Generally yes, back to the boundary. The conditions on that right matter more than the right itself.
You may generally cut back growth that crosses onto your property, as far as the boundary line but no further.
The conditions: the cuttings and fruit remain the tree owner's property, you cannot enter their land, a Tree Preservation Order or conservation area status overrides the right entirely, and you must not damage the tree's health or stability.
| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| Tree Preservation Order | Consent needed before any work, overhanging included |
| Conservation area | Notice to the council required |
| Neither | The general right applies, with the conditions above |
| Unsure | Ask the council. Free, and cutting a protected tree is an offence |
South Gloucestershire Council holds the TPO register and conservation area information for Hanham. Checking costs nothing. Cutting a protected tree without consent is a criminal offence carrying substantial fines, and "it was overhanging my garden" is not a defence.
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
See what our tree surgery service covers in Hanham, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
Generally yes, back to the boundary line but no further — provided the tree is not protected, you do not enter their land, and you do not damage its health or stability.
They remain the tree owner's property. Offer them back — throwing them over the fence can amount to fly-tipping.
No. Fruit belongs to the tree owner even where it hangs on your side.
Then you need the council's consent before any work, including overhanging growth. Cutting a protected tree without consent is a criminal offence.
Ask South Gloucestershire Council, which holds the TPO register and conservation area information for Hanham. It costs nothing.
Not usually for overhanging growth or shade. Dangerous trees are different — raise it in writing, and the council can act on trees posing a genuine risk.
No. That process applies to lines of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs, so there is no equivalent for one tree blocking light.
Take it seriously early, get it assessed, and consider arranging the work yourself — a tree cut back on one face by someone else rarely looks good from either garden.
Need tree surgery, hedge maintenance, fencing, garden clearance, turfing or power washing? Complete the form and tell us what work you require.
