Neighbour Dispute: Overgrown Tree, Abandoned Cars, and Fence Damage A homeowner seeks advice on a neighbour dispute involving an overgrown tree blocking a window, abandoned cars, and a damaged fence. Legal experts explain the steps to take. A homeowner is facing a neighbour dispute over an overgrown tree that blocks a window, two abandoned cars, and a damaged fence. The problems have persisted for years, and the neighbour has ignored requests for action. Legal experts advise on the steps that can be taken. Neighbour Dispute Over Overgrown Tree and CarsThe reader's front garden has been overwhelmed by two abandoned cars owned by the neighbour's friends, which have been there for years. The driveway is covered in weeds, which have practically destroyed the fence. A large tree in the neighbour's front garden is covered in blackfly and is now level with the reader's landing window, preventing it from being opened.When the reader asked the neighbour to hire a tree surgeon to trim the tree, the neighbour laughed and nothing was done. The reader has good photographic evidence of the problems and has made previous requests, but the neighbour is not taking the concerns seriously.Legal Options for Tree and Boundary DamageJane Denton of This is Money suggests writing a letter outlining all concerns, with dated photographs. Taking the matter to court would be stressful and costly, so it is best avoided. If the neighbour does not respond helpfully, assistance can be sought via the council or mediation.The overgrown tree can be trimmed back, but only from the reader's side of the boundary. Entering the neighbour's land without permission is not allowed. The council can be contacted about the abandoned cars and the poor state of the garden. Since the tree has damaged the fence, a claim for repair costs may be possible. Home insurance should be checked for repairs and legal expenses cover.Manjinder Kaur Atwal, director of housing and property litigation at Duncan Lewis, said the neighbour is responsible for maintaining their property where it causes damage or unreasonable interference. She advises putting everything in writing, setting out the problems clearly, including the damage to the fence and the tree obstructing the window. The neighbour should be asked to address these issues within 14 days, and a copy of the letter or email should be kept.Dated photographs of the garden, tree, vehicles, and any damage should be taken. Records of previous requests and responses should be kept. The tree is worth dealing with separately. If branches overhang the property, they can generally be cut back to the boundary, but not by entering the neighbour's land without permission. It should also be checked whether the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order or if the property is in a conservation area before arranging any work.If the tree is causing damage to the fence, photographs and a quote for repair costs should be obtained. The two cars can be reported to the local council if believed to be abandoned. Councils have powers to investigate and remove abandoned vehicles, including on private land in certain circumstances. An untidy garden is not necessarily a legal nuisance, but actual damage, obstruction, or unreasonable interference with property use are stronger issues.If the neighbour continues to refuse to act, mediation should be considered before court action. Depending on the evidence, there may be a claim relating to nuisance or damage, but this should be assessed on the particular circumstances. Entering the neighbour's property or removing the vehicles should not be done. A clear record of the problems should be kept, and resolution should be attempted in writing first. If that fails, a solicitor can advise on the appropriate next step.Mediation and Legal Claims for NuisanceJoanne Ellis, a partner and specialist in dispute resolution at Stephensons, said neighbour disputes involving overgrown gardens, trees, and boundary damage can be incredibly frustrating, particularly where attempts to resolve the issue amicably have been met with little co-operation. In this situation, there are a number of potential issues to consider.If the tree is encroaching onto neighbouring land, blocking windows, or causing a nuisance, homeowners are generally entitled to cut back branches that cross their boundary, provided they do so without trespassing onto their neighbour's property. The reader should gather all evidence, seek mediation, and consider legal advice if the dispute continues.