What is the law about growing trees in your back garden?

How high trees are allowed to grow in the back gardens in the UK. My neighbour asked me to cut my trees short. I planted these trees 6 years ago and I was waiting for the moment they grow high enough to give me some privacy when I sit in my garden. I'm not the type who have garden parties unlike most of my neighbours. The neighbour asked to cut the trees as they block the light into his garden, which is not completely true. Does anyone know anything about the law in the UK regarding that? Thanks!

What is the law about growing trees in your back garden?
If additional light is desired, cutting the top off the tree will not help. Selective removal of branches within the crown of the tree can provide additional light penetration, but the best thing to do is simply to raise some of the lower branches.



For additional information, contact a Certified Arborist. Go to www.isa-arbor.com, enter the site, and click on "find a certified arborist". There are many certified arborists listed in the UK.
Reply:In the UK the right to light is not a legal obligation. In other words if you block somebodies light it's tough on them, they have no legal redress. Just make sure it doesn't encroach on their land and if they trim branches on their side they have to return them to you as they are your property.
Reply:how will they know if u dont tell them
Reply:I suggest you access, online, Arboricultural Associations website - www.trees.org.uk



These pages are a valuable source of information for responsible memebers of the Arboricultural industry, ie; tree consultants - tree surgeons and the like.



This site should answer your questions.



However, if you continue to have problems relating to your trees, I suggest you contact the Tree Officer who is employed by your Local Authority for just that purpose.



New laws were introduced quite recently by John Prescott's office in regards
Reply:What kind of Trees are you talking about? Legal or Illegal?



Just playin' haha
Reply:Trees now can be used in nusense neighbour court cases. I'd ask the council to come and have a look, they would be the enforcing body so if they tell you its ok you can speak to your neighbour with confidence ( and a sumwhat inner smugness )



Don't tell your neighbour you are askign the council around, just incase they say something you don't want to hear !



Generally though, trees have to be pretty massive for the council to do anything about it. I can't imagine anything getting that bad in 6 years so ask them to check, if they agree there is no issue, then it is the end of the problem and your neighbours have to live with it.
Reply:As you said you grew the trees for privacy I am thinking they might be a hedge between you and your neighbour. In Selly Oak, Birmingham a couple of years ago a high hedge was the subject of litigation and it cost them BOTH about ￡30,00 each they were so stubborn. The judgement was that the hedge owner had to keep it down to 9 feet or thereabouts. I would find out if local bye laws cover hedges and trees. I suspect they may vary.
Reply:I would imagine healthy trees should be welcome, but keep in mind that the roots can cause damage to a neighbors home. I hope they're far enough from the house to not cause property damage. Your neighbor is worried about light while you want shade, and everyone benefits from the oxygen a tree produces. I believe here in Toronto,Canada we're not allowed to cut a tree down even if it's on our own property without permission from the city.
Reply:There is no specific law as such, there is a right to light and health and safety legislation.

ljuliano11s