bounds with forestry

whupdedo

Hi all, I'm wondering if their is a minimum distance that a forestry can come to within farm type buildings, theirs a forestry planted right up against my yard and sheds and the branches of the trees are touching off the back of the sheds I have in the yard, is this normal ?

And if not what can be done about it, if their was a fire, I'm sure the whole place would go up on fire, and during the big storm and while back several trees fell and came down on the top of the roof thankfully causing very minium damage

Oldtree

The forestry code of practice has a set back distance of 60m from buildings, unless agreed otherwise with the adjacent property's owner (don't think it has changed since 2000). page 13 here

https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/forestry/publications/codeofbestforestpractice/Code%20of%20Best%20Forest%20Prac%20Part%201.pdf

I do not know if the cop was in place when the trees you mention were planted. Nonethe less the tree owner is responsible under law for any damage caused by the trees to your property.

You can remove branches overhanging your property at your expense, cut at a point directly above the boundry line. You must offer the branches back to the tree owner as they are his property. This pruning cannot lead to the demise of the tree or you would be liable for the financial loss of the tree.

The tree owner could aply for a limited felling licence to create the set back of 60m.

whupdedo

Ok that's great thanks, what would be their position if I offered to buy the 60 metres all round my property ?

Oldtree

That is a complex question, as you would be partially felling a coup and the remaining neighbours tree line would be subject to windthrow. There may also be an issue of grant repayment.

Notwithstanding that if the trees you purhased are outside of 100 foot from a dwelling then you would require a felling licence.

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/treefelling/legalrequirementsfortreefelling/
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/treefelling/treefelling/

whupdedo

Thanks oldtree