You may wonder if you're ever allowed to cut a neighbour's overhanging tree in your garden. It turns out, there's action you can take, but you need to follow rules when carrying out the workKatie-Ann Gupwell14:39, 02 Aug 2026Updated 14:39, 02 Aug 2026Most people spend more time in the garden at this time of year, and that means several people are carrying out more outdoor jobs, such as cutting back trees. However, if you're wondering if you're able to cut your neighbour's overhanging trees, there's some vital expert advice you should be aware of before attempting to make a move.‌The subject cropped up on Reddit when one user asked what they could do about a neighbour's trees, sparking a lively debate. However, there are specific property rules you must adhere to when dealing with the issue, so it's essential to familiarise yourself with the law before taking any action in the garden.‌This means, before taking your gardening too far, you need to get clued up on the regulations. You can't just start hacking at the branches, as there are some guidelines you need to follow when cutting back trees.‌A social media user asked: "Can I cut my neighbours trees/plants that overhang into my garden? I just bought a house with a beautiful garden in the UK."It gets great sunlight; however, some of it is shaded because of my neighbours at the back. The ends of our gardens meet. They have huge trees and plants that are so overgrown and overhang into my garden and prevent even more sunlight."I've spoken to them about cutting it themselves, but they've ignored me. So my question, can I cut the parts of their trees/plants that overhang into my garden?‌"Can I cut and just chuck the cut bits back into their garden? I was just wondering if this encroaches on property tampering or something of the like."The question sparked plenty of debate, with many people weighing in and sharing their opinions on the matter.‌One user said: "Yes you can cut them back to your boundary, as long as you don't damage the plants. You have to offer to return anything you cut but, if they don't want it, you need to dispose of them. You can't throw them over the fence as it would be fly-tipping."Another added: "As others have said, you can cut anything which overhangs or comes onto your property. But note that you cannot kill any tree/plant which belongs to your neighbours."Example, if a trunk curved into your garden, you shouldn't cut into that, as it could risk the whole tree."‌A third also replied: "You can cut overhanging branches etc. I'd offer back the clippings (as you must), but throwing them over the fence may create hostility."The rules you must followWhile many people are correct that you are entitled to cut back overhanging branches, there are strict rules you must adhere to in order to avoid causing serious damage or falling foul of the law. It is strongly recommended that you first speak to your neighbour to try to reach a mutual agreement before taking any action.On the matter of trimming hedges and trees, the UK government website states: "You can trim branches or roots that cross into your property from a neighbour's property or a public road. You can only trim up to the property boundary.‌"If you do more than this, your neighbour could take you to court for damaging their property. If you live in a conservation area, or the trees in the hedge are protected by a 'tree preservation order' (TPO), you might need your council's permission to trim them."There are several other important factors to bear in mind. You must not step onto or lean over into your neighbour's property to carry out any work without their express permission.Furthermore, any branches, leaves and fruit you trim are still legally the property of your neighbour. You should therefore offer to return them first. Should they decline, the responsibility for disposing of them falls to you.Article continues belowIt's also essential to check with your local council's planning department before you begin. If the tree is under a TPO, or sits within a conservation area, pruning it without prior written approval could be unlawful and may result in substantial fines.Should you have any further concerns, reach out to your local council for additional guidance. They will be well placed to assist you, and further information can also be found on the government website.