Value of branches?

[Whisker]

Hello,

My next-door neighbour has been cutting my trees and taking the branches for his wood-burner. One time I saw him removing overhanging branches and asked him to put them back over my fence, which he didn't like, so now if course he does it when I'm not there and has also entered my garden on several occasions.

I understand that technically this is theft and that I am entitled to claim recompense for the loss, but how do you value branches? I'm guessing that some wood is more expensive than others, so is it only what would be considered as useable? The branches are up to 8 inches diameter and 30-odd ft in length.

What about the damage to the trees? Ten have had branches clumsily cut back to the trunk in several attempts with a pruning saw, so obviously they have been completely spoilt, as has that whole area of the garden.

Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated as I'm considering all options before deciding what action to take.

Many thanks in advance.

[Mick Dempsey]

14 minutes ago, spudulike said:

 

I have had three properties in adult life and have experienced pretty toxic neighbours in all of them so speak from experience.

 

If only there was something in common to link all three situations….

[spudulike]

Just now, Steven P said:

A little bit milder might be the £350 solicitors letter warning them off trespassing.

That was my first suggestion, it makes sense and may be the wake up call he needs.

[Whisker]

No, I prefer spudulike's suggestion 🤣

[spudulike]

Just now, Mick Dempsey said:

If only there was something in common to link all three situations….

Funny enough, my mate made the same comment. We still have one of our first neighbours stay with us for a week each year so can't be us, one side is always fine, all the good in them and the other side.....you've got it.

The latest one started before we even moved in so there goes your theory...sorry!

[kram]

It costs very little to do a small claims against him for the damage to the trees.

 

Stick a trail camera pointing at the trees as a first step, so you can get evidence of it.

 

Consider a deterant in the trees - something that wont harm the tree. Perhaps some razor wire loosely fastened at key low branches for climbing. Dont wrap it around the limbs as that will girdle the branch. A few small nails should be adequate and cause minimum harm to the tree.

 

The post the video for our entertainment. You should likely put a warning sign, so you could atleast say there was a warning if he does injure himself whilst tresspassing.

[Whisker]

On 08/01/2025 at 15:03, Dan Maynard said:

To answer the original question, the value of the branches is zero and irrelevant, and the cuts can easily be tidied up to look decent.

 

I'd be reluctant to have the trees tidied up. If any of them were to die then surely he would no longer be liable as I authorised further works...?

 

As for the overhanging branches, I'm not fussed how he cuts them. He more or less cut my sycamore in half, then had to give back his booty, so he did all that work for nothing. The tree still looks good from my side esp. in summer, while he has a view of his butchery skills...

[Whisker]

👍 I'm taking note of all your suggestions, including the slightly less orthodox ones 😁

 

Been reading this topic - "Right to prune branches when it destabilizes tree" and

 

 

I take it that means damage 'to the tree'? What is meant by 'unnecessary'? Does it have to be major or just carelessness?

 

This is the ash that he had a go at recently 

 

 

It's a bit sparse as I had it reduced in 2020 before it went near his greenhouse.

 

The branches he took are over his side but have not been cleanly cut so I assume would be open to disease and whatnot. Would this be considered 'unnecessary' in law? And is it 'criminal damage' only if it's over my property?

 

Sorry if I'm being a bit of a thicko but I'm just trying to get things clear...

[Mick Dempsey]

If they were on his side it’s irrelevant how he prunes them..

[Sviatoslav Tulin]

You just lucky he pruned them if I was there I just killed all of those before they even grow up .

[Whisker]

17 hours ago, Mick Dempsey said:

If they were on his side it’s irrelevant how he prunes them..

 

OK good. It's coming out soon anyway, just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be removing evidence 😂