There’s a tree on council property 25ft from my back door which has grown too big for the surrounding houses. The council said it would need to come down nearly three years ago, but they keep telling me there’s no money in the budget. I need to know what the legal position is to get the council to remove it.
If the tree is just putting your garden in the shade the council is probably under no obligation to remove it. If the branches overhang your property you can probably force the council to cut them back, or cut them back yourself. But if the tree is in a dangerous condition or makes the main living areas of your house constantly dark there may be steps you can take: a solicitor will advise. Check the roots are not causing any damage to your property.