Boundary trees and hedges cause more neighbour disputes than almost anything else, and most of them run on assumptions that turn out to be wrong in both directions. People think they can lop anything that annoys them. People also think they are powerless when they are not.
This checker sets out what you may actually do, what you must not, and the one route that involves the council.
The short version
You can cut back what crosses your boundary, at your own cost, up to the boundary line and no further — as long as the tree is not protected. You cannot make your neighbour pay, cannot enter their garden, and cannot keep the cuttings without asking.
Light is different. There is no general right to light for a garden, but there is a specific statutory route for an evergreen hedge over two metres that blocks light to your home, and it ends with the council ordering it cut.
Anything dangerous is different again. The owner's duty only starts once they know there is a problem, which is exactly why you put it in writing.
Questions
Can I make my neighbour cut their tree?
Not directly. You can cut back what overhangs your boundary yourself, and you can complain to the council about a high hedge that meets the statutory test. You cannot compel general maintenance of a tree that is simply large.
Do I have to give the cuttings back?
Strictly, yes — the branches and any fruit on them belong to the tree's owner. Offer them back. Throwing them over the fence without asking is fly-tipping. In practice most neighbours tell you to keep them, and that conversation is worth having.
Does a high hedge complaint cost money?
Yes. Councils charge a fee to investigate, it varies by council, and it is not usually refunded if your complaint fails. Check the current figure on your council's page before committing, and try the informal route first — councils will reject a complaint if you have not.
What if the tree is protected?
Your right to cut back does not override a Tree Preservation Order or conservation area protection. Check first, and apply for consent if you need it.
This tool is general information for homeowners in England, not legal advice. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Councils change their processes: always confirm with yours before work starts.