Robbie William’s mouldy maple tree sheds light on the UK’s neighbourhood wars, says legal expert

Robbie Williams’ recent victory in a legal dispute to remove a tree on his property sheds light on a growing issue in urban neighbourhoods: boundary disputes and tree ownership rights.

Boundary experts at Higgs LLP provide insight into the complexities of such conflicts and advice for homeowners, naming the worst areas in the UK for neighbour wars.

Nyree Applegarth, head of property litigation at Higgs LLP, comments:

“Robbie Williams has successfully resolved what has been described as a bitter dispute with his neighbours over his request to fell a maple tree. The council deemed the removal acceptable due to the presence of Honey Fungus, which posed a significant risk to the tree’s health and safety. Such conflicts, while high-profile in this instance, are far actually very common. You’d be surprised by how attached people get to hedges, trees, and fences—these can hold surprising sentimental and practical value. Whether it’s erecting or removing them, these changes frequently spark strong emotions.”

“London’s popularity, limited space, and high property prices inevitably heighten neighbourly tensions. With the city’s population continuing to grow, homeowners are becoming increasingly protective of their boundaries, leading to disputes over property lines, trees, and other shared resources.

“In Robbie Williams’ case, his home is in Holland Park, near Kensington High Street, one of the most exclusive areas in the UK, where properties average £28.8 million [1]. At this level of investment, it’s understandable that residents feel strongly about how the neighbourhood looks and what changes are made. The removal of a large tree can cause significant disruption, something homeowners spending millions may wish to avoid—and sometimes can. However, in this instance, the council’s assessment of the tree’s poor health made its removal a practical and necessary decision.”