What this tool is for

Trees and hedges cause more arguments between neighbours than almost anything else. This tool helps you work out where you stand when branches, roots, leaves or fruit from a neighbour's garden are affecting yours, or when a tall hedge is blocking light to your home.

You tell it what is going on, and it explains what the law in England and Wales actually says about your rights and your neighbour's responsibilities, in words that make sense.

When to use it

Use it if a neighbour's tree has branches hanging over your fence, if roots are pushing up your patio or damaging a wall, or if fallen leaves and fruit are becoming a problem. It also covers high hedges, usually evergreen or semi-evergreen rows over two metres that block light, which fall under Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 and are handled by your local council.

It is aimed at homeowners and tenants in England and Wales who want to understand their options before they speak to the neighbour, write a letter, or contact the council. It will also flag situations where a tree might have a Tree Preservation Order or sit in a conservation area, which changes what you are allowed to do.

How it works

You answer a short set of questions about the type of planting, where the boundary sits, and what the problem is. You then get a plain English summary of your rights, what you can do yourself, what you cannot do without permission, and the sensible next steps. Nothing you enter is saved, and you do not need to give your name or email.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. If a dispute is heading towards formal action, or there is a real risk of damage to a building, it is worth speaking to a solicitor or a qualified arboriculturist before you cut anything.