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These pictures show the impact of Lawson Cypress trees upon a residence.At over
8 metres in height, they have simply outgrown their site in close
proximity to the north boundary wall and house. This is a typical example of
amenity trees planted some thirty years ago, having been allowed to grow unchecked
with disastrous consequencies.
- With their trunks growing less that a metre from the common boundary wall
and around two metres from the house wall, they affect the house and living
environment to a far greater extent than they do the hedge owner's house
seen at the end of his drive.
- Against the height of the house (4.8 metres), the 8 metre trees tower
over the building and obstruct light to two rooms.
- The rear garden and north east corner of the house are increasingly dominated
by funereal growth equivalent in height to a two storey building. Such a building
or wall would never get planning permission.
- On this bright sunny day it is virtually impossible to see the two windows
which are now enveloped by the hedge.
- Before abatement to the boundary, the lower branches touched the side of the
house and windows. They will soon reach over the roof above simple abatement
reach.
- The view from the bedroom/study window is entirely filled by the trees which
have recently merged into a solid hedge. In winter, the measured light level at
noon on a bright day is around 1 lux. In summer maximum illumination is around
5 lux. This progressive loss of light with tree growth means that anyone using
the rooms must switch on the lights even in the sunniest of mid summer days. In
winter months the bedroom study is a twilight zone.
- External drain walls are collapsing.
- The boundary wall is cracked due to ground subsidence in the region of
the trees where house drains exist.
- The property value is depressed by the problems caused by the trees and
the incurred subsidence damage.
The hedge owner dismissed concerns of the affected house owner and refused to visit
to see the impact of his hedge. Local Authority officials were appalled by his
response but could not intervene there being no available statutes. This case
has played an important part in launching
the campaign for a Scottish High Hedges Bill.
Such a response can only be addressed by arbitration by a third party backed
with the authority to enforce a fair solution based upon sensible judgement.
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