Gardeners are being warned they could find themselves reported to the police by their neighbours due to a little-known law concerning tree cutting in gardens. Trees, an essential part of most gardens, not only enhance the beauty and provide privacy and shade but also offer a habitat for wildlife and play a crucial role in converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. However, trees can become problematic over time if not managed properly, with roots potentially damaging house foundations or branches falling onto roads.
A common issue arises when trees straddle property boundaries. While gardeners may know it's legal to trim or prune any part of a tree that overhangs into their garden from next door, provided they remain within their own property while doing so, many are unaware of a lesser-known law. This law stipulates that any cuttings from the tree must be offered back to the neighbour they cannot simply be discarded or turned into wood chips, reports the Express .
It is considered good practice to notify your neighbour before carrying out any work on overhanging branches, even though permission isn't required. However, legally, you must give them the option to reclaim the pruned branches afterwards. READ MORE: How to get rid of lawn moss so it never comes back As stated by Kirklees Council: "If a tree or hedge is unprotected, you can prune branches that overhang your land and the roots growing beneath your land.
You do not need the owner's permission, but you must not trespass o.