Frail dad tripped over branches left strewn as legal advice given as to if people can do this07:18, 29 May 2026A man has complained after neighbours sent workmen into his father’s garden to cut back a tree overhanging their property - and then left branches all over the garden. The complaint arose on a legal thread on Reddit where the person was asking what action they could take - to get the mess cleared up and also find out if the neighbour had acted legally.‌The person explained his dad has lived in the same council house since 1978 - and they pruned the tree regularly but his father is getting older and not able to do it any more. He said: “The tree is overhanging a neighbouring property and the neighbour has complained. We have contacted the Council to prune the tree as it was existing when we moved in so long ago.‌“A few weeks ago there were 2 men in my Dad’s garden trimming the tree. My Dad confronted them and they said they were from the Council and had knocked at the door. Ring doorbell footage confirmed they hadn’t. They trimmed one side of the tree and left the discarded branches around his garden.”‌He said as they claimed to be from the council his dad has been waiting for them to come back to get the branches. He added: “He is frail and has, in the meantime, fallen over them as they are all over his garden path.“I complained to the Council, who have confirmed they did not attend his property nor have any contractors entered on their behalf. They will not be removing the garden waste from his garden.“I suspect this neighbour has contracted these people to enter his garden and leave the discarded waste on his property. I am aware that neighbouring properties have a right to trim overhanging branches on their property but cannot enter the property, and can offer the cut branches back and not just dump them over the property boundary.”‌The son was asking for legal advice on whether they have any redress against the neighbour for injury, whether the neighbour has trespassed and committed criminal damage, and whether they can ask the neighbour to remove the branches.One user replied: “Without being able to identify the contractors and prove who engaged them I don’t see a way forward.” Another added: “From what you have said I think the best course of action is to clear up the branches yourself.”A person added: “Someone needs to speak to the neighbour. Without any evidence of who was responsible, there’s no hope of a claim (though if the neighbour was secretly behind it and knows people are annoyed about it, it might discourage them from doing this again).‌“If the neighbour does fess up, your dad might have a claim against them for the cost of clearing the waste. Did they prune the tree well? If they damaged it, he could also claim for damage.“Neighbour disputes can swallow loads of time and make life miserable. Personally, if the contractor did an ok job I’d just dispose of the waste and make clear to the neighbour work should be discussed and agreed in advance next time.“You ask about redress for injuries. Falls can be horrible, but hopefully there was no significant harm done? If there was, your dad could speak to a no-win, no-fee solicitor.”‌Finally one added: “A neighbour is within their rights to trim branches overhanging their property. You are meant to return the trimmed branches but most people dispose of them themselves.“No they should have not entered the property without prior permission but there is little you can do now.”Kate Fowler, senior associate solicitor at law firm BRM, told Platinum Spas: “A property owner can cut back branches that overhang onto their land, but only up to the boundary line. Any cuttings should be offered back to the owner.”Article continues below“This right is subject to important constraints. For example, works may require consent if the tree is protected (e.g. by a Tree Preservation Order), and liability may arise if cutting causes damage or the tree is harmed.”