My neighbour's trees encroach over my boundary, what can I do?

Your common law rights allow you to remove any of your neighbours' branches that cross your boundary without the need to seek your neighbours' permission, although you may wish to notify your neighbour of your intentions. You should not cross the boundary or dispose of the branches or other material from the tree into your neighbours' property, but first ask if they wish to have the material returned to them. If they do not want it, it will be your responsibility to arrange disposal.

If the tree is protected by a tree preservation order or is located within a conservation area you will need to seek permission before undertaking work.

What is a Conservation Area?

A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

Trees within conservation areas are given special protection because of the contribution they make to an area and unauthorised felling or lopping of trees carries the same penalties as trees protected by a tree preservation order. You will need to apply for consent to carry out works to a tree located in a conservation area.

What is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?

A tree preservation order protects trees that make an impact on their local surroundings. This is important when trees are in immediate danger. A tree preservation order is made by the local planning authority which makes it an offence to cut down, reduce, crown thin, uproot, wilfully damage or wilfully destroy a tree without permission from the planning authority. Tree preservation orders are used to protect trees that contribute to the appearance (amenity value) of an area. They are made if a tree is under threat of being cut down or damaged.

How Do I Know If I’m In A Conservation Area Or My Tree Has A TPO?

Most local councils now have online mapping facilities showing the locations. If you are unsure please contact us and we will be more than happy to look on your behalf.

What Insurance Do You Have?

We have insurance covering all aspects of our arboriculture work, this includes £5million public liability insurance as well as £10million employers liability insurance. We have no claims against us.

How Do We Pay?

We accept cash, cheque or Bacs (bank transfer) as payment once we have completed the work and you have received our invoice you will have 7 working days to pay.

Can I Keep The Logs?

You can keep as much or as little as you would like, if you would like the wood cut in specific sizes please ask when Luke quotes the work as there might be a saving or extra charge depending on the specifics of the job.

How Much Noise Will You make?

Tree surgery is an inherently noisy trade, with chainsaws and wood-chippers operating in normally quiet residential areas. There will be some disruption but we will try to keep it to a minimum and for the shortest time possible.

Will You Make The Work Site Safe?

Yes we will endeavour to keep the safety of the site our priority, if needs be we will tape off areas of the site and signs will be erected telling the public of the dangers. We can arrange for prior warning to be given to relevant parties, neighbours etc.

How will you leave my garden?

We will leave your garden as tidy as possible with little evidence of us being there. We will take the entire tree away and tidy by up by hand also remove most of the leaves by means of a blower. The lawn may have some brushed areas where we have drag large branches. Obviously, if the garden is very wet there may be areas of mud. We are registered Environment Agency waste carriers.