We all love trees
Tree Preservation Orders are vigorously defended by local authorities and a pensioner was even brought before the County Court for threatening a group of Boy Scouts who were climbing one.
However, there are times when they are a nuisance – or even a danger – and need to be trimmed. The Citizens’ Advice Bureau has this to say on the matter: “If a neighbour’s tree hangs over an adjoining property, the tree owner should be asked to trim back the tree. If this is not done, the complainant has the right to trim the tree back to the boundary line, although any branches and/or fruit removed belong to the tree’s owner and should be offered back to the owner or disposed of with the owner’s consent.
“An overhanging tree may also be a danger. For example, most parts of a yew tree are poisonous. If any damage or injury is caused, the tree owner will be liable to pay compensation if a person affected brings a claim for damages.”
The advice warns against taking action where there is a Tree Preservation Order in force.