‘I would make your life unbearable' people cry as a man chops down neighbours' tree as it slightly encroaches on his BBQ

Scottish Sun

5 hours ago

Legally, your neighbour cannot cut down, damage, or remove any part of your tree without granted permission
UNBE-LEAF-ABLE 'I would make your life unbearable' people cry as a man chops down neighbours' tree as it slightly encroaches on his BBQ
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A MAN has come under fire after he casually chopped down his neighbours' tree without any permission.
The shocking footage was shared online by mum Sophie Pinder who brutally dubbed the unnamed bloke an ''idiot''.
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Armed with a handsaw, the bloke leaned over the wooden fence before he started cutting the tree in half
Credit: TIKTOK/@sophiepinderxx
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Legally, your neighbour cannot cut down, damage, or remove any part of your tree without granted permission
Credit: TIKTOK/@sophiepinderxx
The video, which has since taken the internet by storm, sees the half-naked man going on his tip toes to reach the relatively small tree in his neighbours' property.
Armed with a handsaw, the bloke then leaned over the wooden fence before he started cutting the tree in half.
In the UK, the rights and responsibilities concerning trees on private property are well-defined.
Legally, your neighbour cannot cut down, damage, or remove any part of your tree without granted permission.
If a tree is solely within your property boundaries, it belongs to you, and any actions taken towards it require your consent.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if branches overhang into a neighbour's property, they are permitted to trim the overhanging section back to the boundary line - as long as it does not harm the overall health or stability of the tree.
It's key to note that the removed branches and any fruit or flowers attached still legally belong to the owner of the tree, and therefore, should be offered back, the experts at Glasgow Trees explained.
Before taking any action, it is advisable for neighbours to communicate and seek agreement on how to handle any tree-related issues to avoid disputes and potential legal challenges.
In the clip, the tree, however, barely encroached on the bloke's fancy BBQ set-up - and even the person recording told the topless man he was not allowed to cut the tree.
''You actually can't chop that down,'' she warned the ''naughty'' guy.
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The jaw-dropping footage has since taken the internet by storm for all the wrong reasons, amassing over 706k views in less than 24 hours.
Horrified, more than 1,200 people flooded to comments where they slammed the bloke.
One gobsmacked TikToker said: ''If you were my neighbour I would make you life unbearable for doing that, it is disrespectful.''
Another commented: ''Criminal damage!! That will be a trip to court and a criminal record.''
Rules on fences and trees
Fences: Height Restrictions: In most areas, fences in front gardens should not exceed one metre in height without planning permission. For rear gardens, the limit is generally two metres.
In most areas, fences in front gardens should not exceed one metre in height without planning permission. For rear gardens, the limit is generally two metres. Shared Fences: If a fence is shared with a neighbour, both parties are typically responsible for its maintenance and any costs associated with repairs or replacement.
If a fence is shared with a neighbour, both parties are typically responsible for its maintenance and any costs associated with repairs or replacement. Building Regulations: Ensure that any new fence complies with local building regulations and does not obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians.
Trees: Ownership: Trees located on your property are your responsibility, including any damage they may cause. Conversely, trees on a neighbour's property are their responsibility.
Trees located on your property are your responsibility, including any damage they may cause. Conversely, trees on a neighbour's property are their responsibility. Overhanging Branches: You are entitled to trim branches that overhang into your property, but only up to the boundary line. The cut branches should be offered back to the tree owner.
You are entitled to trim branches that overhang into your property, but only up to the boundary line. The cut branches should be offered back to the tree owner. Protected Trees: Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Check with your local council before undertaking any work on a tree, as unauthorised work can result in fines.
Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Check with your local council before undertaking any work on a tree, as unauthorised work can result in fines. Roots: If tree roots from a neighbour's tree cause damage to your property, you have the right to remove the roots. However, it is advisable to discuss this with your neighbour first to avoid disputes.
Always consult your local council or a legal adviser for specific regulations and advice.
Someone else chimed in: ''Wasn't even hanging over your fence, just there minding its own business.''
A fourth also blasted the bloke, writing: ''Some people are so entitled it was not interfering with anything.''
If you discover that your neighbour has cut down or severely pruned your tree without permission, there are several steps you should consider to address the issue, such as documenting the damage and approaching your neighbour.
It's possible they were unaware of the legal requirements or the tree's boundary, the experts explained.
A polite conversation can often resolve the matter more amicably.
However, if a direct conversation doesn't lead to a satisfactory resolution, you might consider mediation.
Many councils and community organisations across the country offer mediation services to help neighbours resolve disputes without taking legal action.
Meanwhile, if the tree was protected under a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or located within a conservation area, the experts strongly advise to report the unauthorised cutting to your local council.
They have the authority to investigate and impose fines or other sanctions if required.
As a last resort, you may need to consider legal action against your neighbour.
To choose the appropriate course of action, consult with a solicitor who specialises in property or environmental law to understand your options and the likelihood of success.