Tree growth beyond the property boundary

Could the vegetation on your property be a nuisance to others? Now is the right time for tree and shrub pruning. We all want to be able to get about on pavements, footpaths and the town's streets without being harmed by tree branches growing out of gardens, whether we are walking, running, cycling or driving. Tree growth that extends beyond the property boundary can create an inconvenience and even a hazard for pedestrians and motorists.

What needs to be borne in mind is that:

• Traffic signs must be visible
• Vegetation must not obstruct street lighting
• Pedestrians and cyclists should have free passage on footpaths.
• As mechanical sweepers and snowploughs operate, the minimum height of vegetation over paths must be no less than 2.8 metres.
• Vegetation over motorways must not exceed 4.2 metres in height, and this height restriction also applies where refuse lorries, fire engines and ambulances need to access a kerb or path.

Tree growth is to be kept within the plot boundaries.

Building regulations places the obligation on garden owners to keep vegetation within the property boundaries. In Regulation No. 112/2012, section 7.2.2, it states: „The occupier of a plot is obliged to keep the growth of trees or shrubs on the plot within the boundaries of the plot. If the landowner fails to do so, and where the growth of trees or shrubs extends beyond the boundary onto a street, pavement or open space, the highway authority or the manager of the area is authorised to remove the part that causes a nuisance or is unsightly, at the landowner's expense, following prior notice.

Landowners are encouraged to trim their trees at the property boundary where appropriate, so that everyone can pass safely and without obstruction. There have been instances of trees obscuring traffic signs, street names and even street lighting.

We encourage landowners to ensure this is okay.