Next Steps- Overhang branches

[chip*]

Hi,

I am seeking some advice / legal steps to resolve a current issue with my "neighbour".

I live at the end house of a cul-de-sac with the side of the house backing against a school fence i.e. I have a side-gate + (~ 1.5 meter wide) path which separate my property and the school fencing. Within the school boundary (directly opposite the fence next to my property) are a number of trees which has grown over the year, and as a result overhang substantially over my side path and my front garden. Many of the top branches are actually pressing against the top of my house / roof (by the side of my house), and trees at the front overhang ~ 10-12 foots over my front drive. For any overhanging trees/shrubs in my garden, I would pop into my neighbour and tell them I would be trimming back their plants, and give them the option to keep the cuttings. Always works fine and everyone is happy, but these overhang branches are way too big and high for me to tackle. However, we approach the school back in May/June requesting they trim back their overhanging branches on my property, but they replied they couldn't trim the trees until the end of the nesting season / around October. [We noticed (hard not to given the noisy chainsaw they used) they were trimming the other trees in their playground back in late July!]

With Oct just round the corner, we plan to contact the school again to request for a firm date for them to cut their overhanging trees. If they comply, this will be a non-issue, but what are my legal rights if the school refuse or delay to commit a date to cut the overhanging branches?

Can I report this to the Local Authorities if the school refuse to play ball?
Can I book in a tree guy to trim the overhanging branches, and bill the school/LA?


Thanks
Tom

[chip*]

Equus said:

1) 2) Cut the branches that overhang your property: you are entitled to do so.

I would do this normally, but in this case, the branches are waaaayyy too high for me to cut without risking my life!! i.e. I don't have the equipment / ladder to reach the height of the overhanging branches.

[chip*]

Thanks guys, your inputs are most welcomed. (PS. please let's keep it civil )


We have fired off an email to the school requesting them to revert back with a firm date by mid next week. l will provide an update if/when I receive any myself.

Thanks!

[chip*]

Just received email reply back from the school which is summarised below:

• Sought advice from ground maintenance and also a tree surveyor, and both concluded no health and safety concerns and advised not to take any actions
• they will monitor regularly trees and whenever it is deemed appropriate necessary action will be taken
• if we decide to trim the tree on our side, they state the school is under no obligation and will not be liable to pay for any fees incurred

Not the ideal response, but I half expected it. I am incline to book an independent tree surveyor to assess the proximity of the trees as this will be an on-going problem.