Can I trim my neighbour’s roots if they’re growing over my fence? Your legal rights explained

TREES have a mind of their own and their branches – and roots – can easily make their way into your property. But if your neighbour’s pesky plants do cross boundaries, do you have a legal right to trim them? Are your neighbour’s plants invading your garden? Credit: Getty According to government guidelines, it is perfectly legal to trim branches or roots that cross into your property. This includes plants that may come from either a neighbour’s home or a public road. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! However, you need to be careful about how much you trim. If you take it too far – and cut roots beyond your property‘s boundary – your neighbour could take you to court for damaging their property. You may even be caught in a civil matter regarding trespassing, especially if you needed to access their property, or back garden, in order to cut those roots. The rules also differ depending whether you live in a conservation area, or if the roots you intend to trim are protected by a ‘tree preservation order’. In this case, you may need to seek permission from your local council, before you begin any garden work. This can be done either by contacting you council directly, or making a ‘works to trees’ application online, which can be accessed through the government website. Most read in The Sun So although you should be within the limits of the law in most cases; It is always important to double-check the rules, and remember to put down the garden shears if you’re trimming a little too enthusiastically. Comment now