Overhanging conifer

[AlGibson82]

Hi guys, been asked by a customer who is building a new build and the old lady next door has some massively over grown conifers, where does he stand with stripping off 1 side that over hangs his house? He knows it is not ideal but the old lady next door was not keen on the house build in the first place so she's not being very helpful to sort the problem out.

Can we just go ahead with the work or does he need permission as the conifers are in her back garden

[Rich2484]

Think I'm right in saying you can only cut the overhang on the fence line. Can't go into her garden without permission to cut. Off a stepladder if they are to high or mewp.

 

As far as I know this is right.

[Gnarlyoak]

Yup, perfectly entitled to cut any overhanging branches right back to the boundary/fence line. However he is obliged by law, to offer the cut material back to the owner of the tree.

 

Of course the back end of a cut conifer is not a nice view to have to live with, may even restrict the appeal of the property when he comes to try and sell it. Would it be possible to trim it back hard with hedge cutters on his side but at least leave it green? Maybe the old dear next is not a fan of the conifers herself, could he perhaps offer an olive branch by offering to pay to have the hedge reduced/removed?