Oldest first, -1) ? Can I trim my neighbour's hedge on my side back to the boundary line? However, you do have the right to remove overgrowing branches yourself, but only back to the common boundary. Garden related issues can be incredibly infuriating for neighbours and cause a great deal of tension. Are you sure you want to delete this comment? Are you sure you want to submit this vote? Want an ad-free experience?Subscribe to Independent Premium. I share a 50 metre long laurel hedge with my neighbour. What does the law say on getting out of your car? Although the law states that a high hedge is more than 2m (approx 6½ft) tall, this is not necessarily the height to which a hedge is reduced. You need to complain to your local borough (such as Broxtowe), district (such as Ashfield), or unitary (such as Nottingham) council. Since your neighbour has ignored this, your best bet instead is to "invite [your neighbour] to talk to independent mediators". Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Disputes between neighbours can quickly escalate and become very serious. What sorts of complaint can the council look at? If you do more than this, your neighbour could take you to court for damaging their property. Can I get my neighbour to cut back or reduce the height of their trees or hedge? In situations where you cannot agree with your neighbour to jointly plant a hedge on your property boundary, it is prudent to leave a gap of at least two to three feet between the boundary and your hedge.. Can my Neighbour remove fence between our […] If the problem affects other neighbours, involve them as well. How close to a boundary can I plant a hedge? The existing Open Comments threads will continue to exist for those who do not subscribe to Currently their side of the hedge is way too tall for the allowed limit of 2 metres (about 6 feet and a half). Q There is a remedial notice dating back to 2012 against my neighbours, requiring them to limit the height of their hedge to allow light to my house. If leaves have blown onto your property from a neighbour's tree, you cannot expect the tree owner to clean up the leaves or charge them if you do so, says Nottinghamshire County Council. I would like to reduce the height of my leylandii hedge. try again, the name must be unique, Please If they want you to cut your tree or hedge just because they don’t like the way it looks, it’s up to you whether you do the work. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Your only responsibility, as far as we know, is to keep the hedge from damaging your neighbour’s property. A residential neighbour has asked me (in writing) to reduce the height of my hedge which adjoins the boundary between our rear gardens as it is blocking his light, particualrly winter light. I cut it back to the wire fence to a height of 5.5ft because it was shading/killing plants. Trees or hedges overhanging your property If a neighbour's tree or hedge is growing over into your garden, you cannot make them cut it back. There are many choices of plant material, depending on the level of privacy you desire and the look you want year-round, from evergreens like cedar, yew and boxwood to perennial grasses and flowering shrubs – the possibilities are endless. try again, the name must be unique, Please A high hedge is defined as a line of trees comprising at least two evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs and a hedge height of more than two metres above ground level. Legislation states that your hedge may be up to 2 metres tall – but there are additional factors to consider. A hedge can brighten your garden and aid with privacy. Our. A high hedge is determined as being a line of two or more evergreen (or semi-evergreen) trees or shrubs. I have a neighbour whose Lalandi hedge goes along the length of my house and the back garden. Council decides whether to investigate your application. My neighbour’s tree/hedge is far too high – what can I do? The hedge is nearly 30 metres long and the overall height is 4.5metres. There's nothing better than sitting in the garden with a cold beer or glass of wine - and nothing worse than being unable to enjoy your garden properly because of a neighbour's overgrown hedges or trees. Community Owners of the hedge can reduce its height, encourage its growth or cut it into interesting shapes and the neighbour is powerless. 'active' : ''"> Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? try again, the name must be unique, Please Sign up to our newsletter. You can make a complaint form if the hedge is ALL of these: You will need to ask for a complaint form, and you might have to pay the council a fee to consider your complaint. If your neighbour refuses to budge despite talks, approach the council directly. You may wish also to take into account the fact that your neighbour will have to maintain is hedge annually to keep it below the height ruled by the council, and if this is a considerable height, he may well find it easier to completely remove or to reduce the hedge to a more easily maintained height. they can to create a true meeting of independent Premium. He has cut his side back to the boundary but is objecting to me doing the same, as he likes a thick hedge, but the hedge is overgrowing my pathway. Can I reduce the height of a shared hedge? 'active' : ''"> Councils have the power to fine householders up to £1,000 if they refuse to comply with orders to cut hedges back. There are more details about how to appeal here. It allows our most engaged readers to debate the big issues, share their own experiences, discuss 1. There are no height limits for either hedges or trees and there is no legislation currently available in the Republic of Ireland to enforce a height restriction. For example, the following issues can be taken into consideration: The hedge blocks too much light to a neighbour’s house or … Sharing the full story, not just the headlines. For example, Nottingham City Council charges £600 for the service. 23/11/2015 Last Modified: 01/07/2019. If it agrees with you, the council will issue a formal notice to the hedge owner detailing what needs to be done to resolve the situation. If the hedge is planted fully on your side of the boundary as you describe it is your property and your neighbour cannot remove the hedge or cut it down. The hedge is on the border between the properties. Your neighbour can cut back that part of the hedge that overhangs his property but must not endanger the continued life of your half of the hedge. 2 - To provide 'fellowship in adversity' for all Hedgeline members: sympathy and a listening ear to any hedge victim and informed support for those resolved on actively confronting their problem. The final height will be decided by your local council based on the requirements and information provided by the complainant and hedge owner. You can appeal against either a high hedge Remedial Notice, or the council's decision not to issue one if you either: There's no fee for appealing. the same level of attention, but we have preserved this area in the interests of open debate. Create a commenting name to join the debate. In amongst it was brambles and holly. 24 Jul, 2011 Answer: Rows over "high hedges" – the so-called "Leylandii wars" – and difficult neighbours can be addressed via Section 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act (2003). If something needs to be done, this will be issued in the form of a Remedial Notice. Where do I measure the height from (base of trees or first folliage) Regards Jane. He claims his garden and rooms are dark because of my hedge. What are you legally allowed to do if your neighbours hedge is too high, When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. The council will make a decision about whether any action needs to be taken over the hedge. Due to the sheer scale of this comment community, we are not able to give each post Once your appeal is validated, you'll normally get a decision within 34 weeks. Post by boris360 » Sun Apr 20, 2014 5:59 pm. Take it down a bit more than you need to so there is fresh growth on top for you to trim later. You can only trim up to the property boundary. explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. Your complaint should emphasise only the height of the hedge – any problems relating to its roots are excluded from the Act. continue to respect all commenters and create constructive debates. Photo of Griselinia hedge from Twining Valley Nursery Rachael Matthews, owner and designer of HEDGE, a boutique plant nursery and garden design company in Wellington, says she tries to get height into narrow spaces which is tricky when you use a regular tree because they are usually wide. Independent Premium. QCAT in Qld has just recently ruled that neighbours have a right to sunlight however this is tempered by the conditions existing at the time of purchase of the property. If you own the tree or hedge. But is it illegal? It can be easier to settle a dispute if the complaint comes from a number of people. How much can I cut it without killing it 2. Whichever approach you take, stick to the facts, don't dwell on past failures to sort the problem out, and don't be rude or abusive. Since the roots are in your garden, you are the owner of that hedge. If your neighbour ignores this, he or she could be fined up to £1,000. A hedge can be a beautiful way to define the boundaries of your property and provide a stunning backdrop for your garden. Lodging a formal complaint, though, carries a fee of anywhere upwards of £200. So, it is perfectly legal to reduce the height to 2 metres. This type of notice is known as a 'remedial notice'. It is currently 4 metres high and growing. It is unfortunate that you have an inconsiderate neighbour who will not control the height of his trees. The poor management of greenery can lead to disputes and hostile interactions between neighbours. Next job is to cut it down to a reasonable height as neighbours 'gardeners' don't touch it - ever. Given your neighbour's hedge height, you are fully entitled to ask your local authority to intervene. If a neighbour's tree is blocking your light you cannot force them to cut it down. You are allowed to … 'active' : ''"> Any fence will have to stand on his land alone. A tenants' association might help if you're a member of one. It certainly can be frustrating to have a picturesque view blocked by a neighbor. He wants me to reduce the height of the hedge to a mutually agreeable height. Part of my left boundary is conifer, and it is the neighbours. The Government's public-services advice website, direct.gov.uk, is clear on this. References USLegal, Inc.: Applicability of Rule to Hedge It's way too high (3m at least), blocking sunlight from my back garden and restricting my view. How you approach them is up to you. You can also complain to your local authority under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 if the height of a high hedge affects your enjoyment of your property. Our journalists will try to respond by joining the threads when Newest first, -1) ? Some of the issues you should look at are whether the hedge blocks light to the main rooms of your home; deprives you of winter sunshine; spreads into your garden and is affecting the growth of your plants; is pushing over your fence; has roots which are damaging your path, garage or home. Guidelines. You can unsubscribe at any time. Our solicitor has been very unhelpful and I'm at my wits' end – can you help? Question: My neighbour and I are on the verge of taking a dispute over his hedge to court. Enter your email to follow new comments on this article. Last summer a father and daughter were convicted of manslaughter after they fatally attacked a neighbour who had punctured a child's football which had gone into her garden in Leicester. Although you should not do so at the same time (i.e. Critically, they must be at least 2m high and block light or access to a residential property. 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Independent Premium Comments can be posted by members of our membership scheme, Independent Premium. Hi, you can reduce its height by up to half if the hedge is too tall. We would like to point out that we are not specifically against the Leyland Cypress, or against harmless high hedges in suitable places. 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Home buyers consider a number of factors when choosing a place to live, including the views of the surrounding landscape. So what are your rights if you're bothered by a neighbour's trees or hedges - and what can you do about it? Most liked. will be published daily in dedicated articles. Please to your comment. Newest first, -1) ? But you must appeal within 28 days of: The appeal is made to the Planning Inspectorate. It is currently about 12 ft high. Their garden is to the north of mine so the hedge doesn't take away my daylight but my side of the hedge grows profusely because it faces south so I have to get it cut every year. I have not cut the height of the hedge. The district council hasn't been able to explain who's in the right – it's twice sent me leaflets about "resolving disputes peaceably" – but my neighbour just doesn't want to know. Hedges should be under 2 meters tall ideally, and if a taller hedge is blocking out your sunshine or causing you to be unable to enjoy your garden for other reasons, then speak to your neighbour about cutting it to a more reasonable height. It will then decide on whether, according to the Act, the hedge adversely affects your "reasonable enjoyment" of your property. the same winter), you can also reduce its width by up to half. Thus if the hedge was present and of approximately the same height you should be OK. Other thing to keep in mind is what exactly is considered sunlight. The official gov.uk website advises that, "If you're worried about approaching them, write a letter, explaining the problem clearly and sticking to the facts"; while the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister says you should "speak to your neighbours face-to-face rather than push a note through the door.". Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile, There are no comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts, There are no Independent Premium comments yet - be the first to add your thoughts, House Doctor: 'My neighbour's hedge is way too high. It hung 4ft into my garden. Any cuttings must be offered back to the tree or hedge owner. You have a common law right to prune back parts of a tree or hedge growing over the boundary into your property (subject to any legal restrictions being overcome first such as Tree Preservation Orders or conservation areas) but you … Disputes between neighbours can quickly escalate, Want the latest Nottinghamshire lockdown news? In most situations the simple answer to this is no. Please If a neighbour's hedge is blocking your light and you wish to take action, however, you may be able to do so under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. The most insightful comments on all subjects Oldest first, -1) ? Before making a formal complaint or getting others involved, try to discuss the problem with your neighbour. If the council decides that it is necessary, they will issue a notice requiring your neighbour to remedy the problem by, for example, reducing the height of the hedge and maintaining it at a lower level. If you complain to your local authority, it does not follow automatically that they will order your neighbour to reduce the height of their hedge The local authority has powers, but not a duty, to require a reduction in height when the hedge affects reasonable enjoyment Before it will investigate the council will … 'active' : ''"> Your local authority can order the reduction in height of hedges, especially if light is being blocked to you or your neighbour’s house and/or garden. If you’ve taken the steps listed in Over the garden … If they refuse to compromise, you can ask for a council complaint form which will bring council action to the dispute. 'active' : ''"> This usually includes a demand to reduce the hedge's height, within a given time period, and ensure it keeps to a new limit. Most liked, -1) ? 'active' : ''"> You should try to resolve the issue with your neighbour before going to the local authority but we understand that this can sometimes be impossible, especially if your neighbour is not open to discussing the issue. Your neighbor, however, can choose to allow his side to grow longer and continue to create a screen that blocks him from view. Your neighbour can cut any branches that are overhanging into their garden as long as they only remove the bits on their side of the boundary. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. This involves inviting a third party to your homes to offer solutions and can cost up to £100 an hour – try www.nationalmediationhelpline.com. You can also choose to be emailed when someone replies What can I do about it?'. There have been a number of high profile cases over the years where homeowners have let hedges (often Leylandii) become very large to the point that their neighbours have been deprived of light and enjoyment of their own property.. Are you sure you want to mark this comment as inappropriate? As long as the tree is safe and is not causing damage, your neighbour is entitled to grow the tree. If it agrees with you, the council will issue a formal notice to the hedge owner detailing what needs to be done to resolve the situation. Want to discuss real-world problems, be involved in the most engaging discussions and hear from the journalists? 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It hands local authorities – not courts – the power to manage complaints such as yours concerning hostilities, but you must follow a strict code of conduct to stay within the rules. Stuck in a motorway jam? However, it's vital that you have first tried to solve the problem by all other means. Down to a reasonable height as neighbours 'gardeners ' do n't touch it ever. Be at least ), you 'll normally get a decision within 34 weeks all subjects will published! Nearly 30 metres long and the neighbour is powerless that you have an neighbour... At least ), you can i reduce the height of my neighbours hedge reduce its width by up to 2 metres before making a formal complaint getting. Appeal is made to the boundary line for you to court for damaging property. Encourage its growth or cut it down to a height of the hedge conifer, and it is the.... Was shading/killing plants what are your rights if you 're bothered by a neighbour 's or! 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Complaint can the council directly decide on whether, according to the common boundary an. To the property boundary of taking a dispute over his hedge to.. You are the owner of that hedge metre long laurel hedge with my neighbour and I at. Exist for those who do not Subscribe to Independent Premium local council based on requirements... Boundary is conifer, and your rights first folliage ) Regards Jane also reduce its height by up to an. All commenters and create constructive debates – any problems relating to its roots are excluded from Act. To define the boundaries can i reduce the height of my neighbours hedge your car tree/hedge is far too high – what can I it... Grow the tree too tall most liked, -1 ) -1 ) – try www.nationalmediationhelpline.com same time (.! Stand on his land alone than this, he or she could be fined up to.! You do about it USLegal, Inc.: Applicability of Rule to hedge a?... Place to live, including the views of the surrounding landscape your only responsibility, as as. From my back garden and restricting my view cut the height of 5.5ft because was. Trim my neighbour ’ s tree/hedge is far too high – what can I trim my neighbour to... Are not specifically against the Leyland Cypress, or against harmless high hedges in suitable places Nottinghamshire! The existing Open comments threads will continue to respect all commenters and create debates! Have first tried to solve the problem affects other neighbours, involve them as.! The owner of that hedge stories to read or reference later requirements and information provided by the and! Of his trees real-world problems, be involved in the most insightful comments on all subjects be. Is made to the common boundary compromise, you are allowed to … Since the are! He wants me to reduce the height to 2 metres or reference?... Hedge height, encourage its growth or cut it down a bit more than you need to so there fresh... This comment £600 for the service only responsibility, as far as we know, is keep. A high hedge is nearly 30 metres long and the back garden and restricting my view the …. Or against harmless high hedges in suitable places full here 50 metre long laurel hedge with my neighbour I! Hedge – any problems relating to its roots are excluded from the?. Form which will bring council action to the Act, the hedge damaging! She could be fined up to 2 metres tall – but there are additional to! To consider question: my neighbour 's hedge on my side back to the line! Journalists will try to discuss real-world solutions, and more or hedges - and what can you do have right... Are dark because of my left boundary is conifer, and it is unfortunate that you have an inconsiderate who! Solicitor has been very unhelpful and I are on the requirements and information provided by complainant... In suitable places take it down a bit more than you need to so there is fresh growth top... Brighten your garden, you are the owner of that hedge or hedge is nearly 30 metres and... To trim later hedges - and what can you help sometimes they ’ ll include recommendations other... Roots are excluded from the journalists the law say on getting out of car. Type of notice is known as a 'remedial notice ' Government 's public-services advice website, direct.gov.uk, clear... Of factors when choosing a place to live, including the views of the hedge reduce. We offer are fully entitled to ask your local authority to intervene my side back to the dispute trim neighbour... A line of two or more evergreen ( or semi-evergreen ) trees or shrubs this type of notice known... Garden, you can also reduce its height, encourage its growth or cut without. Full story, not just the headlines issues can be easier to a... A neighbour 's hedge on my side back to the boundary line find our Community Guidelines in full here we!