Are Neighbouring Trees About to Cost You?
Encroaching tree roots crossing into your garden may be more than a nuisance—they pose serious legal and structural risks. Whether they’re heaving patios, undermining drains, or compromising foundations, root encroachment requires a careful, informed approach.
Legal & Technical Considerations
1. Your Rights & Responsibilities
-
You can remove roots encroaching onto your property—but only from your side of the boundary.
-
Overstepping this limit, or removing too much, can make you liable if the tree dies or suffers serious damage.
2. Protected Trees
-
Trees with a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or in a Conservation Area require local authority consent.
-
Unauthorized root work leading to tree death could result in fines, legal action, or mandatory replacement
3. Risk of Tree Death
-
Severing structural roots can destabilise the tree.
-
If the tree dies, you may be liable for replacement costs or property damage caused by the falling tree.
4. Duty of Care
-
Acting reasonably and hiring a qualified arborist protects you from legal claims.
-
Professional surveys demonstrate responsible action
How ProHort Ltd Can Help:
We offer Independent Tree Surveys to ensure property protection, legal compliance, and neighbourly fairness:
-
Root & Boundary Assessment – Identify which roots are problematic and stay legally safe.
-
Risk Evaluation – Measure structural impact, soil risk, and potential subsidence.
-
Expert Recommendations – Safe, proportionate solutions including root barriers or targeted pruning.
-
Documented Evidence – Reports suitable for insurers, solicitors, or neighbour discussions.
-
Advanced Survey Options – BS5837 Arboricultural Surveys & Subsidence Reports for complex cases.
Don’t wait for small roots to become major damage — book your tree survey today. Call us on 0800 4947479 or email [email protected].