A group of neighbours have launched an action against a Stonehaven care home to force bosses to cut down trees.
Residents of Park Drive claim their homes have been overshadowed by the trees at Mowat Court, leaving them without enough sunlight to enjoy their gardens or even dry their clothes.
The trees a mix of pine, spruce, sycamore, birch, beech and oak are a towering 80ft, despite repeated pleas to operator Care UK over the last decade for them to be chopped.
Now homeowners have submitted an application under the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013, which could force the removal of the trees.
Stephen Manson, who lodged the application with his wife Jennifer, said the trees had grown to a “deplorable” height.
One of Mr Manson’s biggest concerns is that the trees crash through the house on a stormy night, although the act only considers hedges or trees that adversely affect the enjoyment of a property.
Residents also claim the dark conditions are creating moss and damp problems.
A Care UK spokesman said: “There have been ongoing negotiations between Care UK, the local authority, other tenants on the site and our neighbours which have unfortunately taken longer than we would have liked.
“As tenants of the property we are obliged to manage the woodland in the grounds of the home in a certain way and there are legally-binding restrictions in place stipulating that no trees shall be topped, lopped or felled without planning permission.
“Hopefully we will soon be able to find a suitable solution and bring this matter to a close.”