A tree’s roots can belong to more ground than its owner’s plans acknowledge.

Ownership lines are drawn on the surface, and living things ignore them. Roots run under fences, into next door’s drains, across the boundary the deeds describe, and the tree is one fact spread over ground belonging to several people. Most disputes of this kind begin with each person being entirely correct about their own patch. What you own and what you affect are different areas.

Before making a change at the edge of what is yours, ask who else it reaches. Tell the neighbour before the work rather than after it. A short conversation early is cheaper than a long one later.