Lawns overshadowed by neighbouring trees

We have a similar problem with a cedar tree which is in our garden but has a protection order on it. Tried a gravelled area where grass wouldn’t grow but that filled up with debris and looked tatty after a couple of years. RHS suggested wood chip with acid loving plants. It gradually disappears and needs adding to most years but looks neat and quite attractive.

I love the shady area under my own trees. I have a bench there and can sit comfortably on the hottest summer day in the refreshing cool shade. I have three lawns to look after. Yes, they look good but really they're too much hard work - and pretty boring too. One is destined to become a gravel garden.

Do these trees actually overhang the garden? It doesn't sound like it. Perhaps a paved area and shrubs? And ferns?

tut went too soon, we and two other neighbours had bother with the back neighbours conifers overhanging the fence and path(you were lucky not to have your eyes poked out),we asked the neighbour if they would cut back , they said yes but never did, we asked would they mind if we cut them back, they didn't mind that either, in fact I think they were quite pleased.

You also have the right to cut overhanging branches off and hand them back.

We had a corner like that and we solved it by having a pond put it and a fernery (ferns seem to thrive in damp shade and only need cutting down once a year).

I have allergic hay fever too - particularly bad in the tree pollen season. I'm surprised that you seem unaware of just how far it travels in the air. Next door's trees make little difference.

It's hard work trying to have a lawn in shade. Why not work with the conditions (instead of against them) and have shade loving plants and shrubs - or a little woodland of your own?

Your neighbours have an equal right to grow what they like in their own garden.

We had the same. They cut the beautiful beech tree last summer. The reason? After 5 years of monitoring and consequent anxiety, it was decided that the tree was causing subsidence to our house. Extreme, but effective!

Not to lawn which does not like shade, and as trees are living things you will get all the seasonal movement.

If I were you I would think laterally and give consideration to everything that likes shade or at very least dappled shade. Perhaps with a terrace? There are masses of plants you can choose from.

Treat it as a project to plan during lockdown. I can happily plan a garden project for hours if not months?