With people venturing into their gardens seeking the sun this summer, many may find that light is being blocked by a hedge or tree in a neighbouring garden. UK homeowners have been urged to do one thing if their neighbour’s trees are blocking their sunlight.
Under the law, everyone has a right to light. But this only applies to light into homes being impacted, and not gardens. If the trees form a high hedge (more than two metres tall), you may have grounds for complaint to the council. “Most councils will not cut back trees that they own if they are blocking sunlight, and will often only take action if the tree in question poses a safety risk to the public,” warns Graham Smith MCIHort, horticultural expert from LBS Horticulture.
“If you are asking the council to cut back trees that your neighbour owns, they will expect you to have at least attempted to resolve the issue or reach an agreement with your neighbour prior to contacting them.”
Therefore, before making a formal complaint, you should speak to your neighbours about the trees.
If you’re able, offer to split the cost of hiring someone to cut the trees back.
“Be polite, calm and have an open discussion about how the tree is affecting your garden or house,” says Morris Hankinson, founder and managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.
“It might be helpful if you take photos of the tree or view from your garden so they can see first-hand how the lack of sunlight is impacting it,” he told Ideal Home.
If they deny permission, this is when you should consider going to the council. “You may be able to apply for a High Hedge Notice,” says Graham. “Although the application for this will require you to submit evidence showing that you have previously tried to resolve the issue yourself.”
Also, ensure that what you’re cutting down isn’t under a Tree Preservation Order, and that you’re not in a protected area. Also, if the tree is small and doesn’t damage your property, there’s likely nothing you can do.