Hi
I just had a look on the internet as our council did have guidelines for how over hanging branches etc should be handled between neighbours. This has all been taken down off their website and all I could find was reference to the law of nusance. So essentially if they want to prune anything on their side they can and can claim the cost of that. However they have to discuss the cost of this with you first they cant just say...you owe me $$. Also anything pruned from their side of the property that comes from your trees belongs to you. They are supposed to neatly return the branches to you so you can do with them what you want. They are not supposed to just throw them in your side of the property. However saying that there is no legislation to protect you other than the law of nusance. And you have to go to a solicitor to take legal action which financially isnt worth it which really sucks big time.
I was interested in knowing about this thats why I looked it up because every 12 months to 2 years we have to prune back a tree on the fence line from one of our neighbours. It is a real pain. We dont speak to our neighbours and I dont want to start so we usually just pay for it all to be removed. I am however going to have a lattice high fence put in as part of our landscaping and I am intending to grow a nice vigorous climber up it....they can have the joy of cutting it back when it is established and I hope it works its way into the tree and creates a whole lot of work for them.... and I dont want them giving me the prunings back....so I guess it is tit for tat...
They cant make you remove any tree on your property.
Councils used to get a lot more involved in all these things and it seems they have washed their hands of it all....makes me wonder just what our rates pay for.
PLUS it means you really are on your own when it comes to this stuff and it isnt fair especially when it leaves you having to PAY solicitors big money to defend yourself about neighbours being unreasonable. Which means unless something gets completely out of control there isnt anything you can do about it.
I guess you coud write them a letter letting them know that you dont appreciate them throwing all the branches in your property and that if it happens aagain you will go legal or whatever....
The problem with poo in he letterbox is...well it would feel good to do it but if they are feral it might meak them do worse back and start a lovely tit for tat between you which you dont want especially if escalates.
Of course another approach is to become romantically involved with a solicitor.....now theres a plan....hi hunnie..I love you..by the way.......theres a small matter of my nighbours I need you to deal with lol
Oh the joy of neighbours......
Elizabeth
here is the link i got the info from
Chapter?14.?FENCES AND TREES