Neighbours' tree

[WendyC]

I'd welcome some opinions on the following situation. Our next door neighbours have allowed a Goat Willow - salix caprea- to grow in their garden. It is getting enormous and potentially will get to 30ft. It casts a dense shade over our south facing garden from about 2pm, so by 5pm (even now in midsummer) we are in total shade. They have had it pruned but ultimately it wants to be a large tree. I have asked if they could reduce the height again but was told they like the shade in their garden. They do also have a plum tree next to it which is also shading us, but casts more of a dappled shade. The other issue is that it is only about 30 ft from our house, and whilst we are in a modern house with deep foundations I'm sure it is much closer than it should be. It is now very difficult to get anything to grow under the canopy on our side with what is now an extensive root system sucking all the water out of the ground. I know we have no legal right to light but what to do next. I was thinking of inviting them round to look at the shade as I don't think they are really aware of the problem. We do get on fairly well so don't want to fall out. What do do next???

[rustylady]

Ask them round for a drink when the shade is at it's maximum. Place the garden chairs and table in the max shade.

[vicky]

Offer to pay for it to be cut down?

[Two_Sheds]

This is so difficult. They want shade, you want light. They won't admit their tree is a nuisance, you have no right to light, as you say.

Horrible situation to be in, you have my sympathy

[janeyo]

If you can prove it's damaging your house foundations then you have a case to have it removed.

[Maccabee]

Go out tonight with an axe and encourage the tree to be a small tree, a really small tree, or a stump.

[Aberdeenplotter]

No need for violence. Salty water seems to kill trees. Did anyone know that?

P.s. wouldn't it be nice if we had a smiley with a halo?

[Creemteez]

I think you have to right idea, Wendy. Ask them round and explain the situation.
Our next-door neighbours had no idea how much shade three old Leylandi in their garden cast over ours.
We had just accepted the shade as something to be lived with as the trees had been there for many years and it was only when the neighbours came round for a summer party we had that they realised what we were having to live with.
Without us having to ask, the trees came down the following weekend!
Hope you have a similar result!

[WendyC]

Many thanks for ideas. I think showing the problem will be the way forward. As far as the roots go no problems to date but as he's a quantity surveyor I'd hope he's aware of the problem they can cause. Will let you know what happens.

[Polly Fouracre]

No need for violence. Salty water seems to kill trees. Did anyone know that?

Or copper nails driven into the trunk, apparently!

[Aberdeenplotter]

yes but a nail sticking out of a tree trunk is a bit of a giveaway

[mothhawk]

P.s. wouldn't it be nice if we had a smiley with a halo?

Like this?

[rustylady]

Like this?

How did you do that?

[briggsy2011]

Hi what about getting advise from the local council? worth a try for some more legal advise
x

[Aberdeenplotter]

Like this?

That's the one