Updating post from Reddit.
Message from the landlord today, a photo sent to her from a neighbour saying the tree has been allowed to grow too large in the 18 months I have lived here and the roots are pushing up the adjoining paving slabs (the ones in the courtyard I think) and asked for us to get the tree removed.
It's like a 3-three trunk, over two stories high large tree beyond home trimming, let alone removal.
Surely this is in no way the renters remit? Or should I just get it done, since they clearly gave me permission to do so? (I happen to know a tree surgeon)
I'd be pushing that one back on the landlord, unless your contract explicitly says you are responsible for all aspects of the tree - removal goes well beyond routine maintenance.
It's not something you want to commission yourself, for liability reasons, or pay for yourself, for a couple of thousand reasons.
We've just had about 7' taken off the top of a standalone tree, and a bit of branch thinning.
£780 - cheapest quote too
That tree was there well before you moved in and is too big to fall under maintenance of the garden... Ask them politely to deal with it themselves.
If you know a guy in the trade, perhaps get a quote to send along to the landlord. That shit is not for you to deal with though.
Dear Landlord, here are the contact details for my tree surgeon friend, he is more than happy to provide you with a quote and is expecting your call.
That's where your involvement begins and ends
👏
Get a cost from your mate and pass to the landlord
Say you will arrange access etc
Renters remit FFS, just tell them it’s not your responsibility- this is not a Reddit moment.
Landlords problem whatever.
Where I come from simply felling a mature tree in your garden is not possible.
At the very least your landlord will have a brush with officialdom which will escalate to very bad news arriving in brown envelopes.
Landlord here. That's the landlord's problem, not yours.
Not your responsibility whatsoever. Landlords problem. My suggestion is not to get involved.
I would simply reply with "no".
What does your contract say?
Contract says "keep garden tidy and cut grass regularly, but you do not have to improve the garden"
Already composed a "I'll help by being here and I may know someone who can get a good price"
I think the message was her just chancing her luck.
Without knowing more, could they conceivably say that the growth of the tree in 18 months should have been addressed by you, as part of keeping the place tidy?
That was my concern. It's no taller now than when I moved in, but the contract doesn't mention anything more thn grass cutting and keeping it tidy. Lopping bits of a two story tree seems well out of scope.
I've sent her a "I'll be helpful and accommodating and may even link you up with a tree-surgeon, but this is your bag" message.
It is the landlords problem unless it's care and any necessary removal is somehow in your Contract
The other issue is what of you cut it back more than he wanted. Minefield. Don’t touch
You don't have to pay for anything as a renter. Chancer lol just say would you like me to get a quote and send you the details
Existing tree removal is not the burden of the tenant
Landlord is trying a fast one
Helping her get a quote? Lol this is completely not your problem
Clarification - he's asked you to have a tree removed from HIS front garden
Tell landlord you don’t feel comfortable dealing with their tree in their garden. You’re happy to allow access for a professional they can arrange. Maybe invite them to come and have a look themselves. Don’t offer up your friend as that could rope you in and it’s just not worth it.
100% not your problem. Seems like an odd request of a tenant tbh. They either have no idea or they’re chancing their luck. Either way I wouldn’t get involved.
The landlord is clueless and/or insane.
What were you supposed to do? Shave off each month's growth?
Removing it seems excessive when removing the encroaching roots and putting in a membrane on the boundary line ought to prevent further incursion/damage. Albeit, this is all the landlord's responsibility. Depending on the tree's location, you may miss the privacy, and/or shade it provides, but in any event, it sounds like a magnificent tree so the council may give it a TPO if you apply.
Landlord's house, landlord's tree, landlord's maintenance problem.
Mowing the lawn is one thing, tree maintenance is something that is, or should be, the landlord's responsibility.
Don’t do anything. Just ingnore it
I'm not sure you could, even if you wanted to... Removing a tree can require getting all kinds of permissions, depending on where you are, and you may need to be the owner to fill in the forms.