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View the Introductory Guide to Young Tree Establishment Sieries

Branches or roots from my neighbour’s tree are growing over my boundary. What can I do?

 24/11/2015    Last Modified: 06/11/2023

Under ‘common law’, you may be able to prune branches and roots which grow over your boundary. However, you also have a legal duty to take ‘reasonable care’ whilst undertaking any works and you may be liable if you damage the tree or cause it to become unstable. It is therefore unwise to undertake works without first consulting a qualified arboriculturist (tree expert), ideally approved by the Arboricultural Association. You should also check with the Council prior to undertaking any works to make sure that the trees are not protected.

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Topics:
boundary, branches, common law, reasonable care, roots, tree roots