What If My Neighbour’s Tree Is Overhanging My Fence?

When Trees Cross the Line

It starts with a quiet rustle outside. You step into your backyard in Western Sydney and notice a neighbour’s tree has slowly begun to spread its branches over your fence. A few leaves may not seem like much at first, but what happens when those limbs become heavy, pose a danger, or start blocking sunlight?

Overhanging branches can cause real concern – from potential property damage to disputes about whose responsibility it is. Let’s calmly walk through what you can do and how GDE Tree Services can help with professional tree removal in Western Sydney.

Understanding Your Rights in Western Sydney

In NSW, the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 helps homeowners navigate these situations. According to this legislation, you are allowed to trim branches that cross into your property — but only up to the boundary line. However, you can’t just remove or damage the tree itself without permission, especially if it's a protected species.

It's always best to:

Talk to your neighbour first. They might be unaware their tree is overhanging.
Check local council rules. Some trees are protected and need approval to be pruned or removed.

You can find more about these legalities at the Land and Environment Court of NSW.

Why Professional Help Is Often the Best Step

You might be tempted to handle it yourself, especially if it looks like a quick snip job. But tree work can be dangerous and regulated. Engaging a qualified arborist in Western Sydney ensures you stay safe and compliant with local rules.

At GDE Tree Services, our certified team offers:

Whether it’s a leafy branch hanging over your deck or a huge gumtree leaning dangerously, we’ve got the right equipment, skills, and attitude to handle it safely and respectfully.

A Calm, Respectful Approach to Neighbour Disputes

Imagine your neighbour, an elderly couple who’ve lived in the house for decades, being surprised by a formal complaint. It’s always worth trying a friendly conversation before escalating matters. Let them know about the tree’s reach, how it’s affecting your space, and see if they’d be open to a joint solution.

If you both agree, we can even visit the site together, offering guidance on what's best for the tree and both properties.

If no agreement is reached, you can seek mediation through local councils or the Land and Environment Court, especially if the overhanging branches pose a risk.

Our Eco-Friendly Promise

At GDE Tree Services, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We’re not just here to cut and clear — we’re here to protect the green beauty of Western Sydney.

Here’s how we practice responsible tree management:

Tree maintenance services Western Sydney with minimal disruption to native ecosystems.
Mulching and recycling green waste instead of landfill dumping.
Advising on when to call an arborist in Western Sydney instead of rushing to remove.

Sometimes, trimming or careful pruning can save a tree while also solving the issue.

When Should You Act?

Sometimes you’ll need to move quickly. Here are a few signs it’s time to contact the professionals:

Cracks in your fence or roof from falling limbs.
Tree limbs hanging over your pool, carport, or power lines.
Your neighbour is away or not maintaining the tree.
You notice pests or diseases affecting the branches (which can spread quickly).

We provide urgent tree removal Western Sydney for exactly these scenarios. Don’t wait for the next storm to push a weak branch into your roof.

Cost Matters: How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Western Sydney?

One of the most common questions we get is, “How much does tree removal cost in Western Sydney?” The answer depends on:

Tree size and location
Accessibility (e.g., can machinery reach it?)
Whether stump removal is needed

At GDE Tree Services, we pride ourselves on affordable tree removal Western Sydney locals can count on. We’ll provide a no-pressure, transparent quote tailored to your needs.

DIY vs Professional Tree Services

Some residents consider tackling tree lopping themselves. While trimming a small hedge might be fine, lopping or cutting a mature tree is risky.

Climbing high branches without the right harness? Dangerous.
Not knowing which branches are safe to cut? Risky.
Getting fined for removing a protected tree? Expensive.

Let our Western Sydney arborist team take the stress out of the job with the best tree removal services in Western Sydney. We’ve got the insurance, tools, training, and respect for local regulations to do the job right the first time.

Call GDE Tree Services Today

Whether you need backyard tree removal Western Sydney, Western Sydney stump grinding services, or just want advice on how to manage an overhanging tree, we’re here to help. Let us provide the clarity and confidence you need to move forward with care.

📞 Call us today on (07) 3910 3439
📧 Or reach out online via our contact form

Let’s work together to keep your property — and neighbourhood relationships — safe and thriving.

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