Poisonous Damson Fruits Falling Into My Garden

[notlynx]

Neighbouring house, currently let, has 22 ft.damson tree which showers fruits into my garden. The stones, containing cyanide, are a danger to my dog as he will eat them, and I have to try to find them amongst my shrubs and flower beds before he does! I’m nearly 80 years old and can well do without having to do this. It it right that the owners of the property should allow this tree to grow so tall that it causes this problem?

[smurfchops]

Could the Council help? Worth a call. Or you may be able to get the branches on your side cut off.

[barry1010]

Does your dog crunch the stones or swallow them whole? Is he a big dog? Has he suffered from the effects of eating fruit stones before?
It is not the height of the tree that is the problem but the overhanging branches. You have the right to cut these back to your boundary but must give the branches back.
If you know who owns the property you could write and ask him to either cut the entire tree down or trim the branches that are trespassing over your garden, explaining your reason for wanting it dealt with.
If he refuses, do it yourself or tell him you will employ someone to do it and send him the bill.

[jenifferjerry]

According to Damson plum tree information, fresh Damson plums (Prunus insititia) are bitter and unpleasant, so Damson plum trees aren’t recommended if you want to eat sweet, juicy fruit straight off the tree. However, when it comes to jams, jellies and sauces, Damson plums are pure perfection.

[Gizmonster]

Speak your neighbour about cutting the tree back to your boundary.

https://www.gov.uk/how-to-resolve-neighbour-disputes/high-hedges-trees-and-boundaries

If you have no joy from your neighbour, then according to the following link, the council won't intervene over single trees/shrubs (see note 5):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/high-hedges-complaining-to-the-council/high-hedges-complaining-to-the-council

..... but remember you are legally entitled to cut the tree back to the boundary line.

[davebro]

I love damsons - could you spread a net to catch the fruit so you could collect them & your dog cant get at them?

[Old_Geezer]

While I have no legal expertise I am aware you are entitled to trim back to your boundary and return the cuttings: but I'd have major doubts that you could charge for doing so, regardless whether you did it yourself or paid someone else to do so.

[bhg481]

Just to be pedantic, if you trim up to the boundary you have to OFFER to return the cuttings to the neighbour. Just chucking them over the fence could be classed as fly-tipping even though the wood came from his tree.

[bednobs]

i think the net idea sounds like a good one

[Khandro]

Free damsons sounds like gift to me. I didn't know dogs ate damson stones, but it would have to eat a lot (& chew them) to do harm.

[maggiebee]

We had damson trees in our garden when I was growing up. We also had dogs and, to my knowledge, never had any problems. My mum made wonderful damson jelly.

[Chipchopper]

If its any help, fox's eat damsons without any harm in my garden, they just poop out the pips.

[Khandro]

Chip; Yes & it's the same with apple pips, they too contain arsenic, but pass through the body, unless chewed, undigested.

[barry1010]

My dog also eat fruit stones and pips without suffering ill effects but the worry that it could cause harm can be stressful.