The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
I am a council house tenant. There is a tree in my garden that needs pruning/felling. What should I do?
Tenants are responsible for trees in their garden. If you have any queries contact your Housing Officer.
I am having problems with a tree in my neighbours garden, overhanging branches/blocking light, what can I do?
In the first instance you should discuss the problem with your neighbour. If the tree is not protected by a tree preservation order [TPO], you are entitled to prune back any branches at the point that they overhang your boundary. You should offer the branches back to your neighbour.
I believe you can get the Council to make your neighbour cut down their over-high hedges that cause me nuisance?
In the first instance you should discuss the problem with your neighbour. Contact the Planning Section to request a free guidance leaflet about high hedges.
I think the tree(s) in my garden/neighbours garden, is causing subsidence/cracks to my house wall(s), what should I do?
In the first instance you should discuss the problem with your neighbour. You may need to employ a professional tree expert or structural engineer to investigate the circumstances and/or contact a solicitor.
My neighbour has Leylandii (cypress conifer) trees along our boundary and he/she will not reduce their height, what can I do?
In the first instance you should discuss the problem with your neighbour. Contact the Planning Section to request a free guidance leaflet about high hedges.
There is a tree in our street with a broken branch/trunk, or branch obstructing the path/drive, can someone do something about it?
The council is responsible only for trees and hedges on land that has been officially adopted such as Highway verges, or purchased for highway improvements. The Community Tree Officer will inspect any such trees and arrange any necessary work. Please contact the Community Tree Officer.
I am having problems with a tree in my neighbours garden, overhanging branches/blocking light, what can I do?
Civil law allows you to remove any overhanging branches that overhang your property back to the actual boundary line, ie projected up into the airspace over the line. This can technically be done without informing or gaining permission from the neighbour, but it is always much better to at least inform them. Technically the wood removed is owned by the owner of the tree. Therefore it should be offered or returned to that owner. If the tree is protected by any of the means listed:
Alleged blocking of light to the house or garden is a separate situation and there are complex legal issues involved. Consequently if an amicable discussion or agreement between the parties does not resolve the problem then consult a solicitor.
I believe you can get the Council to make your neighbour cut down their over-high hedges that cause me nuisance?
From 1 June 2005, provided you have tried and exhausted all other avenues for resolving your dispute with your neighbour regarding an evergreen hedge, which is over 2 metres in height, you can complain to the Borough Council Planning Service.
The Borough Council’s role, which has been set by central government, is not to mediate or negotiate between you (the complainant) and the hedge owner but to adjudicate on whether - in the words of the Act - the hedge is adversely affecting your reasonable enjoyment of your property. In doing so, the Borough Council must take account of all relevant factors and must strike a balance between the competing interests of you and the hedge owner, as well as the interests of the wider community.
Advice on negotiating in respect of hedges can be found in the leaflet , “Over the garden hedge”.
An information leaflet “High hedges: complaining to the Council”, is also available.
I think the tree(s) in my garden/neighbours garden, is causing subsidence/cracks to my house wall(s), what should I do?
The Borough Council’s role, which has been set by central government, is not to mediate or negotiate between you (the complainant) and the hedge owner but to adjudicate on whether - in the words of the Act - the hedge is adversely affecting your reasonable enjoyment of your property. In doing so, the Borough Council must take account of all relevant factors and must strike a balance between the competing interests of you and the hedge owner, as well as the interests of the wider community. Advice on negotiating in respect of hedges can be found in the leaflet , “Over the garden hedge”.
My neighbour has Leylandii (cypress conifer) trees along our boundary and he/she will not reduce their height, what can I do?
The Council do not enforce any general restrictions over the height of trees and cannot arbitrate between you and your neighbour. If you are affected by several trees which may constitute a hedge then the introduction of high hedge legislation may be able to help. A helpful leaflet `Over the garden hedge’, is available from the Planning Service.
There is a tree in our street with a (broken branch/trunk), branch obstructs path/drive), can someone do something about it?
Please contact the Highways Section.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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