Aus gardener reveals secret to winning neighbour’s tree war

An Aussie expert has revealed the solutions to common neighbourhood disputes over encroaching branches and the persistent issue of leaves clogging gutters.

As many residents face the challenge of managing rogue branches that extend across property lines, one man says his advice will address these issues and restore harmony in neighbourhoods.

In our increasingly packed Aussie cities, tree-related tensions are sprouting like weeds.

But before you grab the chainsaw and declare all-out war, a Sydney gardener has some sage advice: know your rights, and for goodness sake, don’t chuck the branches back.

Warren Yaghmour, a green-thumbed veteran of countless neighbourly skirmishes, has taken to TikTok to share his views on how to deal with ‘nightmare’ garden issue.

His top advice; knowing how to navigating the council’s leafy legal labyrinth is the key to a peaceful resolution.

“You’ve got to find out every single suburb’s council, and then go through their list and see what you’re allowed to do and what not,” he explained.

“Different species of trees require different assessments, and sometimes you’re allowed to trim big branches and sometimes not.”

Gardener Warren Yaghmour is urging Aussies to do one thing when it comes to overhanging branches. Source: TikTok/true.blue.tree.lo

Think of it as your own personal tree-law crash course.

While deciphering council regulations might sound about as appealing as weeding the entire backyard, Warren insists it’s worth the effort.

Knowing which species can be pruned, and at what height, will save you a world of pain (and potentially a hefty fine).

He’s even been caught in the crossfire of some seriously heated disputes, some so intense he’s had to dial triple-0.

Another Sydney gardener, Nathan Stafford, can also attest to the prickly nature of these conflicts, having once filmed a bloke yelling at him during a job.

So, what’s behind all this leafy lunacy?

Warren reckons it’s a sign of our increasingly cramped urban lifestyle.

“Everyone’s living on top of each other,” he said.

“Everything’s tight and bunched up.”

… and that’s checking your councils bylaws. Source: TikTok/true.blue.tree.lo

Add to that the potential for damaged fences, blocked gutters, and sleepless nights, and it’s no wonder tensions can reach boiling point.

But before you resort to drastic measures, Warren has a simple plea: “Don’t chuck the branches back over is definitely the first rule of thumb. That will just get you in all sorts of a mess.”

It’s like throwing petrol on a bonfire – guaranteed to escalate the situation.

Instead, he suggests calling in the professionals.

Arborists and experienced gardeners can ensure you’re playing by the council’s rules and that the tree’s health isn’t compromised.

After all, a poorly pruned tree is a recipe for disaster, inviting infections, diseases, and unwanted pests.

Overhanging branches can be a real pain but there are do’s and don’t when it comes to cutting them down.

Mr Yaghmour TikTok account @true.blue.tree.lo has been flooded with comments with followers divided on the issue.

“They (neighbours) should maintain their tree’s! I always throw the clippings back. Why should I have to bin it! Not to mention the fence is buckled too,” one person commented.

Another wrote: “I’m spending $3k on over hanging branches next week. Not happy. Careful where you chose to live,” while a third commented “Council should worry about more important things, not which branch or tree to cut. My property, what ever is over my boundary and is in my way is going.”

Tree disputes between neighbour’s: A common trend

Incidents involving residents getting caught up in arguments with neighbours about overhanging trees are more common then you may think.

In 2023, Queensland retiree Jocelyn Mickan made headlines when she revealed that despite a two years-long attempt, she was still no closer to having her neighbour’s protruding trees removed from her property.

The pensioner explained that due to her age, she was no longer able to climb a ladder and trim the trees and did not believe that it should be her responsibility to do so in the first place.

A disagreement over a neighbour’s overhanging branches ended in action by this man in Florida. Source: TikTok

The overhanging foliage created a significant amount of mess that required regular tidying, unwanted shade and clogged gutters.

Mickan’s attempts to peacefully resolve the matter with her neighbour failed.

In 2022, a neighbourhood spat in the US also came to boiling point when a keen green thumb with a self-titled “passion for lawn care” shared his revenge in a video posted to TikTok.

“Neighbour’s tree keeps hanging over my fence,” his caption on the clip read.

“I’ve asked nicely … I’ll do it myself.”

In the footage, the homeowner can be seen cutting a sugarcane tree on his neighbour’s property.

In the 30-second video, he is filmed hacking off branches that lean over his side of the fence before snipping off several leaves.

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