England star Declan Rice has had two oak trees in his garden cut back – after a neighbour called Mr Green claimed that one of them was filling his gutters with acorns.

Council officials had to give permission for the pruning as both the oaks in the grounds of the 23-year-old midfielder’s £2.6m mansion are protected by Tree Preservation Orders.

Declan Rice has cut two oak trees

Neighbour Alan Green shares a garden border with the Arsenal defensive midfielder

Rice did not object to his neighbour Alan Green’s request for the work to be done.

Mr Green, 83, applied to cut back two or three branches of one tree overhanging his garden by up to 9ft, and for a ‘large lateral branch’ to be cut back on a second oak.

A tree surgeon who submitted the application on Mr Green’s behalf estimated that the work would cost £400 plus VAT.

The surgeon also submitted a further quote to remove a branch of a Scots pine in the pensioner’s garden at a cost of £160 plus VAT.

The story sheds light on a tree-trimming issue involving Arsenal star Declan Rice’s property in Reigate, Surrey. The matter arose due to two oak trees at the edge of his 0.7-acre garden, which had overhanging branches causing issues for his neighbor, Mr. Green.

According to Mr. Green, falling acorns and leaves from the trees were clogging his home’s gutters, particularly during heavy rains. Seeking a resolution, he applied to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council for permission to trim the branches. The council approved the application in September, citing the importance of maintaining local visual appeal and proper arboricultural practices.

Interestingly, planning documents listed Declan’s father, Sean Rice, as the property owner. However, Land Registry records confirm that the six-bedroom luxury home belongs to Declan, who purchased it before representing England at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Mr. Green mentioned he had never personally interacted with Rice, noting the expansive gardens and their separation. He also observed a football net in Rice’s garden, a subtle nod to the player’s profession.

The issue was resolved after a council officer’s inspection led to the engagement of a tree specialist to carry out the pruning. Mr. Green expressed satisfaction with the outcome, emphasizing it was a routine matter rather than a neighborly dispute.

This glimpse into the star footballer’s suburban life reflects the quieter challenges of homeownership—even for Premier League icons.