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Overgrown and Messy Gardens

By: Jeff Durham - Updated: 5 Feb 2024 | comments*Discuss
 
Gardens Neighbours Garden Weeds Problems

Most people will take some pride in their gardens to one degree or another. Of course, some will be keener than others to show off their green fingers, and will want to create a spectacle of colour through the addition of flowers and a well-manicured lawn.

There will, however, be others that do not share the same enthusiasm when it comes to gardening, and will simply give their gardens a ‘once over’ with the lawn mower every few weeks. Then there will be the Problem Neighbours who see their gardens as an excuse to use it as a makeshift area in which to store excess rubbish.

Your Rights

Your Rights when it comes to neighbours’ gardens are governed by a number of laws. Unfortunately, the simple fact that your next door neighbour’s garden is unkempt and a bit overgrown is insufficient to enable you to take action unless it’s contravening the law.

Weeds, Rubbish and Pests

If weeds or brambles and the like in a neighbour’s garden are causing problems on your side of the property boundary, it can amount to a nuisance which you can report to the Environmental Health Department of your local council who can pursue legal action. More information can be found in the Weeds Act 1959.

Rubbish which has been left piled up in a garden is also cause for concern and could attract things like rats, mice and other pests. Obviously, this then creates a health hazard, with the Risk Of Rat Infestation, as well as attracting a whole host of other unwanted pests. Once again, the Environmental Health Department can forcibly order your neighbours to get rid of any rubbish or weeds if they are breaking the law, and legal action can ensue if they fail to do so.

Taking Action Yourself

There are also strict laws on what you can and cannot do when it comes to taking action yourself. For example, you cannot trespass onto the gardens of neighbours to remove any rubbish or foliage yourself. If a neighbour’s hedge, brambles or tree are causing problems on your side of the boundary, you are entitled to prune or remove anything that encroaches onto your side of the boundary, although by law you should offer any clippings back to your neighbours.

However, when it comes to trees, some have a tree preservation order placed upon them and you can be fined if you remove anything other than dead wood. Another possible way to avoid the problem of encroaching weeds is to sink a barrier about 6in (15cm) deep along the boundary of your property.

General Guidelines

Most disputes with neighbours about the state of a garden can usually be resolved by having a polite conversation with them. In fact, most people whose gardens are a bit overgrown and unkempt are often oblivious to the fact that their garden is causing a blight on the neighbourhood, and a quiet word is often enough to get them to do something about it.

Even if there are problems which do contravene the law, it’s usually better to try to resolve the issues first by speaking to your neighbours. If, however, they fail to rectify the problem, then you should seek advice from your local authority’s Environmental Health Department who will determine if your neighbours are breaking the law and whether or not any legal action can be taken, although they'll usually try to resolve the dispute amicably by visiting your neighbours first.

Read our article on Problems with Neighbouring Trees for more information about what you can legally do.

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Neighbours gardens are a difficult grey area, on the one hand it is none of you're business from a ownership point of view, but it is if it is affecting you're property or likely to stop you from selling your home if you are a home owner. I live next to a family of bum private renters with children, there is toys and bits of plastic scattered all over the yard and a real eye sore as I walk past everytime I leave home on shared accessway. I know they don't care, but I am hoping to sell up when interest rates fall and am concerned these folks will put off potential buyers. I will never buy a non detached house again, too many issues with neighbours and proximity to others. You never know where you stand with regard to private renters, too many undesireable neighbours coming and going, no community, risk of neighbour from hell too great. I am getting out as soon as possible.
Agma - 5-Feb-24 @ 8:17 AM
The house across from me is in a terrible state . The couple living there are drug addictsand don't do anything . Kirkstall housing dies nothing . Rats have been seen coming in and out of the garden
Christine - 1-Nov-23 @ 10:10 AM
Property left abandoned for nearly 4 years next to us.. one owner in care the other lives down the road & has left it.Overgrown weeds, trees & brambles are breaking the boundary fence. This is falling down, not our fence & there are rats inside & outside the property..we have photos. At our wits end as any Tom dick or Harry could get into our garden now & due to tarmac right up to the boundary we can’t put another up..making us I’ll & ruining the enjoyment of our garden..
Juliachoo - 25-Sep-23 @ 9:22 AM
Of council or neighbour themselves does not do something soon to tidy I'm going to take it into my own hands and am so angry don't know what do but will be bad. Dame you Joe.
Loki - 19-Sep-23 @ 7:08 PM
My lazy Neighbour is driving me Mad with overgrown garden that's blocking my light view and coming through garden gate I am fed up with constantly cutting it back when come over and through the fence. Told council and they done nothing lazy gets all.
Glen - 19-Sep-23 @ 7:02 PM
My neighbours have made me ill with constant harrassment over literally a few occasional dock leaves poking thru our fence. They are genuine Aholes and its aweful. This article was useful.
JoJo - 3-Sep-23 @ 1:41 PM
Whether it's overgrown or kept under control, gardens with a green aspect are good for reducing CO2. Far better than the concrete block paving route So don't knock it .
Boy - 21-Aug-23 @ 11:19 PM
Out in my back garden I have a fence all the way around it was replaced in 2021 because it was oldpanels falling down and just looked really tatty was like that when I moved in, well my garden backs onto another garden but they are much lower down before the fence was replaced I noticed has their bramble bush was out of hand it was growing through our fence I put that down to our fence being damaged ect but rinse it’s been replaced it’s growing through again and it’s damaging our fence popping the panels off Iv tried to cut back what is growing through but this stuff grows fast and Iv been left bleeding and I can’t keep up with it I have complained to my local council twice the first time they seemed like they were going to speak with the owner to get it sorted but nothing happened the second time they emailed me back saying it wasn’t council land not their problem now I’m not too sure to do, it’s an absolute mess I can’t seem to have a nice garden because of these brambles and my son can’t play out unless I do a garden inspection first to cut back any that will cause him harm it shouldn’t be like that in our own garden
Jen777 - 10-Aug-23 @ 9:26 AM
I am one of them problem neighbors, not because I want to be but I'm unable to do my garden due to recent health problems, I've been let down with help a few times and have no family or friends to turn to. I have heard my neighbors bad mouth me a cpl of time which sends my anxiety through the roof I'm frightened to even go and stand in my garden . They all know the 5 year I have been there always kept my garden goodno weeds ect done garden up every year but haven't been able this year. Hearing ppl say stuff has gutted me I don't want to be here any more knowing what neighbors really think of me. I really hate seeing my garden the way it is I have tried to do bits and bobs up until heard neighbors, I really don't like the eye sore either but what can I do if keep getting let downand have no one to turn to for the help I've even priced company's for help but far too expensive , it's really getting me down as hi do want it it done and so so wish I was able but I'm not.Every ones quick to judge but never quick to offer any help or to give advice where to get some one that does gardens. 3 of the neighbors got a shot of my lawn mower b4 it was stolenI never once judged them was more than happy to let them borrow my mower. But now they look down there noses at me. Feel lost and so alone. I DO WANT MINE DONE HONEST.
Meeka - 28-Jun-23 @ 9:16 AM
My next door neighbours have got a front garden which is an eyesore. It's never mowed and looks a state
Villan - 22-May-23 @ 1:25 AM
Wildflower meadow - I’ve successfully created a pollinator paradise But next door keeps just flat grass They have a rabbit and keep Complaining about rats I have two big dogs - no rat is safe in my garden! Now this beautiful meadow of wild flowers including oxeye daisies and red clover, cornflowers, poppies and iris is apparently a reason to complain to environmental health Under the weeds act or something Yet sure grass - as it spreads so fast should be the same? I have tried to minimise grass to maximise clover, camomile and creeping thyme There are also 72 lavender plants in there somewhere What I’d like is for government to step in and make wildlife gardens safe from prosecution I have two wildlife ponds bird feeders and 6 nest boxes as well as bug hotels and a hedgehog house I live in the country - fields all around me and I believe my bird bath and ponds are really important to the local birds in the summer - the same birds who provide agricultural pest control in the fields. Anyway rant over - wildlife haven will stay as long as it can.
cupkatech3rry@icloud - 21-May-23 @ 10:50 AM
Wildflower meadow - I’ve successfully created a pollinator paradise But next door keeps just flat grass They have a rabbit and keep Complaining about rats I have two big dogs - no rat is safe in my garden! Now this beautiful meadow of wild flowers including oxeye daisies and red clover, cornflowers, poppies and iris is apparently a reason to complain to environmental health Under the weeds act or something Yet sure grass - as it spreads so fast should be the same? I have tried to minimise grass to maximise clover, camomile and creeping thyme There are also 72 lavender plants in there somewhere What I’d like is for government to step in and make wildlife gardens safe from prosecution I have two wildlife ponds bird feeders and 6 nest boxes as well as bug hotels and a hedgehog house I live in the country - fields all around me and I believe my bird bath and ponds are really important to the local birds in the summer - the same birds who provide agricultural pest control in the fields. Anyway rant over - wildlife haven will stay as long as it can.
cupkatech3rry@icloud - 21-May-23 @ 10:48 AM
What a stupid comment about neat gardens being ‘last century’ LOL, full of incorrect facts. A garden planted and tended to attract biodiversity is far more effective than just letting the weeds grow. Planting hedges, trees and shrubs, and selecting plants is the best way to ensure biodiversity, as is pruning which maximises flower growth and cultivating the lawn in creases microbial activity and worms, and helps provide a habitat for many creatures, and a food source. Also watering especially in the summer helps all of the garden creatures. And long grass attracts rats and is detrimental to other animals.
Jeeves - 15-May-23 @ 3:40 PM
We have a shared access path to access our properties. On the corner as you enter they regularly burn garden rubbish and next to it they dump their horse poo. I’ve politely asked them to remove , but they just ignore me! They have hung pots and pans on their washing line too right on our border and less than 20ft to our house. I’ve asked them to move them four times and they simply ignore me
Ha - 18-Apr-23 @ 6:13 PM
My neighbours tree at back covers whole of my garden her pond and wildlife garden infected with roundworm and fleas and poison ivy has now contaminated soil in my garden causing my dog to be very ill I have asked politely many times to resolve this but she is not interested also her front tree is climbing over my property causing bugs etc in the home ?????
Jennie - 25-Feb-23 @ 9:08 PM
Have a heart for nature and its beauty, tis a far bigger world out there, some are depressed with all the concrete and bricks, all built like babies building blocks, and that tarmac emanates a flood risk to your property , Also, plenty of natural vegetation helps to keep things cooler on a hot afternoon, so just trim it.
Tad - 5-Feb-23 @ 10:55 AM
Really appreciate the comments about wild gardens, and those who understand how difficult it is to keep a garden on top of.. private gardeners cost a small mortgage, no friends have availability and no family you Help, mental health issues mean trying to downsize getting nowhere Next door constantly complaining about everything I do, and make it intimidating to have workers, , people over to assist, constantly wearing me down, had friends from church help me out eventually but realistically just struggling with it
Another - 8-Nov-22 @ 2:01 PM
This article is wildly pretentious and most of the comments are pretty grim.. I understand how some of these things will piss you off, but you don't know the life your neighbour is living behind closed doors! They could be suffering with crippling depression or anxiety, they could have arthritis or epilepsy. If it's purely for cosmetic reasons, that the garden is unkempt and it bothers you, that is your own problem, it's your neighbour's garden and they don't live to please your eyes. Get a grip on the world today, there's much more you should be worrying about than how often your neighbour cuts their grass.. I completely understand about health risks or if it's causing damage to your property, but do think about your approach, not everyone's a lazy prick, most people are genuinely struggling with just surviving the year/month/day and tidying the garden is probably bottom of the list, if thought about at all. Maybe offer to help them yourself one day if it's really hindering your own life that badly, you might get an understanding of your neighbour that you hadn't had before.. It's 2022 and humans are ridiculously selfish and closed off from empathy, it's disgusting and disappointing to know that people are so shallow and judgemental that they don't even consider how other people feel and live! Pause and breathe for a moment, take a second to calm down and try and think about other people, slow down and be an actual human being..
Desmondo - 6-Oct-22 @ 1:43 PM
Got a neighbour who as not touch his garden he as rubbish in thegarden witch isbringing in ratsso I can not open my back door I have asked him to clean it up I would help himso don't know what to do
Babs - 5-Oct-22 @ 11:52 PM
The neighbour who occupies the top flat does not maintain his garden its a complete war zone over grown which breaking my fencing rats galore which I seen size of a cat dead foxes its disgusting i have complained by nothing you cannot speak to him, would have argument in a empty room so complained to the anti social behaviour which they to note and would apply a notice to him otherwise he would foot the bill i was kept updated i looked on my email and was sent a message mentioning ACTION in force i left it for another month and it read action has closed meaning for this ACTION TAKEN
safi - 24-Sep-22 @ 11:46 AM
I have a problem with my neighbours back garden it is full of rubbish, seating, ladders, broken baskets, and other stuff and i have got problems with weeds in the back yard they are about 4 ft tall, bramble and its started to come under the fence, and through the fence panels I'm getting fed up with it nobody is in the house i don't know where the the owner is if nothing is done about it i will pour weed killer over the fence.
Bear - 10-Sep-22 @ 12:03 PM
I have a problem with my neighbours back garden its seriously over grown and am having to cut it innmy side to stop it coming over its an absolute mess looks like a jungle really over grown.
Lee - 1-Sep-22 @ 7:05 PM
My friends neighbours garden is an absolute mess front and back and the smell is a disgrace from garden has to sofas in it full on rubbish which is a disgrace her back garden is full of rubbish and her grass hasnt been cut in over a year can u please do something about this as my friend doesnt need to put up with this
Grapy - 14-Aug-22 @ 5:16 AM
My neighbours front garden is shocking just left to do what it likeswe live on a open plan estate they have put fruit trees across the top and dug a line straight from top to bottom and planted fruit trees down looks a right mess I got my deeds out just to make sure and you can’t do anything like they have but if I want to do something about it I’ve got to get a solicitor and pay why
Teddy - 12-Aug-22 @ 7:31 PM
I've a problem with my neighbours garden, the back garden is full of weeds, as high as the 6ft fence, ivy is growing through and splitting the fence panels, the front garden is about 4ft high of weeds/grass. Landlord won't do a thing as he just rents it out. It's down to the tenant, but the tenant is hardly ever there, will not answer the door & social have been round as kids hadn't been to school. I've spoke to letting agent even offered to do it myself.. but told noth9ng can do
AndyB34 - 6-Aug-22 @ 1:21 PM
Please folks, update your assumptions about gardening. A neat, trim garden is out-dated, suburban and an environmental atrocity. Aim for wild. . Aim to create biodiversity. Aim for habitat for the thousands of species facing extinction. A neat lawn is a desert. Every weed is sequetrating carbon and doing it’s bit to protect the atmosphere. Digging destroys the delicate soil microbiome which supports life, so does paving, concrete,and that horrendous plastic gravel surface. Plastic grass is a crime against nature. If your neighbour has a wild, unruly hedge which, heaven forfend, speeds over into your bit, celebrate the creatures that are able to make it their home. Neat gardens are completely and utterly last century.
Wilding - 5-Aug-22 @ 7:08 AM
iv a neighbour who has piles of black smelly bags left for threeyears i finally got fed up and called council house office theenvironment and pest control and pest control says rats into your kitchen is cause by the piles of rubbish next doorhe taken photos and will be billing next door and filling a report out today. he could not believe his eyes i got told to F off and keep my nose out so i took action with all three environmental health pest control and local housing who will take legal steps possible prosecution and court case its so unbearable? having keep windows closed because of the smell and plus in the Heatwave
Martin - 4-Aug-22 @ 12:46 PM
My neighbour came in to property, subsequently causing weeds to grow out of control an saying my fault. No idea how they caused these weeds to grow, only evident after they unlawfully gained access. They Cleard small area as i took down large weed which roots from their side.
AM - 24-Jul-22 @ 4:51 PM
Living next door to my naboughers is like living next to the rain forest. I have compiled to the lady who lives there also I have been trying to get in touch with the landlord I finally did after a year and half. He said that the gardens are nothing to do with him he only rent's the house out.
Lozi - 24-Jul-22 @ 10:23 AM
Our next door neighbours garden front and back is horrendous the front is full of weeds and the hedges hang over to our property I am regularly cutting these back also rubbish just thrown in front garden .Round the week is absolutely covered in trailing weeds which are feeding through our fence and once again I am having to clear my Property regular away .Can anything be done about this as in the past we have seen rats as under the house is full of rubbish and not secure ? Any help appreciated at my wits end now .
Neighbour - 18-Jul-22 @ 3:55 PM
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