What is The Maximum Height of Trees Near Houses UK?
Estimated reading time 5 minutes
Your house is in an idyllic location and is desired by many house hunters. The price doesn’t put people off and the viewings are mounting up. For some reason though, these viewings aren’t converting into offers, and when they do, they seem lower than you had hoped.
Puzzled, you investigate and find that part of the stunning location is to blame. The tree from the neighbour's garden, and in some cases, your own, is causing concern. The prospective buyers claim that the tall trees block sunlight, impose on their view or are a risk of falling and causing damage to the home.
So, what can you do? Is there a maximum height of trees near houses in the UK? Well, no, there isn’t. Trees can be any height in both your garden and that of your neighbours. For some, this isn’t a problem at all, in fact, it adds to the aesthetic of the home and the area. For others, it’s a huge problem and can slow or halt sales altogether.
Are there any laws for how tall a tree can be near a house in the UK?
No. There is nothing written into law that states how tall a tree can be, even when it is near a home. Of course, some trees, once they reach a certain height pose more risk than others and could cause damage to your home and other properties should they fall.
With that in mind, if the tree is in your garden, and it is not a protected species, you could simply cut it down or trim it if you want. It’s when the tree originates from another property and whether it encroaches on your land that you might notice more problems arise.
Can I ask my neighbour to cut down or trim their tall trees?
There is no harm in asking but with there being no law for how tall a tree must be before it should be cut down, you might not get very far. If the roots of the tree originate within their land, the tree is purely their responsibility. Should the roots begin on your land, you can deal with the tree as you see fit.
If it transpires that the tree is their responsibility, you are within your rights to ask about how they plan to look after it. If you are met with silence or objections to your concerns, you could speak to your local authority.
They will then send someone to the property to view the tree(s) and see if it presents any risk or if your concerns are justified. If they believe the tree could cause injury or property damage, blocks sunlight sufficiently, or be diseased, they could instruct your neighbour to remove the tree or cut it back sufficiently. In some cases, the council will take this action themselves.
What can I do if a neighbour's tree breaches my property boundary?
If the tree, or trees, from your neighbour’s property cross over your property boundary, you have the right to trim any part that crosses that line. You’ll need proof before you start cutting anything down as without it, a dispute could be raised. If this dispute ruled against you, there could be huge penalties to pay. You should also check if the tree is a protected species as that could hinder how you treat it.
What are protected trees and how do they affect a property?
If the tree in either your garden or your neighbour's garden is protected, you won’t be able to rush in with cutting it down. Certain trees are listed as protected, giving them special exceptions. This means it may not be allowed for them to be cut down or trimmed. The local council will be able to advise on what you can and can’t do with the protected tree you are concerned about.
In addition to the tree itself, you also need to remain aware of what wildlife may live there. If the tree is home to an animal that is protected, you are forbidden from disrupting their homes. There can be misunderstandings over which animals this applies to, so this would also be worth getting confirmation on from your local council.
Could trees affect my house value?
They might. As we said at the beginning, for some people, they might add a touch of beauty and add to the attraction of the property. For others, they may be an eyesore and safety risk. You’ll notice that the closer to your roof a tree is, the more reluctant people are to make an offer or make one that matches your desired price.
If imposing trees from your neighbour’s property are starting to see views and offers on your home drop-off, talk to the team at Bettermove. We guarantee to sell your house fast by either buying it ourselves or presenting it to a team of specialist and pre-selected cash house buyers. With no fees to worry about either, you sell your house for free, receiving the full amount of the agreed offer. Regardless of location or even condition of the property, Bettermove gives you the better way to move, fast. If you want to find out more, contact our team today.
