A neutral expert view
Neighbour trees & boundary disputes.
An overhanging branch, a hedge blocking the light, a root lifting a wall — few things sour a good relationship faster. A calm, qualified arborist is usually worth more than a solicitor's letter.
Your rights, in plain terms
In England, you're generally entitled to cut back branches — and roots — that cross your boundary, back as far as the boundary line, without your neighbour's permission. But there are important limits: you can't enter their land to do it, you can't cut beyond the boundary, and the cuttings technically remain your neighbour's property (you should offer them back rather than lob them over the fence). Cut carelessly and you could even be liable if you damage or kill the tree.
Where it gets complicated
- Protected trees. If the tree has a TPO or is in a conservation area, even cutting your own overhanging branches may need council consent first.
- High hedges. Persistent, light-blocking evergreen hedges over two metres fall under specific “high hedges” rules councils can enforce.
- Roots & subsidence. Root damage claims are technical and best assessed properly before anyone starts cutting or digging.
- Tree health. Over-aggressive cutting to a boundary can destabilise or kill a tree — which helps no one and can land you with liability.
How we help
As a qualified arborist with no stake in the argument, Nnadi can give both sides a straight technical read: what the tree actually needs, what the rules allow, and the sensible cut that keeps the tree healthy and the peace intact. Often a short, expert conversation — and a tidy, correct piece of work — defuses the whole thing. Where a written assessment is useful, we can provide one.
This page is general guidance, not legal advice — but it's a good place to start before things escalate.
Got a boundary tree on your mind?
Send a photo and a quick description. We'll tell you honestly whether it's a simple cut-back, a job that needs consent, or a conversation worth having with your neighbour first.