problem with a tree in my garden

I'd love some advice on how to respond to this message from the neighbour at one of my ips. The message was sent to me via the agent.

Dear agent,
Thank you for meeting with me today about a large tree on the .above property.
Confirming the points discussed.
1. The tree is very tall and broad, situated close to the boundary, timber fence and the corner of the said property.
2. Our property experiences extensive shading from the tree as well as continually falling leaves.
3. One option for us is cut back all the branches overhanging our property for the full height of the tree. However such action would not only result in a very ugly looking tree, but would in my opinion
increase the risk of wind damage and the trees stability.
4. The purpose of my meeting with you today and the points outlined in this email is to begin some dialogue with the property owner and hopefully some resolution satisfactory to both parties.

I trust the attached photo gives you some idea of the trees size and location, and now look forward to hearing from you when you have outlined the matter with the property owner.
Kind Regards,

I've owned the house for a year and have never seen it. The tree is massive. I'm guessing it needs chopping down, hoping the neighbour would share costs but this is my first tree event so would be grateful for any thoughts.

 

Similar scenario

Get quotes to remove tree and negotiate 50% cost each one option

Get quotes for pruning tree branches shared 50%

Work out which will be most cost effective over xx years

 

Your tree. Your cost. Neighbours could cut overhanging branches on their side at their cost but are legally entitled to dump cuttings onto your property for you to dispose of.

 

Great thanks. The message looked formal. Could be my paranoia but was phrased like the neighbour was going off to the council or something.

 

Really? The tree isn't bothering me though. I'm happy to leave it.

 

Sounds fair.

 

We hard Norfolk pines and good neighbours always want to keep good relations

 

You can keep your tree. You don't have to do anything. As the neighbors point out, they can trim the overhanging branches which in their opinion would make it ugly and possibly unstable. But they can't make you remove it. They know this.

What you do from here is up to you and how much value you put on good neighbor relationships.

 

Whatever you decide, keep in mind with the tree being so close to the house it's roots may cause significant damage to your plumbing or foundations at some point.

 

@ellejay - we have a little oak tree in our yard which stretches over the boundary frences both sides and towers above the house.

Neighbours paid to trim the bits over their side of the fence though the arborist needed access to our side to cut branches back to a fork. They even paid for removal & chipping.

 

Is the tree to the north of their living room windows? If so, it will provide much needed shade in summer without the use of air conditioning.

Is it evergreen or deciduous? If deciduous, then will allow sun through in winter when it is needed.

I would not even consider having the tree cut down in the situation as described. Trees are a valuable asset especially in an era of rising temperatures.

Maybe thin it out and prune it back a bit with the cost shared.

I did this with a huge tree on my property and it made a huge difference.

Councils have rules about how much trees can be pruned and it is very likely that the neighbours would not be allowed to cut off as much as they are threatening.

 

Well, that's a nice polite 'tree dispute' letter. Good on them.
You have not seen the property, let alone the tree, so you are not attached to it.
Will the removal of the tree have an impact on the amenity of your property? Be guided by the agent.
If removing the tree will have no impact on your property, let it go - at their 100% cost, of course.
I'm thinking this is in a rural area? In an urban area the council will likely not allow the removal anyway unless it's damaging a building.

 

As property owner its all your cost and at present the poor tree doesnt seem to be harming a thing.

At best it could be $1K + for it to be cut down. Stump grinder and cart away extra. And it does not look like a widowmaker so why do it ? Cause they think its ugly ? What next - we dont like the bricks ?

My guess is council wont permit it cut down OR extensively pruned.

 

Is it overhanging your house?

It's good to keep trees if they are nice ones. So heavily prune would be a good outcome.... at their cost even better

What type of tree is it? This and council will have the main say

 

I'd keep the tree - we don't have enough trees and if it's only dropping leaves then I'd tell them to bugger off. I'm sounding like a greeny but honestly all trees drop leaves.

I would only consider getting rid of the tree IF:
- the tree is in a totally stupid spot and it's going to damage the fence the way it's growing
- the tree is sick and dangerous
- the tree is a type of tree that will invade plumbing
- the tree is also causing issues on your side
- the tree roots are moving walls, paving, fencing, retaining etc

@bob shovel raises a very good point that you aren't allowed to willy nilly get rid of trees in many Council areas.

 

Given most councils have a policy on what you can and cannot do to trees you really need an inspector to let you know what your options are before any solutions can be thought of.

 

I haven't got a clue. I've never seen the house or the tree. I've got some research to do before I go back to the neighbour. My main issue has been our PM and I don't really have faith in him. He's strangely pro tenant and I wouldn't put it past him to be suggesting to the neighbour that I'll pay to cut down the tree.

I've given the agent notice today and moving to a different agent in town who I've developed more trust in.

 

Thanks Paul. I'll be looking for a compromise and trying to keep me, the council, the neighbour and the tree happy as far as possible.

 

After coming to an agreement, I think you need to sign a treety

( confession - I've used this pun before )