Overgrown Trees & Neighbour Disputes: What Are Your Rights in the UK?

In the UK, sunlight can sometimes feel like a luxury – so it’s understandably frustrating when your neighbour’s overgrown trees or hedges are casting shade over your garden, blocking natural light, or even creeping over the boundary.

From overhanging branches to encroaching bushes, these situations can quickly become a source of tension between neighbours. But what are your rights, and how should you go about addressing the issue?

First Steps: Open Communication is Key

Before turning to your local authority, it’s always best to try resolving the matter informally. A calm and friendly conversation with your neighbour can often go a long way toward finding a workable solution – and may help to avoid unnecessary conflict down the line.

When approaching your neighbour, be clear and reasonable. Outline:

• The problem you’ve observed (e.g., blocked sunlight, overhanging branches, invasive roots)

• The impact it’s having on your garden or property

• A suggested solution – for example, a professional prune or reduction

It can help to obtain a quote from a professional tree surgeon beforehand. This gives you a better understanding of what’s involved and may allow you to offer to share the cost, encouraging cooperation.

What If They Refuse to Act?

Unfortunately, if your neighbour is unwilling to engage or compromise, your options become more limited – especially if your only grievance is a lack of sunlight.

By law, you cannot force a neighbour to reduce the height of a healthy tree simply because it blocks light into your garden, as long as the tree poses no danger and causes no direct damage.

Attempting to cut down or alter a tree on someone else’s land without permission is considered trespass, and could leave you liable for damages or legal action.

What You Can Do Legally

Under UK property law, you are permitted to cut back any branches or roots that cross over onto your property, but only up to the boundary line. It’s essential that you do not cross this line or access their land without consent.

You're also legally obliged to offer any cut branches or trimmings back to your neighbour – as they remain their property.

When the Council Can Step In: High Hedge Complaints

If the issue involves two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs forming a hedge over 2 metres in height, and it's having a significant impact on the enjoyment of your home or garden, you may be able to apply for a High Hedge Notice through your local council.

Before doing so, you must:

• Demonstrate that you’ve made every reasonable attempt to resolve the matter amicably

• Provide evidence of correspondence or failed negotiations

• Prove that the hedge is negatively affecting your property

If your application is successful, the council may issue an order requiring the hedge to be reduced to a more reasonable height within a set timeframe.

Expert Advice You Can Trust

At The Original Tree Surgeons (OTS), we understand how delicate issues around boundary trees and neighbour disputes can be. With decades of experience, we’re here to offer honest, professional guidance on the best approach for your situation.

We provide:

• Free, no-obligation consultations

• Expert advice you can present to neighbours or councils

• Clear, fair quotes for any work required

• Skilled and certified tree surgeons ready to help

Need Help Navigating Tree Disputes?

Whether it’s a blocked view, overgrown hedge, or an awkward tree causing tension, we’re here to help.

Call us today on 020 8088 5202 to speak with our friendly team and get the expert support you need.

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