Many issues involving privately owned trees are civil matters between neighbours and are not something the council can become involved in. This includes:
- overhanging branches from a neighbour’s property
- requests to increase light or improve views
- issues with birds, insects, falling leaves, fruit, or pollen
- concerns that a tree is too large or too tall
- interference with TV reception, phone signals, satellite dishes, or solar panels
- general neighbour disputes over trees
If you believe a neighbour's tree may be causing damage to your property, you should contact your home insurer for advice in the first instance.
If your concern relates to a council-managed tree, see how to report issues with public trees.
Pruning private trees and vegetation
In many cases, you're entitled to cut back branches or vegetation that overhang your property, but only up to your boundary. If access to neighbouring land is required you must obtain the owner's permission before entering their property.
Where trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or are located within a Conservation Area, consent may be required before work is carried out. See further information on tree preservation orders and tree conservation areas.
If a private tree poses a significant safety risk or is obstructing a road or footpath, you can report problems with roads and pavements online.
If a private tree is obstructing or touching a streetlight, you can report issues with street lighting online.
Any branches, timber, or fruit removed from a neighbour's tree remain the property of the tree owner and should be offered back to them. If they do not wish to keep them, you will be responsible for disposing of them appropriately. Please do not throw cut material back onto neighbouring land without permission.