The tree cut in half that became an unlikely tourist attraction

Watch: Tree becomes UK ‘tourist attraction’ after sawn in half following dispute

A tree cut in half by a pensioner couple in a bitter border row continues to be a surprise tourist attraction years after the incident.

Visitors to Sheffield have been advised to include the sliced ​​fir on their list of attractions when visiting the South Yorkshire city.

Google reviewers praised the location and described it as an “interesting” place to visit due to its unique story.

The strange story began in 2021 when 56-year-old Bharat Mistry was left devastated after Irene and Graham Lee chopped off half the branches of the 16ft tree that had stood outside their home for 25 years.

The drastic action came after a year-long dispute between Mistry and the Lees, both in their 70s, in the leafy suburb of Waterthorpe.

Mistry said the couple became upset because the birds had nested there and damaged their driveway with droppings.

Now, three years later, locals say tourists still visit the quiet cul-de-sac to get a good look at the tree.

One Google reviewer – who left a three-star rating – wrote: “Interesting tree that was cut in half due to an argument between the two neighbors.

“The story also went over the news and it was exciting to visit the location and see the news turn into real life.

“Google Street View hasn’t been updated since 10 years ago, so you can see the original tree before it was cut down.

“It’s not worth the long drive, but if you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit.”

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Neighbors said the pair had not mended their relationship since the row hit global headlines.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: “I think it’s funny. I think it was cut back because you would have thought it would have grown back by now.

“I think now it’s like a landmark. You get all the walkers to come and they all come down the street to take a look. They go up to it and take pictures.

“Even when the houses were put up for sale, they used it as a steering tool and said ‘it’s by that half of the tree.’ He’s become famous, so he might as well keep it that way now.”

Another nearby resident added: “When it first happened, people were walking down the street and driving by slowly to get a good look.

“It’s worn off a bit now, people have got used to it, but you still see people have a nose.

“I think people are just amazed that two neighbors who used to like each other fought over this and it went this far.”

“Absolutely mad”

A photo of the felled tree was submitted anonymously to Jeremy Vine’s Channel 5 TV show in June 2021 and has since become a joke on social media.

Speaking in 2021, Mistry said he was “absolutely gutted” when he was dropped.

He told how he and his family watched in horror as a team of tree surgeons hacked down their beloved tree.

He said: “We begged and begged them not to do it, but they were determined. That tree was coming down.

“I think he has the right to cut everything that’s on top of his property. But you have to ask, why after 25 years would you do that?

“It must have been no more than 3 feet on his land.”

Can I cut down my neighbor’s tree?

• As a homeowner, you have the right to cut branches or roots that extend from a neighbor’s property or a public road into your property, according to Artemis Tree Services.

• However, any work should not damage the tree or make it unstable and is only permitted if the tree is not protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or conservation area designation.

• If the tree is not protected, you can cut back any branches that reach up to the boundary line between the two properties.

• The owner of the land on which the tree originally grew owns the tree itself, even if its branches or roots encroach on the neighbor’s property.

• Under the Theft Act, you have a legal right to return any branches you cut from a tree on your neighbour’s property if they ask for it.

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