A civil war has erupted in a quiet leafy suburb after a neighbour reported a family to the police for cutting back a tree ‘without her permission’.
Mum Sarah Davis, 40, claims she was forced to take the drastic and expensive action to tackle the large tree after branches encroached on her back garden in Surrey.
She claims neighbour Sue Croft had repeatedly ignored requests to cut it back meaning their garden was being starved of natural light in the summer.
But the row exploded this week when a a tree surgeon removed a section of their shared fence to chop the branches down.
Sharing a picture of the worker on Twitter, Mrs Croft claimed the surgery amounted to vandalism and trespass.
She fumed: ‘Surrey Police have determined its a civil matter.
‘So your neighbours can pull down your fence and wander around in your garden without fear of consequences. Welcome to Great Britain.’
But Ms Davis blasted her neighbour’s complaint and told MailOnline: ‘Everyone in the neighbourhood lives with her outrage.
‘She is utterly ridiculous. She’s completely in the wrong.’
A civil war has erupted in a quiet leafy suburb overlooking Gatwick Airport after a sun-starved family hired a tree surgeon to cut back an enormous tree (Pictured: Sarah Davis)
On Monday, Mrs Croft posted a picture of the tree surgeon in the back of her garden
The enormous tree before and after the surgery which Mrs Croft claims was illegal
Mrs Croft and her husband Michael told MailOnline no permission had been given for the surgery and that they were considering their options.
However, Mrs Davis, who has lived on the newbuild estate for 11 years with her young family disputes this and says the Crofts were told numerous times.
She said: ‘We spoke to her prior to the tree surgery being done, she was fully aware.
‘That tree is hers and she doesn’t maintain it.
‘It encroaches on our property and was putting pressure on the hedge and public footpath beneath it which is now buckling under the strain of the roots and becoming uneven and dangerous.’
The tree has now been cut back so its limits remain in the Croft’s garden.
Mrs Davis claims the tree could still use some topping surgery and that before it was cut she lived in fear of it crashing onto her garden during storms.
Sue Croft (pictured) claims that permission for the tree surgery was never given
Mrs Davis claims that the tree could still use some topping surgery and that before it was cut she lived in fear of it crashing onto her garden during storms
The enormous tree has now been cut back so its limits remain in the Croft’s garden
The extensive tree surgery cost Mrs Davis and her neighbour £400
She continued: ‘We have had storms and it sways violently, it was scary. Last summer we had zero sunlight in our garden because it had overgrown so much.’
And despite the Croft’s vowing to take matters further by consulting their own tree surgeon, Mrs Davis told MailOnline she was not concerned.
She said: ‘ What are the police going to do? She’s utterly insane!
‘She had her ridiculous willow tree cut back by tree surgeons last week and they had to remove a panel in our fence to get access.
‘She didn’t ask us for permission, but its clearly one rule for us and another for her.’
Speaking to MailOnline, a spokesman for Slaneys Tree Service said that they had been told full permission had been given and that the fence wasn’t damaged.
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What are the rules on trimming your neighbour’s garden?
From trimming an overhanging branch to installing high hedges, thousands of Brits may be unknowingly breaking the law when maintaining their garden.
Tool station has warned that not abiding by these rules could see you land a fine of up to £20,000.
1. Tree removal and pruning
If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour wants to keep, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy.
The good news is, if the tree is within your property boundary, it is ultimately your choice what you do with it.
However, the experts warn that some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them.
Brits could be fined a whopping £20,000 for breaking this law, so make sure you double-check.
If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour wants to keep, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy
2. Property boundaries and hedges
Fences aren’t the only things that have height restrictions in the garden.
Hedges should also be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
For any confusion surrounding the boundaries of your property, it’s recommended to check the deeds of your property which will determine what is correct.
3. Feeding birds
While there are no specific laws in the UK that make it illegal for individuals to feed birds, the garden experts have advised that if bird feed isn’t stored properly, it can attract rats, which may be a nuisance to your neighbours.
They explain: ‘If the situation turns particularly bad and rats become a problem, you could be issued with an abatement notice asking you to stop and fix the problem.
If you don’t stop the feeding, you could get a maximum fine of £5,000 or a Community Protection Notice – it would have to get pretty bad to get to this point, though.’
4. Garden structures and additions
Disputes can also arise over the construction of sheds, pergolas, or other garden structures if they ‘obstruct views or violate local building regulations’.
The Toolstation pros reveal: ‘If you’re not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you’re planning.
‘If there’s an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance.’
5. Overhanging branches and enroaching plants
Next, overhanging branches and plants making their way onto your neighbour’s property could cause a nuisance.
The experts said: ‘When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour’s tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance.
‘However, when trimming overhanging branches, you can only trim up to the boundary of your property otherwise this could be seen as trespassing.
‘You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property – make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don’t have permission to enter your neighbours garden.’
6. Fruit trees and flowers
Even though you can get away with trimming branches that hang into your garden from neighbours trees, the plants, flowers, and fruits still belong to your neighbour.
The company advised: ‘Taking or cutting them without permission would be against the law, and your neighbour has the right to ask for them back.
‘However, it’s unlikely your neighbour will have an issue – but you should always check first.
‘You should also avoid tossing any trimmings into your neighbour’s garden, as this could be considered garden waste fly tipping.’
7. Trees blocking light
The next little-known rule involves the Rights of Light Act – it means any property having uninterrupted enjoyment of light for more than 20 years acquires rights to light.
In other words, if a window has been receiving natural light for 20 years or longer, neighbours are not allowed to block it with a new tree.
Toolstation said: ‘If you do plan to plant a new tree, it’s best to choose a different corner of the garden or opt for a smaller tree to avoid interfering with your neighbour’s natural light.’
8. Right to privacy
Finally, homeowners have the right to enjoy a reasonable level of privacy in their outdoor spaces.
This means that neighbours should not unreasonably intrude or observe activities within your garden without permission.
The experts recommend: ‘Make sure to place sheds, outhouses, or security cameras in positions where they won’t affect your neighbours privacy.
‘Most disputes over privacy can be resolved by having a chat with your neighbour, but your local authority may be able to help if you can’t agree.’
rom trimming an overhanging branch to installing high hedges, thousands of Brits may be unknowingly breaking the law when maintaining their garden.
Tool station has warned that not abiding by these rules could see you land a fine of up to £20,000.
1. Tree removal and pruning
If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour wants to keep, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy.
The good news is, if the tree is within your property boundary, it is ultimately your choice what you do with it.
However, the experts warn that some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them.
Brits could be fined a whopping £20,000 for breaking this law, so make sure you double-check.
If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour wants to keep, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy
2. Property boundaries and hedges
Fences aren’t the only things that have height restrictions in the garden.
Hedges should also be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.
For any confusion surrounding the boundaries of your property, it’s recommended to check the deeds of your property which will determine what is correct.
3. Feeding birds
While there are no specific laws in the UK that make it illegal for individuals to feed birds, the garden experts have advised that if bird feed isn’t stored properly, it can attract rats, which may be a nuisance to your neighbours.
They explain: ‘If the situation turns particularly bad and rats become a problem, you could be issued with an abatement notice asking you to stop and fix the problem.
If you don’t stop the feeding, you could get a maximum fine of £5,000 or a Community Protection Notice – it would have to get pretty bad to get to this point, though.’
4. Garden structures and additions
Disputes can also arise over the construction of sheds, pergolas, or other garden structures if they ‘obstruct views or violate local building regulations’.
The Toolstation pros reveal: ‘If you’re not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you’re planning.
‘If there’s an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance.’
5. Overhanging branches and enroaching plants
Next, overhanging branches and plants making their way onto your neighbour’s property could cause a nuisance.
The experts said: ‘When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour’s tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance.
‘However, when trimming overhanging branches, you can only trim up to the boundary of your property otherwise this could be seen as trespassing.
‘You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property – make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don’t have permission to enter your neighbours garden.’
6. Fruit trees and flowers
Even though you can get away with trimming branches that hang into your garden from neighbours trees, the plants, flowers, and fruits still belong to your neighbour.
The company advised: ‘Taking or cutting them without permission would be against the law, and your neighbour has the right to ask for them back.
‘However, it’s unlikely your neighbour will have an issue – but you should always check first.
‘You should also avoid tossing any trimmings into your neighbour’s garden, as this could be considered garden waste fly tipping.’
7. Trees blocking light
The next little-known rule involves the Rights of Light Act – it means any property having uninterrupted enjoyment of light for more than 20 years acquires rights to light.
In other words, if a window has been receiving natural light for 20 years or longer, neighbours are not allowed to block it with a new tree.
Toolstation said: ‘If you do plan to plant a new tree, it’s best to choose a different corner of the garden or opt for a smaller tree to avoid interfering with your neighbour’s natural light.’
8. Right to privacy
Finally, homeowners have the right to enjoy a reasonable level of privacy in their outdoor spaces.
This means that neighbours should not unreasonably intrude or observe activities within your garden without permission.
The experts recommend: ‘Make sure to place sheds, outhouses, or security cameras in positions where they won’t affect your neighbours privacy.
‘Most disputes over privacy can be resolved by having a chat with your neighbour, but your local authority may be able to help if you can’t agree.’
