I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging my
side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be gardening
types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the law to pass
the cuttings back onto their land?

4square wrote:
I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging my
side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be gardening
types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the law to pass
the cuttings back onto their land?
When you cut conifers they do not regrow, so you will be left with a
brown and ugly mess.

"Broadback" wrote in message
...
4square wrote:
I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging my
side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be gardening
types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the law to pass
the cuttings back onto their land?
When you cut conifers they do not regrow, so you will be left with a brown
and ugly mess.

The law is pretty clear ... you are allowed to trim any tress that overhang
your property, as long as they do not have a preservation order on them.
You must offer the cuttings back to the owner, as they are not your
property.

Can't see many wanting them, but that is the law.

"Broadback" wrote in message
...
4square wrote:
I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging my
side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be gardening
types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the law to pass
the cuttings back onto their land?
When you cut conifers they do not regrow, so you will be left with a brown
and ugly mess.

It depends how you do it.

Each year, for a Christmas tree, we cut off the leader from our c.leylandi
and other branches grew to take its place. We don't do it any longer for
logistical reasons but we intend taking down a large limb this year after
the birds have finished rearing young. We're confident that he rest of the
tree will be fine.

Mary

In message , Broadback
writes
4square wrote:
I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging my
side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be gardening
types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the law to pass
the cuttings back onto their land?
When you cut conifers they do not regrow, so you will be left with a
brown and ugly mess.

I believe Leylandi are an exception to this rule. I have topped several
isolated trees here when they were threatening the gutters and found
that the remaining top branches turned upwards and became new leaders.

regards

--
Tim Lamb

4square wrote:

I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging my
side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be gardening
types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the law to pass
the cuttings back onto their land?


If you really want to stir up trouble, that's certainly a good way of
doing it, whether it is legal or not. It's no wonder that disputes
between neighbours are such a big problem in Britain.

If you were joking, I apologise.

"Bruce" wrote in message
...
4square wrote:

I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging my
side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be gardening
types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the law to pass
the cuttings back onto their land?


If you really want to stir up trouble, that's certainly a good way of
doing it, whether it is legal or not. It's no wonder that disputes
between neighbours are such a big problem in Britain.

If you were joking, I apologise.


Sure, there are better ways to start but the poster would be within his
rights to trim to the boundary, and *must* pass the cuttings back (otherwise
it could be construed as theft).

"newshound" wrote:


"Bruce" wrote in message
.. .
4square wrote:

I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging my
side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be gardening
types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the law to pass
the cuttings back onto their land?


If you really want to stir up trouble, that's certainly a good way of
doing it, whether it is legal or not. It's no wonder that disputes
between neighbours are such a big problem in Britain.

If you were joking, I apologise.


Sure, there are better ways to start but the poster would be within his
rights to trim to the boundary, and *must* pass the cuttings back (otherwise
it could be construed as theft).


Wars start because people are prepared to ignore all logic in pursuit
of what they believe to be their "rights".

That applies to whole countries, groups of people (large and small)
and individuals. And especially to neighbours.

Assert your "rights" and you make enemies. In the end, everyone loses.

On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 15:38:13 +0100, Bruce wrote:

Wars start because people are prepared to ignore all logic in pursuit
of what they believe to be their "rights".

That applies to whole countries, groups of people (large and small)
and individuals. And especially to neighbours.

Assert your "rights" and you make enemies. In the end, everyone loses.

Whilst I agree that neighbours should always try and compromise - and lobbing
cutting over a fence is not a good start - there are times when you have to
fight to preserve your rights.

Like being able to express a view in a newsgroup like this one. Only pacifists,
who wouldn't exist if others weren't prepared to fight on their behalf, are
stupid enough not to understand that.

Andy

Andy Cap wrote:

Whilst I agree that neighbours should always try and compromise - and lobbing
cutting over a fence is not a good start - there are times when you have to
fight to preserve your rights.


Your language displays hostility, which is not a good place to start
from. The use of the word "compromise" means you are automatically
assuming that the neighbours have opposing objectives, and that each
must give up some of those objectives in order to avoid conflict with
the other.

In fact it would be better to try to find common ground based on
shared objectives, by communicating with them.

For example, just because the neighbour hasn't cut the conifers
doesn't mean that they will stoutly defend their "right" not to. It
may well be that they would be quite happy to cut them, or even
actively want them to be lower, but the hedge has grown beyond the
point where it is simple and inexpensive to do it themselves. Or
perhaps it hasn't occurred to them that their tall hedge is not liked
by the neighbours, because they are not keen gardeners.

Instead of starting a conflict without even speaking to the
neighbours, why not try to understand them and even get to know them?
Treating people with suspicion and avoiding contact with them is a
guaranteed was to ensure that unnecessary problems will occur.

If the first real conversation you have with your neighbours is about
something they do that upsets you, then stand by for fireworks. I
repeat, with emphasis:

"Assert your "rights" and you make enemies.

In the end, everyone loses."

"Andy Cap" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 20 Apr 2008 15:38:13 +0100, Bruce wrote:

Wars start because people are prepared to ignore all logic in pursuit
of what they believe to be their "rights".

That applies to whole countries, groups of people (large and small)
and individuals. And especially to neighbours.

Assert your "rights" and you make enemies. In the end, everyone loses.

Whilst I agree that neighbours should always try and compromise - and
lobbing
cutting over a fence is not a good start - there are times when you have
to
fight to preserve your rights.

Martin Luther King didn't 'fight'
Gandhi didn't 'fight'
The Dalai Lama isn't 'fighting'

The IRA 'fought'
The Tamil Tigers and ETA are 'fighting'

newshound wrote:

Sure, there are better ways to start but the poster would be within his
rights to trim to the boundary, and *must* pass the cuttings back (otherwise
it could be construed as theft).

Nearly right. You must offer to give back the cuttings. If the neighbour
doesnt want them, then it is up to you to get rid of them, you cannot
chuck them over the fence/boundary.
Alan.
--
To reply by e-mail, change the ' + ' to 'plus'.

"A.Lee" wrote in message
...
newshound wrote:

Sure, there are better ways to start but the poster would be within his
rights to trim to the boundary, and *must* pass the cuttings back
(otherwise
it could be construed as theft).

Nearly right. You must offer to give back the cuttings. If the neighbour
doesnt want them, then it is up to you to get rid of them, you cannot
chuck them over the fence/boundary.
Alan.

What does the law say about chucking your next door neighbour over the
boundary when they object about the pruning and try to stop you pruning?

Adam

A.Lee wrote:
newshound wrote:

Sure, there are better ways to start but the poster would be within his
rights to trim to the boundary, and *must* pass the cuttings back (otherwise
it could be construed as theft).

Nearly right. You must offer to give back the cuttings. If the neighbour
doesnt want them, then it is up to you to get rid of them, you cannot
chuck them over the fence/boundary.
Alan.

I few times I've been approached about trees on my land. so far I have
agreed to them carrying out the work and said "please dispose of the
trimmings". They have always been put back onto on my land.

Contrawise, when working on other peoples plants overhanging my land, I
ask whether they want them back or if I should dispose of them and
always get told to get rid of them.

According to the hedging laws they are (and remain) the property of the
landowner.

http://handbooks.btcv.org.uk/handboo...nt/section/262

Yes, his plants are overhanging your land, and you are within your
rights to trim back to the boundary, and you must return his wood to him
if there is no other arrangement.

I think the best thing to do is to talk to your neighbour. He may be
quite happy for you to proceed; he may even be willing to share the
cost, but he doesn't have to. If you don't even talk to him you are
bound to cause resentment and conflict.

Consider how you would feel if the situation was reversed and you found
that a neighbour had pruned overhanging trees and then left the prunings
on your drive.

As Churchill said, "Jaw-jaw is better than war-war". I don't think he
avoided confrontation if it was necessary. This one just doesn't sound
necessary yet.

The problem with most conifers is that if you trim them back on one
side, they take a very long time (if at all) to grow back, so you will
probably be better off trimming them back progressively over a few years.

4square wrote:
I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging my
side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be gardening
types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the law to pass
the cuttings back onto their land?

Take a look here. You should be able to get the them taken down at the
expense of the owner. Note that you have to try and get them to do it
voluntarily first.

http://freespace.virgin.net/clare.h/hdg1Curr.htm

http://www.communities.gov.uk/planni...es/highhedges/

Peter Crosland

"4square" wrote in message
...
I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging my
side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be gardening
types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the law to pass
the cuttings back onto their land?

What is the problem?
Who has the problem?
Is it possible that other people share the problem?

What possible solutions exist to the problem?
Are you making some assumptions about the problem that are restricting the
range of solutions available?
What other solutions might be available if you discard some of the
assumptions?

OG wrote:
"4square" wrote in message
...
I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging
my side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be
gardening types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the
law to pass the cuttings back onto their land?

What is the problem?
Who has the problem?
Is it possible that other people share the problem?

What possible solutions exist to the problem?
Are you making some assumptions about the problem that are
restricting the range of solutions available?
What other solutions might be available if you discard some of the
assumptions?

Have you been reading those self help books?


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

"The Medway Handyman" wrote in message
m...


OG wrote:
"4square" wrote in message
...
I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging
my side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be
gardening types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the
law to pass the cuttings back onto their land?

What is the problem?
Who has the problem?
Is it possible that other people share the problem?

What possible solutions exist to the problem?
Are you making some assumptions about the problem that are
restricting the range of solutions available?
What other solutions might be available if you discard some of the
assumptions?

Have you been reading those self help books?

No but the approach is rational.

Do you honestly think that "I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them" is the best basis for getting all
aeriated and legalistic is the best approach?

Since the OP hasn't even talked to them, why not go around to say,
"Hi, I'm your neighbour - can we talk about the trees, because they are a
bit too tall for the situation and I'd be happier if we took them down about
15 ft, is that a problem?
I'll be happy to halve the cost since i'll be benefitting as much as you
would. Otherwise I don't mind doing it myself if you're OK with me coming in
your garden one weekend"

"OG" wrote:

No but the approach is rational.


Well said, OG.


Do you honestly think that "I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them" is the best basis for getting all
aeriated and legalistic is the best approach?


It is slightly better than calling in the Army, I think. Using NATO
forces to overthrow the dictator with the conifers is overkill.

Bruce wrote:
"OG" wrote:

No but the approach is rational.


Well said, OG.


Do you honestly think that "I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them" is the best basis for getting all
aeriated and legalistic is the best approach?


It is slightly better than calling in the Army, I think. Using NATO
forces to overthrow the dictator with the conifers is overkill.

Does the neighbour have a brother called Conifer Ali though?


--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

Seeing how quickly your innocent little question came close to starting
WWIII on this forum (from Llelandei to weapons of mass destruction in three
easy steps), just imagine the result if you were to trim off everything on
your side of the fence and just toss it over. If I were your neighbour I
would feel inclined to toss a dead cow over in return -- and I'm part
pacifist.

You are certainly within your rights to trim up to the boundary line, and
you are required to offer the debris to its owner. But why not start with a
"good neighbour" approach instead of a confrontational one? Tell them you
intend to trim your side of the fence, and ask if they want the trimmings or
would they prefer you to take them for recycling.

I'm not sure how you tell whether or not people are "gardening types" from
their appearance, but I am sure that a person doesn't have to be a gardening
type to give a positive response to a polite neighbour who wants to tidy up
his own garden.

If the height is also an issue then the law is on your side there, too...
but before you line up the mortars, I recommend OG's 1038 post -- except
that I wouldn't be quite as quick to offer to dig in to my own pocket.

imo you got off to a bad start with the assumption that "they will refuse to
trim them".

I do hope you will post to tell us what approach you took, and what response
you received.


"4square" wrote in message
...
I have a 40 foot row of dreaded conifers across end of garden, just
on the neighbours garden. Now about 30 feet tall, and overhanging my
side by about 6 feet in places. I have not yet approached them, but
feel they will refuse to trim them, do not appear to be gardening
types. If I cut them back my side only, am I within the law to pass
the cuttings back onto their land?