Dear Sven,

My neighbour has removed a large number of lower branches from my Silver Birch tree. Now the tree only has an odd shaped crown. This is a mature tree. Are these branches likely to regenerate?

Thanks for your advice,

Fiona C.

Our Garden Expert replies:

Hi Fiona

The problem of overhanging branches in neighbouring gardens is very common, and many a decent shrub or tree is mutilated by over zealous neighbours and their loppers. The law is a little odd when it comes to such things and unless things have changed recently, neighbours can cut back anything that overhangs their garden (unless protected by a Tree protection order TPO). But bizarrely enough the cuttings are still your property and should be returned by the neighbour to you for disposal.

With regards to your Birch I am afraid that seeing as the tree is mature any major limbs that are removed will leave gaping holes in the canopy. New growth will possibly fill the gaps but this will take a good few years and the neighbour will more than likely just hack it off again.

Good luck.

Sven