Tree Myths and Neighbourly Nuisances: An Arborist's Guide
Trees are a wonderful feature of our homes and landscapes, providing shade, privacy, and a connection to nature. But they can also be a source of questions and, sometimes, concern. As arboricultural consultants, we often hear the same worries from homeowners and property managers.
Is that ivy strangling my favourite oak? Is my neighbour's sycamore going to cause damage?
Today, we are tackling some of the most common topics we encounter: the role of ivy, the issue of overhanging branches, and the safety of hollow trees.
Myth: Ivy Kills Healthy Trees 🌳
This is perhaps the most persistent myth in arboriculture. The sight of a tree trunk covered in ivy often leads people to believe the ivy is a parasite, "strangling" the tree or stealing its nutrients.
The Fact: In most cases, ivy does not harm a healthy tree. Ivy is not a parasite; it has its own root system in the ground and simply uses the tree's trunk as a support to climb towards the light. It doesn't penetrate the bark or steal water and nutrients.
The control of climbing plants like ivy should not be a routine aspect of tree maintenance. In fact, it provides significant wildlife habitat. However, there are specific situations where management may be necessary:
It obscures defects: A dense covering of ivy can make it impossible to carry out a thorough visual inspection of a tree's trunk, potentially hiding serious structural issues.
It adds weight and wind resistance: On an old or structurally compromised tree, a very heavy ivy crown can increase the "sail area," making it more susceptible to wind damage.
It can smother the tree: If a tree is already old, in decline, or small, a vigorous ivy can sometimes grow so densely that it out-competes the tree's own leaves for light.
Our Advice: For most healthy, mature trees, ivy is a harmless companion. If you have an older tree or are concerned about its structural condition, it's sensible to have the ivy removed from the main trunk to allow for a proper inspection.
Question: My Neighbour's Tree is Overhanging My Garden. What Can I Do? 🏡
This is an incredibly common issue that can cause friction between neighbours. A branch might be blocking light, dropping leaves into your gutters, or you may simply be worried about its size.
The Law: Under common law, you have the right to prune back any branches or roots that cross the boundary into your property. This is known as the "right of abatement."
However, there are crucial points to consider before you start sawing:
Talk to Your Neighbour First: This should always be your first step. It is polite, helps maintain good relations, and your neighbour may not even be aware of the issue. They might offer to do the work themselves.
You Can Only Prune to the Boundary: You must not lean into your neighbour's airspace to cut back the branches further than the boundary line. All the work must be done from your side of the property.
The Clippings Belong to Your Neighbour: Legally, the branches, leaves, and any fruit on them remain the property of the tree owner. You should offer to return them. This law dates from a time when wood and other arisings were valuable commodities. While most neighbours today won't want a pile of branches, making the offer is the correct legal step. If they decline, you are then responsible for disposing of the waste.
Do Not Cause Unnecessary Damage: Your right is to 'abate the nuisance', not to harm the tree. Excessive or poor-quality pruning that damages the tree or affects its stability could be seen as damage to your neighbour's property, potentially leaving you liable. Any pruning should be kept to the minimum required to achieve the objective. All tree work should be performed to a professional standard, as outlined in BS 3998:2010 Tree Work – Recommendations, to ensure the cuts are clean and the tree's long-term health is not compromised.
Check for Legal Protections: Crucially, before any work is done, you must check if the tree is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or is located within a Conservation Area. If it is, you or your neighbour will need to get formal consent from the local planning authority before starting any work. Failure to do so can lead to substantial penalties.
Our Advice: Always communicate with your neighbour before taking any action. If significant work is required, or if you are unsure about the tree's health or legal status, getting professional advice is essential. A qualified arborist can ensure the work is done correctly, maintaining the tree's health and complying with all legal requirements.
Myth: A Hollow Tree is Unsafe and Needs to be Felled
Seeing a large cavity or hollow in a tree trunk can be alarming, leading many to believe the tree is rotten and unstable.
The Fact: A hollow tree can be perfectly healthy and structurally strong. Trees are not like solid, man-made structures. The most important parts for structural strength and life support are the outer layers of wood (the sapwood).
Natural Ageing: Hollowing is a natural part of the ageing process for many tree species.
Compartmentalisation: Trees have a highly developed capacity to form barrier zones to "wall off" decay, preventing it from spreading into healthy wood.
Adaptive Growth: A tree will often lay down new, stronger wood in response to internal hollowing, compensating for any loss of strength.
Habitat Value: Cavities and decaying wood provide essential habitats for a huge range of wildlife, including protected species like bats and various rare invertebrates.
Filling cavities with concrete or other materials is an outdated practice that does not improve the tree's structural integrity and can hamper future inspection and reduce its habitat value. The key is not if a tree is hollow, but how much sound, functional wood remains.
Our Advice: Never assume a hollow tree is dangerous. It requires a professional assessment from a qualified arborist who can evaluate the tree's overall health, vitality, and structural integrity before any decisions are made.
Unsure About Your Trees?
While these are some of the most common queries, every tree and situation is unique. Understanding trees is key to managing them effectively and living alongside them safely.
If you have concerns about a tree's health, its safety, or your legal obligations, a professional Tree Condition Survey provides the clarity and peace of mind you need.
For intelligent tree solutions and expert advice you can trust, contact Canopy IQ today.
