Class 2 : Tree disputes and local government appeals

Proceedings

Proceedings under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 (the Trees Act) involve applications to the Court to:

• remedy, restrain or prevent damage or injury to any person as a consequence of a tree
• prune or remove hedges severely obstructing sunlight to a window of a house or a view from a house.

Tree disputes are heard by a commissioner of the Court, usually with specialist knowldege and expertise in these matters.

Practice and procedure

The practice and procedure for tree disputes is described in the Practice Note Class 2 Tree Applications (PDF , 245.3 KB).

Practice and procedure for Miscellaneous appeals can be found in the Practice Note Classes 1, 2 and 3 Miscellaneous Appeals (PDF , 118.7 KB).

Fast facts

In 2024, Class 2 matters represented 8% of the Court’s finalised caseload. These were mostly applications under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006.

Of these finalised tree disputes matters in 2024:

• 75% were applications concerning a tree causing damage to property or injury to a person
• 25% were applications concerning a hedge severely obstructing sunlight or views.

In 2024, 75% of tree disputes were finalised within 6 months of commencement. The median completion time was 108 days.

In 2024, at least one party was self-represented in 84% of all tree dispute matters.

Both parties represented themselves in 47% of applications concerning a tree, and 48% of applications concerning a hedge.

In 2024, 19% of tree disputes were finalised by alternative dispute resolution processes and negotiated settlement, without the need for a court hearing.