Generally yes, back to the boundary — with several conditions that matter more than the general rule does.
You may generally cut back growth that crosses onto your property, as far as the boundary line but no further.
But: the cuttings and any fruit remain the tree owner's property, you cannot enter their land without permission, 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, including overhanging growth |
| Conservation area | Notice to the council required before works |
| Neither | The general right applies, with the conditions above |
| Unsure | Ask the council. It is free, and cutting a protected tree is an offence |
For Keynsham, Bath and North East Somerset Council holds the TPO register and conservation area information. Checking costs nothing and takes a phone call or a look at the council's mapping. Cutting a protected tree without consent is a criminal offence and the fines are substantial — 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 Keynsham, 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 the tree's 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 over your side.
Then you need the council's consent before any work, including cutting overhanging growth. Cutting a protected tree without consent is a criminal offence.
Ask Bath and North East Somerset Council, which holds the TPO register and conservation area information for Keynsham. It costs nothing to check.
Not usually, for overhanging growth or shade. Dangerous trees are different — raise it with them in writing, and the council can act on trees posing a genuine risk.
No. It applies to lines of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs, so there is no equivalent route for one tree blocking light.
Yes. Most people are reasonable when asked, and a tree pruned from both sides by one crew looks far better and usually costs each of you less.
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