How can I kill a tree ?

The non politically correct answer is get a combi drill with a 15mm spade bit and drill several holes and pour in neat round up or any glyphosate based weed killer. Preferably drill the holes where they can't be seen so roots or above eye level. You may need o do this a coupe of times. http://www.gardensandlandscapes.co.uk

ok, first of all, you need to play by the rule of law! first, you own all the area from the fence line, meaning that you can trim any part of that tree that grows over your fence line. Second, if that tree is damaging your fence, and I'd check where the property line runs first to see who indeed owns the fence, if it turns out that it is on your property, I would send them a registered letter letting them know that the tree needs to be removed due to damage it is doing, then take them to court, but they need to be put on notice first. If the fence is on his property line, I would trim anything off that crosses over onto my area. don't kill anything on his side of the fence as that puts you in legal harms way. Have you thought of putting your own fence up that can't be reached over? best of luck to you my friend.

It depends on what kind of tree it is. Obviously drilling a hole in it and sealing tree poison in the hole will kill it, which is what arborists do. But some trees also hate having their roots wet so overwatering may kill it. Certain nutrients in excess also kill some trees, so depending on what it is, treating with the wrong kind of fertiliser may kill it. In some places, killing a tree is against the law though, and also probably illegal since it is causing damage to property that's not yours. I'd contact your local authority first to find out what the options are, you may be allowed to cut off the branches that overhang your yard. EDIT: Probably the safest option from a legal standpoint is remove all of the tree (above and below the ground) that's on your side of the fence. Dig a big hole straight down from the fence line and remove all roots you find, and cut off all the overhanging branches. Fig trees like water so overwatering won't help, but leaving an open hole with exposed roots for a while won't make it happy. Excess nitrogen in the soil will stop it from fruiting, but not kill it.

You do not mention the country you live in and the law will be specific to country, state or region, but generally killing the tree will be illegal. Do not do it as in the end you will be the one committing an offence and could be suffering much more as a consequence. You lose your defence of annoyance and theft the moment you become the perpetrator. And the law generally do not like it when their domain is taken in hand by individuals, regardless the prior circumstances. The tree is theirs, so is the fruit growing on the tree, even if on your side of the fence. However, technically the tree is trespassing onto your property (as you rightly state in your question) and while the law will protect you if you cut the tree and roots on the line of the property as registered in the land registry, you must take care to throw every piece of root, branch and fruit back into their property. Bizarre as they may sound, in many parts of the world, without your neighbour’s written permission to remove the pruning to the dump will be seen as criminal as it remain their property. Best to give the neighbours notice of your displeasure and that if they do not do anything about this, that you will be doing it yourself and provide a timeline, ie within two week etc. Inform them that as the resultant waste pruning will by law be returned to their property. Start by seeing your own lawyers specializing in property law, regardless of what is contained in this response: Local, regional and state or country law differs and specific bylaws may also have an impact and you should be aware of it before you do anything. This is a social forum, not a legal forum and hence lacks the authority and accountability - including this response. Suggestion subject to legal advice: Start by sending your neighbour a letter and explaining that: - You enjoy and benefit from produce you have grown and nurtured and due to the small nature of the crop, you are unfortunately unable to share the crop and hence do not allow self picking. (do not accuse them of taking or stealing unless you have proof, even then - not in your first letter). Ask nicely that they manage their tree to maintain it inside of their property boundary. - Explain that the tree is impacting the long term integrity of your fence/wall and or its foundations along the boundary through proximity to the fence. - that the roots are impacting disproportionately on the nutritional value of your soil and water used to feed your garden and vegetable and fruit. - being a fig tree, the roots can be very aggressive and if planted within reachable distance from your house foundations, they can cause damage - in follow up letters, if required, notify them that they will be liable where the insurers indemnify themselves against structural damage due to tree root action. - the previous 2 points are pertinent in that you could contact your building insurers and find out what their limitations and exclusions are on structural damage is in relation to nearby trees and what is considered "nearby". Be careful through, have this discussion without disclosing who you are or where you live or providing your policy Nr as you do not want them to immediately list your house as exempt from cover due to root action by a neighbouring tree. -If you witness loss of produce, take photos or videos of the event and store for making your case. -keep a diary and record incidents and interaction rigorously. - use the evidence with you Legal counsel to build a case and to approach the neighbours to first try and resolve the matter amicably. This is important in that most courts do not look kindly on cases if prior attempt to settle the matter in a civil way has not been made. - in your letter, remain civil and end with a footnote that you hope that this can be resolved in a civil and neighbourly way. Do not threaten legal action in the first letter - remember, you are outcome focused, which is to stop the tree causing damage and stop them from pilfering produce. If however your initial attempt does not work, or is met with resistance and or belligerence (again - keep a diary of every event), then you ramp this up and get your lawyer to write a letter and from then on escalate as they think prudent. Always take your event diary and any evidence with you when you visit your legal counsel. Never leave without the originals - they can make and keep copies for their files including certifying them as true copies. Worth checking with your local authority if a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) has been registered on this tree. It may affect how you tackle this matter directly. Best of luck.

Nicotine water - put cigarettes in water - soak over night - apply - it will kill almost any living plant.