+113 votes
by (250 points)
Does anybody know what to do when a neighbour's tree is blocking all the sun from your garden and all their weeds are coming under the fence? I know it's not life or death but it would be nice to be able to get a tan in my own garden  **Edit** I have already spoken to the neighbour but they are not interested, they don't maintain their house let alone the garden and I do not have any contact details for the landlord she rents off, hence why I am asking for advice!  
Does anybody know what to do when a neighbour's tree is blocking all the sun from your garden and al

100 Answers

+110 votes
by (1.4k points)
 
Best answer
This tree is on council land behind my house. Blocks loads of light, lots of leaves in the autumn and hard seed pods everywhere. Council wont do anything and the overhanging branches are too high for me to reach. I feel your pain.  
by (2.4k points)
@classical7 think these by me are oak trees so they won’t remove them. It’s only them 3
by (2.4k points)
@classical7 to the left of my house. Then ones are ok lots of birds etc live up in then but then 3 on the railway are a pain.  
by (1.3k points)
@loftus I was told anti freeze  
by (2.4k points)
@classical7 this one was the one we moaned about till It was removed by the council.  
by (2.4k points)
Conifers should be illegal in small Gardens lol
+97 votes
by (1.7k points)
I’m sure if her tree is over you garden u can cut back the branches thank hang over onto your property. Speak to your council they should be able to let you now
+97 votes
by (1.5k points)
If it hangs over into ur garden ur in ur rights to cut it away if its blocking ur sun i hav a neighbour from hell who put up a fence blocked all my sun andvit was 7 foot which is agaisnt the regs so i took it dwn and told her why i did it but she is jus a nasty one
+96 votes
by (2.8k points)
If coming over your fence can cut it I do got lazy neighbours too
+80 votes
by (5.5k points)
If its hanging over your side u are allowed to trim it but u have to give back what u have trimmed off and salt for weeds x
+38 votes
by (1.4k points)
Cut off what’s on your side ? Put little weed killer under your fence ?  
+88 votes
by (1.3k points)
I'm amazed that in a gardening group so many people seem to hate trees growing anywhere near their gardens? ‍♀️
by (1.3k points)
@unanimous37203 I was replying generally to the replies of killing it/cutting it down. not the original poster
by (980 points)
Love trees but they need to be appropriate for the size of garden. Our neighbour's tree is taller than the house now her husband is no longer around to trim it. Blocking sun from our garden is annoying when one if the reaso s we bought our house was for the sunny garden.  
by (3.5k points)
@emphasize offer her help then
by (980 points)
@cliquish52 how do you know I haven't?  
by (3.5k points)
@emphasize just a suggestion and I don’t
+109 votes
by (1.2k points)
I have the same problem
+100 votes
by (1.2k points)
I had to get a written letter from wdh to cut back the neighbours tree because they're all tagged we get no light whatsoever and got told weve no right to light the 6 trees go right against our fence and when its windy the trees break our fence and the wdh wont do anything because weve bought our house
+79 votes
by (1.2k points)
The council can tell you who the landlord it. I had to do this xx
+100 votes
by (1.4k points)
Ok if she hates gardening and you love gardening how about offering to do her garden for her - no financial investment unless you want to or she offers to pay but that way you can prune the tree to a reasonable height and get rid of weeds strim the garden and use it as a nursery for plants you need to grow up.  
+110 votes
by (1.9k points)
Cut it off if it's hanging over your fence.  
+81 votes
by (2.1k points)
Knock her out then while she's laid out. Go in and cut tree down  
+107 votes
by (5.4k points)
Youve no rights as regarding sunlight.  
+97 votes
by (4.9k points)
I cut my neighbours overhang and throw it back over the fence because it legally belongs to them.  
by (1.2k points)
@affable actually that is wrong and could land you with a large fine. You have to ask if they want it back and only if they agree can you return it to them. Otherwise you must dispose of it yourself.  
+113 votes
by (1.3k points)
You could at least kill the tree off lol l
+90 votes
by (1.9k points)
Midnight weed killer on both. lol and im not kidding.  
+94 votes
by (1.7k points)
I have the same problem with neighbours conifers Cant use the bottom half of my garden I cut off and have put the cuttings over their fence They are taller than the house so I can only go so far
+76 votes
by (1.2k points)
If it’s coming into your garden, you allowed to trim it back
+95 votes
by (1.2k points)
Call environmental health
+92 votes
by (1.1k points)
Cut it down as long as you return the cuttings you fine lol Xx
+79 votes
by (1.6k points)
If you apply to the land registry for there address (allowed) you will get the details of who owns the house I did it years ago for my neighbour only cheap to do
+91 votes
by (5.2k points)
Just cut off what’s overhanging x
+106 votes
by (1.3k points)
Trees cause a lot of problems.  
by (3.5k points)
@certiorari2 create heaps of oxygen tho.  
by (1.6k points)
@certiorari2 and solve many more !  
+90 votes
by (1.2k points)
I would just cut off the parts of the tree in your garden, blocking your sun x
+97 votes
by (1.2k points)
Cut it off and throw it over her fence  
+99 votes
by (1.2k points)
Cut off what is overhanging and put it in their garden as it is their property
+83 votes
by (1.2k points)
Please stop saying cut it off and return the cuttings. You must ask if the owners want it back. If they don't you must dispose of it yourself. Putting it back in their garden without permission can land you with a big fine! Please people, don't assume. check the law!  
+85 votes
by (1.4k points)
Spray weedkiller  
+98 votes
by (2.9k points)
I have this exact problem
by (940 points)
@portfolio8 I have too. It's two doors down in a council tenants house. Council won't do a thing. It terrifies me when its windy. They won't touch it, unless it is touching your house.  
+81 votes
by (1.3k points)
We’ve just cut down a huge tree in the neighbours garden (which is also our landlord) . we had no sunlight in the garden and the house always felt cold ! The difference we have now is amazing !  
+82 votes
by (1.2k points)
My neighbour has two trees, both taller than my house. One of them constantly drops needles thst clog up my guttering and grid. Also the needles are all over the garden.  
+86 votes
by (1.2k points)
I don’t know where you live if it’s Wales you can get landlord details off Rent Smart Wales
+113 votes
by (2.4k points)
Are any of the branches hanging over your side? If so you can cut them off and give them back to her. as for the weeds, is it safe to spray weed killer on them?  
+93 votes
by (1.2k points)
I have the exact same problem with the same type of neighbours!  The roots of the trees are lifting my patio. I have spoken to the council but nothing has been done.  
by (3.5k points)
@huggermugger2854 find out who owns it or ask council and put in a for property damage
+98 votes
by (1.3k points)
I live in a tenement and have a huge part of a tree from next door hanging down from a great height in to the centre of the back garden. It actually looks like it is in my (shared) garden. It's starting to tangle in cables and the weight is going to cause issues. It's way too high to cut back myself and not possible from ground level.  
+76 votes
by (1.4k points)
Iv got trees in my garden that have got out of hand but we have robins nesting and other birds can’t cut down till they have gone
+97 votes
by (1.2k points)
I had a massive tree in my old council house, was at the bottom of the garden and kept hanging over neighbours shed, so i got the council out to have it removed. Was about 25ft wide alway round.  
by (2.6k points)
@epifaniaepifano council don’t do that any more
+92 votes
by (2.4k points)
Buy a long pole branch cutter they are cheap and trim it high up.  
+82 votes
by (1.5k points)
Well if she doesn’t maintain her garden she won’t mind you cutting what’s on your side and chucking the shite back over into hers  
+27 votes
by (1.2k points)
Do the roots of the tree go into ur garden?  
+113 votes
by (1.9k points)
I sawed off 2 huge branches which made quite a difference, but it fell into their garden. They didn't mind. As it's lockdown we spoke in the garden at a sfe distance and she said she'll get someone after lockdown to cut the tree. Also she cut all of the Ivy that rotted and broke the fencing. I was surprised  finally xx
+110 votes
by (1.5k points)
Have you got a log burner? Hack away girl, always Gota think ahead.  
+61 votes
by (1.2k points)
Contact environmental health at your local council maybe? They might be able to point you in the right direction
+74 votes
by (1.9k points)
I would ask the local council
+84 votes
by (1.2k points)
You can cut any branches that are hanging over your side and put matting or about 2ins of barch down it will help with the weeds I would get in touch with the landlord xx
+107 votes
by (1.2k points)
@ancalin69743 craine
+106 votes
by (2.6k points)
Ask neigjbpur if she minds you getting it cut back?  
+102 votes
by (1.2k points)
My sister has the same problem, the leaves are blocking her guttering up to the point that it’s caused damage on the kitchen ceiling. They are currently using the legal services provided by their house insurance company to force them to get it under control. My sister has been at the house for 20 years and when she moved in there were no trees next door, now there are 3 massive ones!  
by (2.6k points)
@recognize I have same problem thy start of as twigs but soon grow into massive trees . This neighbour don’t look after garden either
+106 votes
by (1.2k points)
I’d just started hacking at the branches I think! If she’s not interested then take it out of her hands! Some people!  
+111 votes
by (1.6k points)
I think there is a bylaw called “right to light”. You would need to look it up to see where you stand. Good luck x
+99 votes
by (1.9k points)
Im sure can do a land registry search to find out who the owner is, think it costs about £3
+94 votes
by (2.1k points)
If the tree branches are hanging into ur garden u have the right to cut them without permission, i have the same with my neighbours about their garden and weeds  and I use a spray weed killer and spray through their side, i did speak to them about 3 years ago about it and it caused a huge argument and we haven't spoken since, but u can still contact ur local council, take pics explain u have spoken to them etc, good luck  xc
+80 votes
by (1.1k points)
If they don’t care ask if you can chop it for them. They might be grateful. If not then they’re just assholes x
+94 votes
by (1.2k points)
I'm in the same boat :(
+101 votes
by (1.2k points)
They sound like my neighbours! I’ve been asking them to cut their trees back for years, my boundary fence was pushed over in the end so I cut theirs right back from the back and put my fence back up in the end as they would never of done it.  
+106 votes
by (3k points)
I’d ask them if I could cut it. I know it’s not your responsibility but if they don’t care then at least you’d get some sun? I guess the landlord doesn’t care either if nothings maintained ‍♀️
+105 votes
by (1.2k points)
Cut it back and chuck back over the fence like I have, my neighbour has never done her garden since she moved in over 15 years and I’ve had enough of taking all the stuff that falls over the fence or under it to out local tip. And I was really brutal and have now got light back in my kitchen without having to turn it on  hubby seen neighbour outside and asked about her work, she said emergency call out only and he then mentioned we’ve been busy in the garden and she replied I see! So my advise go get it girl and do your thing  
by (1.2k points)
And she private we’re renting from local council.  
by (7.3k points)
@cyruscyst maybe ask the council as it may be damaging under the houses
+112 votes
by (1.6k points)
See if you can get it chopped down benefits both of you find out who the landlord is through land registry and go half’s if no luck environmental call out
+99 votes
by (1.2k points)
If she's renting it's not up to her anyway. Just cut it.  
+77 votes
by (2k points)
You can find owner through council
+113 votes
by (1.2k points)
Cut it then chuck it back over in the garden
by (960 points)
@hobby43044 that's exactly what i do every year
+83 votes
by (1.2k points)
Weed killer along the bottom of the fence, and a hedge trimmer shears for the bits blocking the sun :)
+98 votes
by (1.6k points)
Have you googled the address. You may get her landlord up
+111 votes
by (1.2k points)
As @valletta64965 has said you can go land registry, we did this when I had noisy (Playing loud music all night) neighbours, who was also wreaking the house, except the landlord owned lots if property and did not care less so did nothing, worth a try though , good luck
+108 votes
by (7.3k points)
Got the same problem with a fir now bigger that the house shades my garden not theirs. I could legally remove the branches overhanging my garden and chuck them over there side but it would be too costly for me. I have fir trees 3 Times older but have always kept the to 5/6 ft tall and cut to decorative shape
+101 votes
by (1.1k points)
If you can't get In touch with the landlord maybe reach out to your local council and they can let the landlord know, as it would fall into her responsibility not the tenant I believe. Good luck as I know these things are never easily sorted. Xx
+111 votes
by (1.2k points)
When renting you have to maintain the property and garden whilst your there. It’s contractual, for most people it’s just moral because they have principles
+84 votes
by (1.2k points)
I offered todo my neighbours and got rid of branches to get the sun and luckily they agreed
+107 votes
by (1.8k points)
I suppose it all depends on how well you get on with your neighbour. As u have mentioned you have already spoken to them and they are not interested then I would just cut it back (a long way) as for the weeds, get some weed killer or alternatively get some membrane and put it at the bottom of your fence to stop them coming through. Good luck xx
+113 votes
by (1.2k points)
You can cut back overhanging branches, likewise weedkiller will do the ground. If they are not interested in pruning the tree back, the only remedy is to contact the landlord, and if he isn't interested, to offer to pay for the job to be done professionally so that there is no comeback on you if the tree dies.  
+92 votes
by (1.2k points)
Contact your council, they'll be able to serve a form of notice or as a minimum contact the landlord for you. Anything you cut ensure you put it back over fence  Ps - If you've "seen" vermin in the vegetation growth the council might move quicker  
+101 votes
by (1.6k points)
If the tree is growing into your side, it’s an unwritten rule that you can cut it back and throw the cuttings back over the fence. If they’re not willing to look after their garden, you can at least look after it on your side. A load of hassle I know but if it means you have a tidier garden rather than stuff growing through the fence, 100% worth it
+75 votes
by (2.1k points)
I have the same problem, but mine own they’re house, and they really don’t care
+93 votes
by (1.2k points)
If anything is hanging over in your garden you have every right to cut ✂️ it back but you must put it back into their garden
by (2.8k points)
Yes you have but not to throw it back over to their side. You need to ask them whether they would like them back, if not it is up to you to dispose of them.  
by (1.2k points)
@christenson93 that's what I was told by my local council x
+95 votes
by (2.1k points)
I have the same problem, a silver birch tree thats totally overhanging my garden, it grows across my garden to reach light from the alley beside my house and its destroyed my garden, I'm now in pain from cleaning it up daily. Very genuinely looking into a tree surgeon to cut it right back. i know its gonna end in court because they don't give a toss, its not they're property being ruined. Also its becoming top heavy on my side and i give it two years before the whole side reaching for light comes down into my garden and its sods law one of my girls will be out there when it happens and I'm not chancing it. Don't understand why people plant things then let them get out of control.  
+108 votes
by (1.2k points)
I'm sure any tree branches or bushes that hang over your side of garden your allowed to cut as long as you offer the owners the cuttings bk x
+98 votes
by (1.2k points)
Stay safe in the sun  Skin cancer kills ☹️
+89 votes
by (1.9k points)
Inform them you're contacting solicitors for foundation damage and will be going through insurance. Ask for their insurance details and their landlords details. you'll soon get a response from the landlord
+107 votes
by (2.4k points)
I've had the same problem with my neighbour for the last 20yrs. They have 30ft conifers so getting sun in my garden is very limited. I have spoken to my neighbour and she has tried to cut them down. But she's on her own and doesn't get a lot of help. But I cut down what grows over. And just hope one day they'll be cut down
by (2.8k points)
See if you can share the cost of removal, like I did?  
+86 votes
by (1.9k points)
I think there is something such as if it hangs over your garden then you can chop it but be careful
+91 votes
by (2.8k points)
We had a problem with a neighbours massive fir tree a few years ago. We spoke to them and came to an agreement by sharing the cost of it's removal. It was worth the money to us from a mental health point of view. Remember you do not have the right to throw any branches you cut off from your side over to their side. Those branches are your responsibility. You should ask them whether they want them back or not first.  
+98 votes
by (1.2k points)
If you don’t get anywhere with the renters then if you get in touch with the council they might be able to get you the landlords address but you can trim any branches that come into your garden as long as you give all cuttings back that’s as far as I know but you could try googling your rights and find out that way
+95 votes
by (1.2k points)
If the tree is a certain height and would be a danger to your property if it fell then I was told your home insurance can get involved. I had the same problem with fir trees. They cut them their side but not mine so all the weight was over my garden. Asked them to cut it down and they only did the side over their garden. Takes a few months to go through insurance though and may not be able to do anything about them now if birds are nesting in the trees.  
+105 votes
by (1.4k points)
Complain to council and they will contact landlord
+93 votes
by (1.2k points)
I had large sycamores at the end of my garden and I really did not know how much they ruined my neighbours garden til they knocked on my door and told me ! They had no light, not even any grass at the far end of the garden. Got them cut back asap and now removed all but one x
by (970 points)
Same for us , our neighbour offered to pay to have it cut down, invited us in to see the effect it had on their garden etc. We had it cut down ourselves. So much nicer if you can reach an amicable end.  
+83 votes
by (1.8k points)
My neibors have a buddlia n its huge right near boundery fence n light or sunshine gets over n its also right near my extention so god help my foundations. lots of lilandi going right along too. they dont care cis sunny on their side x
+109 votes
by (1.2k points)
My neighbours tree, it is on the boundary between their garden and the neighbours on other side but it blocks the sun from most of my garden nearly all afternoon. The neighbours are renting with individual contracts for the 4 or 5 rooms and only in for a year; this years lot don’t even go in their garden. Had a few different landlords while we’ve been here and none cared to remove it. I definitely feel your pain in this regard  
+110 votes
by (1.2k points)
If it is over hanging in your garden you have the right to cut back to fence line. I just had same issue.  
+83 votes
by (1.1k points)
Ask them. If hey wpuld mind if you got somrone to trim it back for them i know this means u paying bit it bemifits you in the presant then try get hold of landlord and give him a rimg and tell him that u had to pay cause they wouldnt look after his property
+107 votes
by (2.3k points)
Go on internet to see what the law says regarding it write the no down if they have a problem with youe action just quote the no nothing they can do then
+93 votes
by (1.8k points)
Hanging over your side u can legally cut it off n spray he’ll outta weeds
+84 votes
by (1.2k points)
I’ve one like that I just cut back tree on my side. And spray weed killer thru fence
+83 votes
by (6k points)
I had that problem. I got my oh to help me and we lopped off huge branches. That did the trick. I only trim up to my boundary. My neighbour does the same. Yes brambles come through under the fence. I soon chop those down in the Spring. She has since got rid of the diseased cherry tree.  
+104 votes
by (2k points)
Every year without fail I get my step ladder out and Chop to my heart’s delight at my neighbours bushes that come over my 6ft fence along with the stinging nettles and every other thing that intrudes. Plus I do the right thing and CHUCK EM straight back.  Forgot to tell ya I’m 78 ‼️
+99 votes
by (1.2k points)
I don’t know if this helps but I tried to get my giant tree removed but the council blocked it from being removed may be a similar sotustion?  
+87 votes
by (1.2k points)
I have same issue I spend all of 2 days last week doing next door bushes and weeds as they had come over to my garden and makes it took so untidy and it’s not even my job . They she had cheese to chuck over wat fell in her garden. There are her bushes  
+94 votes
by (3.6k points)
I had a similar problem I do cut overhanging branches which I just put in my bin now I contacted housing before and they told them to clean the garden up as they had mice as well, they cleaned it up and cut a tree down last year but it’s all growing back some people have no respect.  
+81 votes
by (1.2k points)
I had same problem neighbour said if I had a problem with it to cut it myself so I did 6inches from bottom no problem after that
+84 votes
by (1.2k points)
Check the land registry it will tell you the owners details . you can do it online , there is a charge but at least you’ll be able to contact the owner regarding the tree . but gardens are a tenants responsibility it will be in your neighbours tenancy agreement
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