Can I Prune A Tree That's Coming Into My Property?

Overhanging trees are a common problem among Sydney residents and businesses. Some people settle this issue through open and friendly conversations with their neighbours.

However, some are bothered by a sense of urgency and are curious about possible precautions and actions you can take about encroaching branches and trees. This is a common problem; different states and local councils have various laws regarding tree pruning.

We highly recommend discussing the tree problem with your neighbour before checking out local laws on tree pruning and tree trimming, especially for encroaching foliage.

Who Will Pay for Tree Pruning Services?

Depending on your agreement with your neighbours, you can split the tree pruning payment between both parties.

You can also impose on them to pay for the full service, given that it is their tree. But if you’re not comfortable with the idea, the most civil way is to pay for the requested service.

Who Should be Responsible For Waste Disposal

Technically, the tree owner is responsible for disposing of trimmed branches and foliage. You can move the waste over to their property after the tree pruning and trimming.

Local Laws on Encroaching Trees

The laws and policies on trimming or pruning overhanging branches will depend on your state or local council. More often than not, these laws will affect tree pruning generally and not just encroaching branches.

We recommend looking up your local tree trimming policies at Trees Down Under and checking if it approves personal tree trimming projects.

If you find that it’s well within your rights to trim and prune branches overhanging on your property, call local tree removal company to get the job done.

Pruning the tree without thoroughly understanding its structure can compromise its overall strength. Trimming off foliage on one side may put all weight on the other, causing a safety hazard to the owner and their property.

Seeking professional help from a trusted local arborist is crucial to ensure a safe, reliable, and swift tree pruning project that will benefit you and the tree owner.

Tree Trimming Disputes Between Neighbours

As discussed, it’s best to settle tree encroachment disputes between your neighbours first – properly discussing the issue and achieving a mutual agreement.Afterwards, you can consult your local council policies on tree trimming laws.

Following this process displays an act of courtesy to your neighbour and may ensure an explicit agreement and blessing to pursue the trimming project. It’s best to keep matters civil if you know you have the right to remove unwanted branches overhanging your property.

However, in cases where a neighbour disagrees with a mutual arrangement, you can trim off overhanging branches as long as you’re not accessing their property. But only do this if you know it is lawful in your suburb to prune overhanging foliage.

But if you need to access their property to prune unwanted branches, you may need to file a dispute with your local council. Check your state website to find local dispute centres in your suburb.

Settling Tree Trimming Disputes with Neighbours

If the worst case happens and your neighbour does not want you to touch or trim their tree, you must file an official complaint with your local council disputes tribunal.

If the overhanging branches are proven to pose a safety risk to your family, the council will approve your request and will inform the neighbour that a pruning project will be carried out on a given date.