My Sycamore

[RJCTT]

Hi all. First time poster here.

I moved into an old, sandstone property around five years ago and at the very end of the garden is a large sycamore tree. It looked trimmed and well-kept when I moved in, but admittedly, it’s now somewhat overgrown, but not by a significant amount.

My neighbour over the back had mentioned in passing that the tree blocked his sunlight, so asked to trim it and I did get three quotes (ranging from £600 - £850), but didn’t go ahead as I’ve made significant changes to the property’s interior, including the removal of an internal wall and all rooms receiving a makeover.

Recently, my neighbour’s next door neighbour came to our door to ask us to trim the tree too as they were also impacted by the tree obstructing light. They said they’d spoke to the first neighbour and that they’d be willing to contribute.

I subsequently got another quote, but a personal family matter has meant this tree is nowhere near the top of my priority list.

This second neighbour then re-appeared at my door, asking for an update. They also informed me that they themselves had got a quote for the tree’s trimming to the tune of £1,000. They then mentioned that the stumps of our tree might be affecting the first neighbour’s garden tiles which with hindsight, I assume was a pressure tactic.

I’ve been so distracted by this personal matter, I feel like I need to remind our neighbours that the tree is a beautiful feature of our garden and any work would be minimal, but also that I find it inappropriate for them getting a quote for work on my property.

I’m wondering where I stand on this. The tree has been here longer than any of us and any work, unless significantly altering the tree, will make minimal difference to their light situation.

Thanks.

 

[StephenStephen]

Yes - it is your tree.

They might be more energised about it right now with leaves on the tree, or falling into their garden(s). Great that they're offering to contribute - worth thanking them for that. Hopefully they'll settle as the tree is bare over winter.

I'm wondering if what might help all of you is, if possible, you give your neighbours a realistic idea of when you will have spare attention to have the tree pruned.
For example: I'm other things I need to deal with just now, and I'll be sorting this out in February.
You might also want to mention that you'll likely be taking it back towards how it was when you moved in, but not to expect it to be severely pruned.

Do any birds nest in it? If not, you might put back pruning till later spring.

 

[Mottie]

OP. What would you expect from your neighbours if you were in a similar position? If you’d expect to be told to **** off, do that. If you'd expect to be listened to and be told when it could be done, do that. If you’d expect them to listen to you and allow you to contribute to the trimming, do that.

 

[RJCTT]

Yes - it is your tree.

They might be more energised about it right now with leaves on the tree, or falling into their garden(s). Great that they're offering to contribute - worth thanking them for that. Hopefully they'll settle as the tree is bare over winter.

I'm wondering if what might help all of you is, if possible, you give your neighbours a realistic idea of when you will have spare attention to have the tree pruned.
For example: I'm other things I need to deal with just now, and I'll be sorting this out in February.
You might also want to mention that you'll likely be taking it back towards how it was when you moved in, but not to expect it to be severely pruned.

Do any birds nest in it? If not, you might put back pruning till later spring.

Thanks for your response. I should probably have been clearer; I told my neighbours I had a lot on, so this wasn’t a priority, but that I’d look to address it in November or December.

I suppose what I’m conscious of is that their intention is the significant reduction of the tree. It’s around 50ft tall and when we arrived, was at least 45ft. I’m happy to have it trimmed to that state, but that won’t help their sunlight issue.

I’m anticipating a challenge on this, so I’m wondering what my rights are.

I don’t believe any birds nest in the tree, but can’t be certain. Would this change anything?

OP. What would you expect from your neighbours if you were in a similar position?

I wouldn’t find myself in a similar position, in all honesty.

The tree has been her longer than me and my two neighbours. The family we purchased the property from left an ariel imagine of the property from the 80s or 90s and the trees no smaller then than it is now, so if I was in their position, I’d make peace with the fact.

There’s no harm in asking the new neighbour (me), but I’m getting the impression they’re beginning to apply pressure which I don’t appreciate.

Coming to my door twice when I’ve informed them I’m busy and having a quote done on my property without my request or input doesn’t seem appropriate to me.

They also offered to contribute, then that changed to £150 per-neighbour (£300 all in) when they received the unsolicited quote of £1,000. I don’t need the work done, so found it bold to suggest I pay £700 for the benefit of them getting some summer sun.

 

[scbk]

It's a sycamore, so if you prune it will probably regrow from where it was cut back to, and in a few years time you'll be back to where you are now

 

[Tricky-Dicky]

Do any birds nest in it? If not, you might put back pruning till later spring.

Birds will start nesting in late spring, therefore pruning needs to done by then.
Defra rules (for farmers), NO hedgerow cutting from 1st March to 31st September.
So if you need to prune, you have the next 4 months available. Will avoid nesting.

We have been investigating recently as we approached the local farmer regarding cutting an overgrown hedge (which used to cut annually) he has 'various' reasons have been given to us why he can't/won't cut it !

 

[ajstoneservices]

You do not have to trim your tree if you don't want to. Does your tree have a TPO on it?

 

[Koolpc]

Tell them if they continue to harass you, you will be forced to call special branch!!!

 

[Deluks]

It's important to choose the right people to carry out this work. The untrained and inexperienced tree workers (of which there are plenty about) will leave it looking like crap.
Someone who knows what they're doing will do a sympathetic prune all round, removing branches in the middle of the canopy to allow light to pass through. Get recommendations, and if you can, ask to see their previous work.

If your branches are overhanging their properties, then they have every right to trim the branches back, which may leave the tree looking a weird shape.

 

[Odds]

A sycamore is classed as a weed tree in the UK, so if it's a nuisance to your neighbours i'd say they have grounds to lop off branches over hanging their property at the very least. If it's on part of their property they could petition you to cut it down and come to an agreement for a replacement tree or bush.

 

[jj4091]

I can understand your neighbours, sycamores are always a bigger nuisance for neighbours than owners because their leaves and seeds become distributed so widely in windy weather. As I get older,I find that every spring pulling out hundreds of sycamore seedlings that have rooted in my garden from neighbours trees gets more difficult. The leaves are also a nuisance especially when I cannot make use of the leafmould. If the tree is on your boundry then I would also imagine the roots invade next doors garden probably giving them problems as well as the light restriction from the foliage.