Understanding Your Responsibilities
Trees add so much to an outdoor space, but they can unfortunately be the cause of disputes between neighbours. Whether it’s overhanging branches, blocked light, or another issue, every property owner needs to understand their legal responsibilities when it comes to trees on their property. Just as important is ensuring that any tree work is carried out by a provider of tree services Essex homeowners trust. Here is everything you need to know.
Know Your Responsibilities
First of all, let’s look at what you need to be aware of. To put it simply: as a homeowner, you’re legally responsible for trees growing within the boundary of your property. So, you will need to make sure that:
- All trees are structurally sound and don’t pose a risk to people or property.
- Branches or roots do not encroach onto neighbouring land.
- All Tree Preservation Orders or conservation area restrictions are complied with.
- There is always a reasonable attempt to prevent damage caused by your trees.
If your tree causes harm or becomes a nuisance to others and you have been found to have not done the above, you could be setting yourself up for some costly and time-consuming legal issues!
The Most Common Tree Disputes
Every property and the people that live in them are different, but there are some tree-related disputes that are more common than others. These include:
- Overhanging branches
- Falling leaves and debris
- Blocked light or views
- Tree damage
Not all of these are grounds for any kind of legal challenge, but if your tree poses a risk to or causes damage to a neighbour’s property then they are entitled to escalate the case.
What to Do if Your Neighbour Complains
If you find yourself in a dispute over a tree, it’s important to try and stay calm. First of all, try to resolve it informally with your neighbour. Open communication can prevent misunderstandings and avoid the need for any kind of formal intervention, saving you both time and money – plus your relationship.
Then, it’s time to get all the information you need on what to do next. You should get in touch with your local council to see if the tree is covered by a TPO or any other legislation, and then get the opinion of a professional tree surgeon. This is particularly important if a dispute does go further and mediation or legal advice is needed.
How a Trusted Tree Surgeon Helps
The rules surrounding tree laws and what to do if you have a dispute with your neighbour are complex and easily misinterpreted. That’s why it is vital to work with a qualified, trusted tree surgeon. They will be able to inspect trees on your property and identify issues that may not be obvious to the untrained eye, so you can nip any disputes in the bud before they escalate.
Attempting to handle tree issues yourself can put you at risk, and you could be held liable for any damage. A trusted tree surgeon will be fully covered by insurance, giving you peace of mind.
What Next?
As you can see, knowing your stuff and calling in a trusted local tree surgeon can make so much difference. So, if you need some advice, get in touch with a professional today.
