How To Approach This...

[meglet]

I've just had a letter thru the door from our neighbours at the end of our garden asking that we trim the conifers that edge our property by 10ft.

I can see how these could be affecting their light, although not until right at the end of the day. The thing is I reckon this is going to cost £400-500 and right now we are frantically saving as I'm due twin boys in just over 3 months and the financial impact of that is going to be massive (all the baby stuff, 7 seater car, earlier maternity leave etc). I'm guessing they're going to want it done soon given its summer so I was thinking of suggesting they go halves.

Is this reasonable. How best should I approach them?

[Baldric]

Whose garden are the conifers in?

[meglet]

Mine.

[Baldric]

Are there any local regulations which state how high hedges should be within such and such a distance of domestic properties?

[woofgang]

I think that maybe your estimate on cost is a bit high.....
Can I suggest that you get a quote for the trees to be trimmed so you know where you are, then contact your neighbours and say that you appreciate the problem but you really cannot afford the whole cost now and suggest that if they want the job done now that they go halves with you, otherwise it will have to wait until you can afford it.

[vulcan42]

Tell them if they want it done they pay for it.

[woofgang]

btw, its not quite as easy as "they can go to the council"
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/9411/highhedgescomplaining.pdf

[gness]

In your position, Meglet I would be nice as pie....tell them you are saving up to have them done but can't afford it yet.....but you are prepared to half the cost with them if they are agreeable..and it helps them.

If they aren't say you understand their position and will get them done as soon as you can afford it.

My neighbours have huge conifers...they told me they are thinking of having them out.....I nearly wept...I love the darkness and the shade they give me.....we're all different aren't we?

But if money is an issue don't be pressured...you have enough to think about....twin boys!....Lovely.....x

[Peter Pedant]

thx woofie for the pdf
fascinating

[meglet]

Thanks the answers and the link is very interesting.

This is the first contact I've had from them. I've used a rough guide of £100 per tree but maybe that's high. I don't wish to be unreasonable.

[mikey4444]

Explain to them that you can't afford the expenditure at the present time and leave it at that.

[thesecondlaw]

Meglet, some conifers grow at an alarming rate. Who's to say they won't be asking you to do it every year?

[Maydup]

If the trees need trimimg by 10ft they are probably a bit overwhelming for the neighbours. As you can see how it is affecting their light, and they have had to write you a letter, I doubt there is much to be gained from putting this off any longer. I suggest you pop round and have a chat with them.

Unfortunately these trees are your responsibility and they do not have to be sympathetic toward your financial situation, but your pregnancy will be quite obvious to them if they see you in person. Be bright, smiley and as friendly as you can and see if you can negotiate a contribution. Sadly if they don't bite, you will have to pay. Get a few quotes and expect to pay about £250 for the job.

Whatever you do, don't let it go any further as it will be stressful; you will fall out with the neighbour and the council will be after you for costs.

[ladybirder]

You sound a very reasonable person meglet and I think your suggestion in your OP will be fine. I hope they are reasonable people as well. Good luck.

[jourdain2]

If they are only 10ft high then I don't see a problem really. If they want them cutting by 10ft then it implies that they really are too big.

Case 1 - have you a hedge-trimmer? (They are not expensive.) If so, problem solved with an hour's work. Your neighbours are being nice to you, by the way so involve them.

Case 2 - I don't know how tall the hedge is - if it is 30ft or so it is a bit more difficult and you need to talk to neighbours about what they will accept as reasonable. Perhaps they may agree to take a bit of the cost.
I think the figures you quoted are sky-high (unless the conifers are also that tall).

You may have to rough-it (like most of us did) with the baby stuff for a while. Most new parents do seem to think that a lot of unnecessary things can be done without. Why a 7-seater car? I know I'm coming from an earlier age, but it really is amazing what you don't need. You should already have enough nappies (I'm assuming from the car reference that you are not first-timers).... If you used easy, disposable nappies then that was your choice. People used to sleep babies in drawers you know - one of my husbands started life like that. They survived.

Aapproach your neighbours nicely, in other words. :)

[jourdain2]

^^^ 'can't be done without' grrrr

[bednobs]

hope you realise meglet that you SHOULD already have nappies, and really it's your own silly fault if you used disposables lol

[Bathsheba]

:-o

[sherrardk]

Mmmm, tricky - cut down some trees or have beds for your babies. No brainer really!