Problem tree in neighbouring garden

[TrixC]

Ok this is a slightly unusual problem. My allotment is at the edge of the site, with a private garden immediately to the south. This garden has a very large ornamental cherry tree, a significant portion of which is overhanging my plot (but at a height where the branches can't be reached). I took the plot in early spring when the tree had no leaves, and as a newbie excited about finally getting a plot I didn't realise what a problem the tree was going to cause. As it is it shades roughly a third of my plot for virtually the entire day. Is there anything I can do? I've thought about talking to the owners of the house but realistically I can't imagine they're going to trim their tree simply because it inconveniences me. Obviously I'm trying to grow crops in that part of the plot which don't mind shade, but it means I can't really have a sensible rotation system.

[seasprout]

Absolutely nothing.
Unless the tree is in an obvious dangerous state.

[Bill Door]

Well I would have a word with the allotment owners. Explain the problem and ask if they can cut the overhanging branches. If that doesn't work then get their permission to speak the the tree owner and ask if they can do something about it. If they won't can't then go back to the allotment owners and ask their permission to lop the overhanging tree (there might be something in your agreement about not pruning trees). If you get their agreement then tell the owner of the tree what you propose to do and get some friends around for a barbie and get the deed done. Remember to give about three weeks warning and ensure that all the prunings are returned to the tree owner.

Best wishes

Bill

[Jungle Jane]

I think you're allowed to remove anything overhanging on your side but I'd check with the allotment owners? Could you use a ladder or first talk to the owner of the tree & say you want to remove what's overhanging,they might offer to deal with it themselves as they need pruning at the right time of year etc I would deal with my tree if a neighbour knocked round,they probably don't know it's a bother?

[fishpond]

Chainsaw in the middle of the night?
Get another allotment?
Ask the tree owners to cut it down.? unlikely, but who knows?

[vixylix]

With residential houses you are entitled to cut down any branches that overhang into your garden (although I believe you have to offer whatever you've chopped down back to them!) - but I don't know how that relates to allotments.

I'd start with speaking to the tree owners before you do anything - we did that in our new house and were very happily surprised with the outcome. Also worth checking out the allotment views though

[TrixC]

I don't think I could cut the branches myself, even with a ladder. At the point they cross the fence they're too high - it's a typical cherry tree shape, upright and spreading. My allotment is council owned and they do the bare minimum of maintenance, I thought about asking them but I can't imagine it will be far up their priority list.

[Jungle Jane]

It's worth writing them a letter explaining the shade issue from the tree & while you wait for a reply don't worry,a lot of plants don't like direct sun,they'll still be getting some indirect sunlight & you should still have some great plants.

[DannyK]

I would be inclined to leave the tree alone.

Heavy cutting back will give rise to masses of water shoots, which if not removed will block even more light out. Cherries are prone to this.

[TrixC]

Thank you everyone. I guess I'll have to live with it. There's a spare plot near mine which is much sunnier and I've thought about asking to swap, but I've worked SO hard on mine building raised beds etc I'm not sure I could face starting again from scratch, not to mention I've planted a bunch of fruit trees and bushes.

[fishpond]

Would it be possible to take on the other plot anyway.
Then either run the 2 together or look to moving over your top fruit and soft fruit in the winter and giving back the shaded plot(which is only going to get worse as the tree grows even more)?

[vixylix]

Sounds like that's a decision only you can make Trix - to start again or to live with the shade.

I'd be tempted to give it this summer and see if its as bad as you think!

[flynch]

I'd move to the sunnier plot while there's still plenty of growing season left. Put the lost time and effort down to experience, or if you can have both. Have both and use the shaded area for sheds and compost bins

[TrixC]

I'd love to take the second plot but I think it might come with a free divorce

[Cadalot]

I thought that when I took on my second plot, but the idea was a transition now I'm about half way taming the second plot and have decided that if we get the drop off and pick up area promised by the contractor developing the land next door then I will keep both. Wife now just accepts I have Umm more space to grow in.