A young woman was left seething after her interfering neighbour snuck into her garden and started trying to chop down her apple tree.
The 23-year-old she and her partner recently bought their first home together, after falling in love with the large back garden and in particular the huge apple tree she estimates to be around 70 to 80 years old.
On moving-in day, however, it became abundantly clear that their next-door neighbour didn't care for the tree at all. The neighbour, who is said to be in their fifties, asked if they could chop down the overhang that was hanging over their side of the fence.
The woman agreed, but advised that it wasn't the right time of year and that they'd get to it closer to autumn. Little did she know at the time that her neighbour would soon take matters into their own hands.
Taking to Reddit, the anonymous homeowner wrote: "We agreed but told them it's not the right time of year to cut branches off trees and we'd handle it close to autumn when you're meant to.
"In the meantime, if they wanted to cut any that were causing problems for them they could as I know that by law in the UK, you can cut a neighbour's tree if it hangs into your garden but only what hangs into the garden and only from your own side of the fence.
"They pestered us a few times in the now eight weeks we lived here asking when we're going to sort it but we've told them many times that it's not our top priority (the house needs a rewire and a new kitchen)."
This past weekend, the couple went away on a trip with her family, and ended up receiving a security camera notification alerting them to motion detected in their back garden.
She continued: "When we looked they'd let themselves into our garden with a saw and a ladder to try and cut it down. Thankfully our camera has a microphone so we told them off over the camera and they ran off pretty quick but we got back today and they have managed to cut off another branch (which was not an overhanging one)
"We're not sure what to do from here so would love some advice if anyone has had a similar situation."
Reaching out to fellow Reddit users for advice, she went on to clarify that they ended up calling the non-emergency police line, where they were informed that this "was a civil matter and not a criminal offence".
One person commented: "They are not going to stop! If you go away again, they'll try again. You need to take some kind of legal action to let them know you are very serious about not taking the tree down.
"Repeatedly asking about it is a form of bullying, but then going into your yard and cutting off a branch is destruction of your property. Maybe a lawyer can write a letter to them, addressing the situation. Some people try to take advantage of young people and this may be part of their problem."
Another suggested: "Your neighbour knew damn well that you weren't home. I'd go talk with them and let them know that they're absolutely not allowed on your property without your permission and with you present.
"Tell them that you're going to press charges for trespassing if they pull anything like this again. They're not taking you seriously and they need to be set straight. They're probably thinking that you're young so you don't know your rights and you'll be pushovers. Don't let them get away with it."
According to Nuisance Neighbours, an advice website run by lawyers, the first step to take when you believe your neighbour is trespassing in your garden is to report them to the police or council.
The site says: "Firstly, you can file a complaint with the council or police, who can investigate the matter and take appropriate action. This can include issuing a warning to the trespasser or imposing a fine. You should only contact the police if you feel the neighbour is going to cause damage or harm.
"If the trespassing persists, you may be able to obtain a restraining order or an injunction, which is a court order that prohibits the individual from entering your land or property."
Do you have a neighbour-related story to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
