TRIMMING overhanging branches on your property is within your rights, but it's important to proceed carefully to avoid potential issues. Here’s a comprehensive guide on trimming trees and handling branches that extend beyond your property boundaries. No it is not illegal to trim overhanging branches.
In the UK, you have the right to trim overhanging branches back to the property boundary, but you must avoid causing damage to the tree. It's advisable to discuss your intentions with your neighbour beforehand to maintain good relations. And you should only cut them up to your property line.
However, you are not allowed to lean into your neighbour's garden when trimming a tree since that can be considered trespassing. A spokesperson for GardenBuildingDirect.com told Express : “Most of us want to be good, law-abiding neighbours, but that can be difficult if we don't actually know what the law is.
"There may be times when it would be within your legal rights to do something, but it could cause tensions with your neighbour. "We'd always advise trying to come to a neighbourly solution first, as this is always preferable to having to call in the lawyers. “If you brush up on the law as it stands, you may be able to avoid any sort of dispute altogether, which is always the ideal solution.
" You generally won't be fined for trimming overhanging branches as long as you do so responsibly and within your rights. It's important to avoid causing damage to the tree or trespassing onto you.
