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Tree Surgery

Neighbour wants me to remove my tree in case it damages his drain. Is this likely?

Anonymous user 28/02/2024 - 3.06 PM

We planted a tree by our fence a few years ago. It is a lovely tree but grows very fast. Our neighbour doesn't like it overhanging and has cut all the branches off on his side which is fine and his choice. He now is saying that his builder has told him that the tree will ruin his drain that is on the other side of the fence. We didn't know he had a drain on his side at that point. It is not a sewer. He now says he wants us to remove our tree. We are happy to prune the tree down by 1/3 and keep it maintained but are not keen to remove it entirely. How likely is it to damage his drain (assuming his drain is in good repair to start with which he should check really)? His drain will be about 16 years old so should be a modern construction. Thanks for your advice.

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6 Answers

Anonymous user

Hi, to be honest your best way around the situation is to get a drain engineer around to have a look also, depending on how far the drain is from the tree it is likely it could cause problems with the drain it's not one of those things you can answer without seeing the situation, with the tree only being a couple of years old, I would doubt it. Regards dennis

Answered20 August 2014

A&J Surveyors Ltd

Rating: 5 out of 5

Newent

What type of tree is it, some cause more damage than others. He cannot make you remove it, but he is your neighbour and I find piece and calmer are an ideal situation. Perhaps you could put it in a large pot?

Answered29 November 2014

Anonymous user

hi with out doing a survey on your tree and your neighbours drains its very unlikely i have been doing drains fro long time and have onley cum across this 2 times and if that was the case your neighbours drains would block up and back up in to the man hole kind regards ronnie

Answered23 July 2015

Anonymous user

hi if the tree is growing close to the drain and is a big tree example (oak) its more than likely to cause damage by the roots (over time). if your tree is only a few years old I would say no it wont be doing any damage to the drain. but for peace of mind get a tree surgeon and have your neighbour present while they carry out a survey on the tree. hope this helps. best of luck max

Answered20 August 2015

Anonymous user

Hi, It depends on the species as some species have deep roots others have shallow roots with a wide spread. Some species such as Willows are particularly bad to have near houses whilst some like Cherries do not cause as many problems. There are other factors to consider too with all trees near dwellings such as dropping branches, leaves clogging guttering and such. At the end of the day, it is your tree and he cannot force you to remove it. I would always recommend that if in doubt consult a reputable Tree Surgeon with relevant qualifications and insurance for advice. Thanks, Emma

Answered29 July 2016

Mckane Tree Services LTD

Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Birmingham

It’s worth getting an inspection done, we have had job in the past where large oaks and beech trees have broken into the drainage system. Smaller trees (depending on the species) are less likely to cause this kind of damage but to be 100% sure before you take any action get your neighbour to have an independent inspection. This should leave you better informed and give you a better idea on what to do. Hope this helps, plenty of options if the tree needs to be removed, you could replant with a less damaging species etc Nathan

Answered20 January 2024