You are allowed to cut back branches that overhang into your garden, but the work must stop at the boundary. Cutting beyond that point could lead to a court claim for damaging your neighbour's property, and the trimmings legally remain theirs.
What the official guidance says
According to the UK government website, you can trim branches or roots that cross into your property from a neighbour's property or a public road, but only up to the property boundary. The site 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."
Additional restrictions apply. You must not step onto or lean over into your neighbour's garden to do the work without their express permission. The trimmings, including branches, leaves and fruit, legally remain your neighbour's property, so you should offer them back. If they refuse, you are responsible for disposing of them.
Reddit users weigh in
The issue recently resurfaced on Reddit, where a homeowner described a new property being shaded by overgrown trees at the rear boundary. "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," they wrote, adding that their neighbours had ignored requests to cut the trees themselves.
The question of whether the homeowner could cut the overhanging parts and throw the clippings back drew several answers. One user replied: "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 offered a practical warning: "You can cut overhanging branches etc. I'd offer back the clippings (as you must), but throwing them over the fence may create hostility."
Before you get started
It is strongly recommended to speak to your neighbour first to try to reach a mutual agreement. You should also contact your local council's planning department before trimming, because if the tree is protected by a tree preservation order or sits in a conservation area, pruning it without written approval is unlawful and can lead to substantial fines.
For further concerns, your local council can offer guidance, and additional information is available on the government website.
