Who is responsible for cutting overhanging tree branches?

Question

Our neighbour has a large tree and the branches are hanging right over our garden. We've mentioned it and they're not bothered. Is it our problem or theirs to sort?

Josh · Accepted Answer

In the UK, if a neighbour’s tree is overhanging your property, you have the legal right to cut back any branches that cross your boundary—but only up to the boundary line.

However, there are a few important points:
You must not go onto their land without permission to do the work

You must not cut beyond the boundary line

You should offer the cuttings back to the tree owner (they technically still own them)
If the tree is protected (Tree Preservation Order or in a Conservation Area), permission may be required before any work is carried out

The tree owner is not legally required to cut it back unless it’s causing damage or poses a clear risk (e.g. structural damage, dangerous condition).

Clyde · Answer

It’s their responsibility, but you are allowed to cut any overhanging branches at hanging over your side to the boundary line

Ryan · Answer

The neighbour doesn’t have any legal or lawful obligations to cut the tree back, you on the other hand csn cut them back and offer the off cuts back to the neighbour, if they Decline then you have to depose Of them yourself. I understand this is a nuisance

Luke · Answer

You are responsible for branches that hang over your boundary

Harrison · Answer

In the UK, if a neighbour’s tree branches hang over your boundary, you generally have the legal right to cut them back to the boundary line — even if the tree belongs to them. However, there are a few important points:

* You can only trim the parts that cross into your property.
* You should offer the cuttings back to the tree owner, as legally they still belong to them.
* You must not damage or destabilise the tree.
* If the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is in a conservation area, permission from the local council may be needed before any work is done.

Responsibility-wise:

* The neighbour owns the tree.
* But if you want the overhanging branches removed from your side, it’s usually your responsibility to arrange and pay for trimming unless the neighbour agrees otherwise.

If the branches are dangerous, causing damage, or interfering with utilities, that can become a different matter and the owner may have more responsibility.

Since you’ve already spoken to them and they’re not interested, the simplest route is often:

1. Check for any TPO/conservation restrictions with the council.
2. Arrange trimming only up to your boundary.
3. Keep communication polite and documented if possible.

As someone with tree work experience, this is actually a useful type of private job to start picking up locally—many people don’t realise small boundary reductions are fairly common and straightforward when done properly.

Steven · Answer

"In the UK, if a neighbour’s tree is overhanging your property, you have the legal right to cut back any branches that cross your boundary—but only up to the boundary line.

However, there are a few important points:
You must not go onto their land without permission to do the work

You must not cut beyond the boundary line

You should offer the cuttings back to the tree owner (they technically still own them)
If the tree is protected (Tree Preservation Order or in a Conservation Area), permission may be required before any work is carried out

Patrick · Answer

If the branches are on your side of the boundary you can legally cut them but I would ask you neighbour to cut them first

But they are not responsible to cut them on your side

Josh · Answer

Overhang onto your property can be cut back to the boundary line as heigh as the tree by law

With situations like this it tends to be a mutual agreement if you both want the work done if the neighbours arnt concerned about the limbs

It tends to fall onto the person who wants the branches reduced

All in all trees should be maintained regular pending on the specimen and location

Jack · Answer

You are allowed to cut any overhang from any neibouring property as long as its cut back to boundarie line

Who is responsible for cutting overhanging tree branches?

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