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InsightHorizon Digest

Can I make a Neighbour cut down a tree

Author

Andrew Mccoy

Updated on April 11, 2026

Yes. By law, you have the right to trim branches and limbs that extend past the property line. However, the law only allows tree trimming and tree cutting up to the property line. You may not go onto the neighbor’s property or destroy the tree.

Can a neighbor make you cut down a tree?

And while California’s code of civil procedure prohibits cutting down trees owned by your neighbor, you are allowed to cut tree limbs or roots that encroach on your property. Trees with trunks fully located on your neighbor’s property but that have roots or limbs spilling over onto your property can be nuisances.

What can I do if my neighbor's tree is too big?

If the branches of a neighbour’s tree start to grow over to your side, you can cut them back to the boundary point between you and your neighbour’s property, as long as the tree is not under a tree preservation order. If it is, you’ll need to seek further clarification.

How do you force a neighbor to cut down a tree?

Requesting them to cut it down on their own by pointing out the danger it poses. Reporting them to the HOA. Reporting them to the local authority in your area. Filing a case in court seeking compensation for the damage caused by the tree, to an extent where it becomes too costly to not remove the tree.

How do I complain about a Neighbours tree?

If you think your neighbour’s tree is dangerous, you can report it to the council – for example if you think it might fall over. They might ask the owner to make it safe or deal with it themselves. Search for ‘trees’ on your council’s website to find which department to contact.

What trees can be cut down without permission UK?

The only time tree work can proceed in a Conservation Area without council permission is when it involves cutting down, lopping, topping or uprooting a tree that has a diameter less than 75mm, or cutting down or uprooting a tree with a diameter less than 100mm so as to improve the growth of another tree.

Can you ask Neighbours to cut trees down?

The law states that any branches cut off belong to the person on whose land the tree originally grew, so you should ask your neighbour if they want them back, or if they are happy for you to dispose of them. Do not just throw trimmings back over the boundary – this could constitute ‘fly tipping’.

What trees can be cut down without permission?

  • Dead trees.
  • Dangerous trees.
  • Fallen trees.
  • Pest trees.
  • Non-significant local trees.

Can I make my Neighbours trim his tree UK?

You can trim branches or roots that cross into your property from a neighbour’s property or a public road. You can only trim up to the property boundary. If you do more than this, your neighbour could take you to court for damaging their property.

Can I cut my tree down in my garden?

You will need permission to fell or prune a tree in your garden or land if: It is covered by a tree preservation order – you will require permission from your local authority. It is within a designated conservation area – you are required to notify your local authority to get permission.

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Do I need permission to cut down a tree in my garden UK?

Without permission, it’s an offence to cut down, uproot or wilfully destroy any trees: subject to a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) in a Conservation Area. over 5 cubic metres in volume (whether an individual tree or several smaller trees).

What is the punishment for cutting trees?

The notices issued to violators range from fines for tree felling to non-payment of the amount for compensatory tree plantation. According to officials, the fine could range from Rs 34,000 to several lakhs.

Can I cut down conifers in my garden?

Conifers, including pine, spruce, fir and juniper, can be a lovely, colorful addition to a yard or garden, but conifer removal is sometimes necessary. The best way to kill coniferous trees is by cutting them down and killing and removing the stump to prevent them from regrowing.

Can anyone cut down a tree?

Before anyone can cut down trees, they may need to get a felling licence from the Forestry Commission. It is an offence to fell trees without a licence, where one would have been required. … As I mentioned before, there are some circumstances where a felling licence isn’t needed and therefore felling trees isn’t illegal.

Can we cut trees down on my property?

Tree felling in Karnataka is covered under the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act 1976. The act explicitly mentions that no person can fell any tree, or cause any tree to be felled in any land, whether in their ownership or occupancy or otherwise, except with the previous permission of the Tree Officer.

Is it illegal to cut down trees on your own property?

Yes, it is against the law to cut a tree, whether it is in your own backyard or on public property, without obtaining the approval from the BBMP.

Which trees Cannot be cut without the approval of the government?

  • The National Forest Policy was brought by the Government of India in 1988.
  • The aim of this new policy was to protect and conserve our forests.

When can trees be cut down?

If your tree has a less severe problem, one of the best times to remove trees is during the dormant season, between late winter and early spring. Here’s why. Dormant trees are leafless and lighter, so it’s much easier for a certified arborist to cut and handle the branches.

How do I get permission to cut a tree?

Procedure involved to get this service Online application duly filled to be submitted through Department’s Website to the Tree Officer with required documents. After due enquiry Deputy Conservator of Forests will take action to issue tree felling permission.

What is the law on the height of conifer trees?

There are no laws on how high the hedge can be grown but a council can take action if it is affecting someones reasonable enjoyment of their property, so maintaining your Leylandii hedge well from the start is recommended. … hedges of two or more evergreen or mostly evergreen trees, not to individual trees.

How do you secretly poison a tree?

To do this undetected you would need to hammer the nails into the roots, remove a piece of bark and hammer nails and glue the bark back to the tree or build a tree fort or attach a sign to the tree using copper nails instead of steel.

How do you reduce the height of a conifer tree?

At some time during the winter months, when the sap is no longer rising, choose a site on the trunk to lop off the top of the tree with a saw. Preferably the cut should be just above a branch or branches with some conifer foliage growing a moderate distance along the length of the branch(es).

When can trees be cut down UK?

The Law. The RSPB recommend not cutting hedges and trees between March and August as this is the main breeding season for nesting birds, although some birds may nest outside this period.

How much is it to cut a tree down UK?

Job DescriptionAvg. CostDurationSmall Trees (less than 25 ft)£150-£3503-4 hoursMedium-sized Trees (25 to 50 ft)£200-£7501 dayLarge Trees (50 to 75 ft)£650-£12001-2 daysExtra Large Trees (over 75 ft)£1000-£25002-5 days