Overhanging shrubbery

[MartinQ]

We have some shrubs and small trees overhanging the pavement in front of our front garden. As far as I'm aware, if they were overhanging a neighbour's boundary it would be up to them to cut it back [but to offer the cuttings back to us!].

Now, is my situation any different? Is it unreasonable to expect the council to cut it back, or do I really need to dust off the hedge-clippers?

[robinhood21]

Afraid it's down to you. If the overhang becomes too bad, the council will ask you to trim it back. If you then disregard the notice the council will trim back and send you the bill for doing so.

[mickk]

robinhood21 said:

Afraid it's down to you. If the overhang becomes too bad, the council will ask you to trim it back. If you then disregard the notice the council will trim back and send you the bill for doing so.

Does that work the over way? If the council trees are overhanging my property(which they are) can i get a contractor in and send them the bill?

I have asked the council a few times but they seem to be ignoring me

Edited by mickk on Saturday 1st August 17:27

[Fort Jefferson]

MartinQ said:

As far as I'm aware, if they were overhanging a neighbour's boundary it would be up to them to cut it back [but to offer the cuttings back to us!

It's up to "you" to cut them back. If your neighbour decides to do it for you, he can throw the cuttings over on to your land wether you want them or not.

[robinhood21]

mickk said:

robinhood21 said:

Afraid it's down to you. If the overhang becomes too bad, the council will ask you to trim it back. If you then disregard the notice the council will trim back and send you the bill for doing so.

Does that work the over way? If the council trees are overhanging my property(which they are) can i get a contractor in and send them the bill?

I have asked the council a few times but they seem to be ignoring me

Sorry but am not too sure on that. I only know that the council have a right on the protection of right-of-way. Best ask the council. Yes, I know from experience on how enfuriating it can be, being passed around the council departments before being informed that the person one needs to speak to is 'at lunch' and will get back to you. Of course they never do. I have found that phone and e-mail are useless, best to send them a letter, as they always seem to reply to mine. Good Luck!

[Wings]

robinhood21 said:

Afraid it's down to you. If the overhang becomes too bad, the council will ask you to trim it back. If you then disregard the notice the council will trim back and send you the bill for doing so.

Agree, I received in May 2009, a Notice under section 154 of the Highways Act 1980 from my local Council’s Street Scene Department, concerning overhanging vegetation on to the highway, namely 15 x 25ft conifer trees.

Whilst I have put in an order to have the trees substantially cut back, the Council have shown considerable patience in waiving any legal action against me.

[Shaolin]

I think it's a case of common decency to cut back your own plants from the footpath so passers-by don't get bashed by them or have to take avoiding action. Expecting the council to do it on your behalf is a bit churlish.