Well I could use the wood for my fireplace

[KAgantua]

op username checks out