Home › Guides › Neighbour's tree overhanging your garden

Neighbour's tree overhanging your garden

Trees and neighbours cause a lot of disputes. A calm conversation and a little knowledge usually solve it.

Overhanging branches

• You can generally cut branches back to your boundary, but not beyond it.
• The branches still belong to the tree's owner, so offer them back, or ask what they would like done.
• You must not damage the tree, or cut it so heavily that it could die or become unstable.
• If the tree has a Tree Preservation Order or is in a conservation area, you need consent or notice first. See permission to cut down a tree.

Roots

Roots can affect drains, paving and, in some soils, foundations. Do not cut the roots of a protected tree without consent. If you think roots are damaging your home, take advice from a surveyor or arboriculturist and speak to your insurer.

Leaves and fruit

Falling leaves and fruit are usually considered a normal part of owning a garden next to trees.

What to do

1. Talk to your neighbour and agree who does what and who pays.
2. Check for protection.
3. Get a qualified tree surgeon to do the work, as it is safer and avoids damage.
4. If it cannot be resolved, mediation can help, and legal advice may be needed in serious cases.

Frequently asked questions

Need help?

Use the form to send a free enquiry. We'll pass it to an independent local tree surgeon provider.

More guides

• Do I need permission to cut down a tree?
• How to choose a tree surgeon
• Tree work and nesting birds
• How much does a tree surgeon cost?
• Tree pruning explained
• Stump grinding vs stump removal
• Dangerous or storm-damaged tree