Rules on Hedges & Roots Growing into Your Property

ProblemNeighbours Editor 20/08/2026 at 11:00 am

@Spratt Since you're in Scotland, you have a specific remedy under the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013. You can apply to your local council for a high hedge notice, as leylandii over 2m that block light or reasonable enjoyment is exactly what the Act covers. There's a fee (usually around £400ish depending on the council), but given her refusal to engage, that's your best route. Keep copies of your letters and the engineer's report as evidence, and mention the potential structural damage in your application.

Spratt 20/08/2026 at 10:44 am

I live in Scotland. My house backs onto two cottage gardens. I have no access to the rear of my property. One property owner planted a line of leylandii to hide the view of the rear of my property. I have two roof windows for my utility room and bathroom which form part of the rear of my property. The original owner moved in 2007 and at that time the height of the leylandii hedge was approximately two meters. The new occupant let the hedge grow and eventually it rose to approximately 8 to 9 meters high in 2020. throughout this time I had to climb onto a flat roof at the rear of my property to cut and trim the hedge sides. Having used a 7 foot step ladder and extension hedge cutter 3 meters I still could not cut the hedge sides. Away from the flat roof I had to resort to the use of scaffolding to cut the hedge on my side. In 2020 I had a structural engineer inspect the rear of my property for any damage, as my house sits approximately 1 to 1 1/2 meters lower at the back of the house in relation to the gardens of the properties to the rear. The engineer recommended that the hedge be removed as it had grown too tall and that damage at a future date may occur. The height of the hedge also effected light coming into the roof windows etc. In 2024 part of the hedge was cut down by the owner however, they left the remaining hedge intact. Attempts to discuss this matter with this person face to face resulted in this person swearing and threatening to call the police if I did not leave. Since then all attempts to discuss this matter in person failed. Requests in writing offering mediation have met on negative ears. I have trimmed the remaining hedge as high as I can get, however the hedge is now so thick and woody that there is hardly any greenery left and it is still encroaching on my property. There is also a break in a garden wall which although repaired many years ago has again grown from a hairline crack to that of approx 5 mm. I have again just sent a recorded delivery letter to this person but do not expect a reply. What does one do in such situation.
There is history between us from the very moment this person moved in, as her garden became full of a rat infestation and only in the past 2 years discovered that this person did not want to look at the rear of my ugly house, hence that's why the hedge was left to grow. What do I do now? I'm at a loss, 76 years old and suffered a heart attack.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 18/06/2026 at 2:31 pm

@Vicky Your neighbours can legally cut anything overhanging their side back to the boundary line, but they cannot dig up or remove the bushes themselves as those belong to your parents. If they pull the whole plants out, that's criminal damage and they'd be liable. Put it in writing to them politely, making clear they're welcome to trim their side only. Worth checking the deeds too, in case the bushes form part of a boundary hedge with shared ownership.

Vicky 18/06/2026 at 2:22 pm

My parent's neighbours want to build their driveway up to the boundary line - they live in terraces housing.
At the moment there are hibiscus bushes planted on my parents side that have grown onto their side too.
The neighbours are talking about removing all of the bushes but I've asked them to cut back their side only.
Are they within their rights to take out the bushes?
My parents are in their 80s.
Thank you

ProblemNeighbours Editor 31/05/2026 at 12:13 pm

@penny You have the legal right to cut back any branches that cross the boundary, but only up to the boundary line, and the cuttings technically belong to your neighbour. Given your age, the easiest route is to write to them politely (keep a copy) asking them to trim it, as it's their responsibility to stop it encroaching. If they refuse, your local council can sometimes help if it's an evergreen hedge over 2 metres under the High Hedges legislation. Otherwise, a local gardener will usually do the job fairly cheaply, and Age UK can sometimes point you towards trusted handymen in your area.

penny 31/05/2026 at 12:13 pm

my neighbours hedge is growing int my back garden i am almost eighty years old and not able to cut it back if they refuse what can i do

ProblemNeighbours Editor 17/05/2026 at 1:30 pm

@JJ You're only legally obliged to trim back anything that actually overhangs your side of the boundary, and even then it's a right, not a duty. The landlord, as owner of the hedge, is responsible for its overall height and maintenance, including any High Hedges complaint under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act if it's over 2m and blocking light. Check your tenancy agreement too, as some farm business tenancies sneak in boundary upkeep clauses. Otherwise, put it back to them in writing and let them arrange it.

JJ 16/11/2024 at 8:44 am

We are tenant farmers. We had 2 tied labourers cottages next to the farm. The Landlords have taken both back a number of years ago. Both cottages have their own gardens. One cottage has a high hedge planted within its boundary their side of the farm field fence line. The Landlords are expecting us as the farmers to trim their hedge on our side. I am sure in the hope that we will also reduce the height all at our cost. What are our rights?

Andy D 26/06/2024 at 2:22 pm

My house, along with 5 others, has a hedgerow along our shared access pathway belonging to one property on its other side. Any idea who is responsible for maintenance trimming etc. of the shared access side?

tired neighbour 17/06/2024 at 4:40 pm

I live in a detached house with no side access and have 2 houses built along side me, am on a hill side and 1 of the houses is lower than mine , i have a tiny 2 feet high wall at the top of the garden and having had problems with the neighbor i want to plant a hedge inside my boundary , it will put her decking in the shade and she says i cannot do it , please someone advise me

Debbie 17/04/2024 at 10:00 am

I am a land owner and my neighbour has an agreement with land registry that the hedge is maintained to 8ft which we have maintained to this for the last 10 years plus and paid for this. He has recently moved in and now has been abisive about this and doesn’t want it cutting, it’s now at 12ft and straggly and unsightly, going thin at the bottom. He has also started putting mission on our side of his hedge, again insightful and trying to be in control and cause issues. Can he do this and what’s the best way forward. He has also planted 20 ft trees next to our house.

Renata 07/04/2024 at 8:52 am

I want to plant some hedges ( buxus)for privacy right by neighbours conservatory extension and outside our kitchen window . Will the roots in future when it has grown cause any problems to either of us

Philly 10/05/2023 at 9:39 am

My neighbour has planning to build 7 self builds on the field behind me which runs alongside my garden which is in conservation area although the development field is not.
We have a gateway and Devon linhay barn of which there is an established access for maintenance which he is now fencing in and removing access.His planning condition does not include this fencing and should include a bat zone along our green boundary hedge and the row of linhay.His intention is to take building plot right upto the linhay walls which are used as annexes to our cottages.

Bettyboop 13/11/2022 at 5:43 pm

Hi..my neighbour has erected a “corner fence” in front of his hedge and it is such an eyesore from our side (he painted most of it, but left half of our side unpainted)…His garden is higher than ours because we are on a hill…not sure how he is going to cut corner of hedge…hedge has been trimmed by me for years as previous owners did not acknowledge hedge was theirs…Do I have to “put up with it…

Gpmum2 24/07/2022 at 1:44 pm

I bought my house and there is a large hedge or many types of hedges the other side of my fence, then the pavement. It has been mentioned that the previous owner planted these hedges. Do I have to maintain them even though they aren’t in my property. They have been there 20 years.

cuuca 13/07/2022 at 9:27 am

So I recently purchased a property in the country. the property is surrounded by hedges.
In the paperwork, it says all boundaries are my responsibility. I believe this is the old rule as the hedge shared with the neighbour used to be farmland. In my eyes when they purchased the land they should have taken responsibility for trimming the hedge on their side.

The neighbour insists I should be trimming the hedge on their side.
Does this sound correct?

My other option was to pull this hedge up completely and put something else in place as the upkeep of the hedges on my side is hard enough without having to also do the neighbours.

Any input welcome

Waffs 18/05/2022 at 11:17 pm

My neighbor had all over grown scrubs tress vines, and everything randomly growing on our property line. We would trim our side but the thick was so unruly , the weeds would grow right back . Well he sold his house and new owners took over . I ask if he would mind if we cut the small trees scrubs and everything else growing on his property line . That starts from the beginning of our driveway to the end of our driveway. Making it horrible getting in and out of the car. Because these over grown bushes constantly blocking my path way . He said go ahead and do what u want. I won’t be using that end of the house anyway. I will be renting the property . It’s a summer house at the New Jersey shore. I was thrilled !!!!!!! So me and my husband got the crew together and two days of uprooting. Cutting with chain saw , weed whacking , shoveling , 9 trips to the dump to get rid of the foliage. Two burtal days of work . Not to mention being pricked by thorns and poison ivy !, and a load of weed killer !! Finally it’s done and looks great !!
The neighbor doesn’t even notice. That was la year ago . This year we go down the shore to open our summer home up and what do I see ……. 6 Azelea bushes planted right on the property line !!!!!!!!! I am so angry. We clean the horrible mess up for him to plant more over grown scrubs right on the property line. …. The law says bushes and hedges must be planted 3-5 feet from property line. What should I do ????

Floyd 23/03/2022 at 8:34 pm

Our neighbour has a eight foot hedge in front of his house blocking any view of LochNess, but the law says that you have no right to a view, but the good thing is that you have a right to daylight, so if the daylight in your house is reduced then you have a right to complain, and they should be forced to remove some of the hedge or all of it if need be.

Antes 11/08/2021 at 5:41 pm

What can I do about where I can report it because it is impossible to reach an agreement with the neighbor. He cut the bushes and trees growing from the property he was renting, and despite Togo that I asked him not to, he transferred them to my side, destroying my flowers.

corky 09/08/2021 at 4:15 pm

My mother in-law has a 2m wooden fence she is 86 year old but next door has hedge about 4m high it is starting grow out of the wooden fence panels and now there getting distorted when winter comes the leaves block the drains he has trimmed back his side but will not touch mothers side ?

GGeilian 19/07/2021 at 9:02 am

Hello. My neighbours hedge stretches its width across both our boundaries at the rear of the semi-detached properties. The hedge belongs to my neighbour but while I was out the other day he decided to cut the top (which is already below 2m high) on both sides of the boundary meaning he would have to lean over to cut the top which grows on my side. This was done without any conversation. When I've cut the top I've never done this and always concentrated on the portion growing on my side as I felt this is not appropriate even if helpful/less work for neighbour.

Jungleboy 18/07/2021 at 5:23 pm

Hi
I have a shared driveway with my neighbours but their hedge is impeding the access to my property. Can it be cut during nesting season if the hedge becomes too much of an obstacle?
Thanks Jon

JJ201 27/05/2021 at 2:54 pm

There is a tall hedge on the back of my mother's small cottage garden which backs onto a farmers field. It looks like the hedge is on or just inside mums boundary. The Nextdoor neighbours have no hedge where their garden borders the field. The hedge is around 12ft tall and cuts light out of both garden and cottage. The farmer is intimidating and aggressive and threatened to sue if we touched the hedge. He chased a gardener away whilst he was trimming the hedge in January. What can we do? Ideas please.

Hedgehog 05/04/2021 at 4:23 pm

When I moved into my Proerty there was a boundary wooden fence on my side, however I was always having to repair the fence as despite me asking them NOT to my Neighbour was hanging baskets on the fence and bushes were overgrown which were making the fence lean and break. I continued to replace fence panels with a wall
With wood between pillars, their Landlady told them NOT to put hanging baskets on wall or attach any nails etc, which they totally ignore. Last year I contacted the land lady as he had built a trough against the wall , and was planting bushes and now what looks like tree in trough, which have roots which will grow into the foundation of the wall, despite contacting the landlady because when I was repainting the wooden part, I noticed that the wood is rotting because he has a plastic greenhouse again attached to wall. I am angry that the Landlady has not done anything about this problem and they still continue to plant bushes etc in the trough. If there is any damage too the wall or wood am I within my rights to ask for all cost when repairing wall
And fencing

Maggie 04/04/2021 at 7:39 am

I have a terraced cottage without access to any street. My neighbour has two conifers, 12 feet high, next to a dry stone wall defining our boundaries. I drew attention to the fact that this is causing problems with the structure of the wall
The only reply to my request was refusal to pay for their removal, or even reducing their height. I tried to say that the cost of rebuilding the joint wall would be prohibitive as access to the garden is through the cottages To this the reply was ‘let the wall fall down then’
I would like to know what steps are open to me that may resolve the problem. Thank you

Gully 28/03/2021 at 11:06 pm

Hi, we have hedge between me n my neighbour. They have cut tree trunk n now has left hole n easily accessible for the neighbour to come into my garden without permission. I was how would be the best way to approach the matter as I do not really want to speak to them.

Bins 14/01/2021 at 5:21 pm

We have an existing yew hedge (approx 30years old) that separates our boundary and the farmers field. Last year he planted a mixed native hedge with whips approx 1.2m off of our hedge. Our main concerns are that this new hedge will grow to 2.5m high, impede the growth/sunlight and who's going to maintain our side of the new hedge as the farmer can't with the tractor and flail. He agreed on email that he would remove it and now he has said he isn't going to remove it. main concern is that it will damage our hedge. Where do we stand with this?

Quackers 23/11/2020 at 4:17 pm

At the side of our property is an access lane to a farm field. The field is leased to a farmer. The owners of the land cut the hedges once a year with a tractor and cutter. This leaves debris all over our garden and drive. Do the landowners have a legal responsibility to clear the debris as it is quite a lot and quite thorny. When we have been at home when the hedges have been cut we have moved our cars off the drive to prevent any damage. Do the landowners not have a responsibility to inform us when they are undertaking such work?

Mark 16/11/2020 at 3:02 pm

I have a hedge at the bottom of my garden that backs on to a farmers field.
There is a covenant that contains a clause in respect of my obligations to erect and maintain a fence between my land and the field.
The farmer is saying that there is a clause with the Land Registry documentation stating that I must erect and maintain a stock proof fence - although I haven't seen this clause.

Is a hedge a type of fence? Is there a case where this has been defined?

The farmer is now saying that the fence must be suitable for his needs and it is my responsibility to build fencing.

Swannies100 15/11/2020 at 7:35 am

We have two issues:
Issue 1 neighbour 1: We have a joint 4m heigh 3m wide hedge. The neighbour does not want it lowering, we are really struggling to deal with it. We reduced the width on our side, but our neighbour's gardener just cuts to the new middle opposed to the centre of the hedging trunks. We cannot get anyone to cut for us and it is simply dangerous. It is a Beech hedge and as it is semi evergreen the council will not help as they only help with evergreen hedges. They also refuse to cover any costs to reduce height and have been verbally abusive when approached.

Two of these hedging trees were let grow to full size trees, these are also joint, they block light to several gardens. Five years ago before we moved in three neighbours clubbed together to get them trimmed (including the previous owner of our house). Neighbour 1 refused to pay anything and contested. The canopy is now recovering and we lose lots of light from our garden and so do our neighbours. When approached our neighbours were again abusive as they had been to other neighbours who had approached them. Neighbour 1 said we can cut one of the trees (they see joint ownership as one tree is ours and one is theirs). This seems rather silly, but it is what they believe.

Neighbour 2: Is literally trying to kill us. Our drive goes straight onto a main road. they grew a hedge at the front of their house and we can no longer see oncoming traffic at all until the whole of the car is on the road. There is nowhere to put a mirror that is not on the public highway and the council has a mirrors policy that forbids the use of mirrors on the public highway due to public liability issues. They have said they will review if there is an accident. I have been to my MP and we have had many discussions with our neighbours but they refuse to do anything. They keep the hedge within their boundary. We have had many, many near misses. When we use our village roads to park on we get notes left and one of our cars has been vandalised. We are literally going to die. We have told the council that if their is an accident we sue them under contributory negligence grounds as they could have done something to help.

Sue 23/10/2020 at 12:46 am

When we bought our house the previous owner had a lot of bushes connected to the fence so it was falling down. We put up a new fence and spoke to the lady behind us about the fact that plants don’t belong on fences and she agreed. She paid for half of the neighbor friendly fence. Then nailed a bunch of vining plants to all panels of the fence! I can’t get her to keep them on her side either. They are all over my trees, yard, deck everywhere! What can I do she should have to pay to clean it up! Throwing the stuff back over the fence doesn’t work.

Lou 17/10/2020 at 8:23 am

Before we bought this house out neighbour effected a fence onnthe bank between us within their boundary, this only came to light when we started planting a hedge in front of it. They are about a storey higher than us. They agreed to the hedge providing we kept it trimmed to the fence line. Neither the hedge, nor the fence follow the original boundary. Some of our hedge could be considered to be witgin6their property.
However, they have recently replaced all the fence panels, so I feel that they have relinquished the land rights to a degree . Do you agree?
My other concern is that despite knowing we have a hedge next to the fence line, they have just slabbed/paved the footpath running along side their side of the fence.
If our roots (now 5yrs) start causing an issue to the paving, where do we stand?

cd 13/10/2020 at 1:00 pm

my neighbour planted a hedge right on the boundary line of our properties without any consent
i personally do not want another hedge to trim, i believe there was a hedge law passed to avoid this and you refer to it in your article, can you please tell me where i can find this law ?

Nutty 04/10/2020 at 5:03 pm

I own a lane that me neighbour has access to use to get to his home. They own a thorn hedge that runs part way along the side of my lane. They do cut the hedge but gradually it is getting wider narrowing the lane restricting larger vehicles. I have mentioned cutting back but to date they have not wanted to do this. Can I cut the hedge back ?

easy 25/09/2020 at 6:22 am

we have a garden home. The long side of the home has the neighbors grass growing. This is not a problem. He dug deep into our foundation side and planted large plants/scrubs up against our home. I am concerned that over time they will push into our foundation and the water seeping into the concrete. Any answers for this problem. They are pretty hateful neighbors and we TRY not to bother them. Been here 16 years and all was well til they moved in.

Teedoff 12/09/2020 at 4:09 am

If a landlord has ivy growing from his land onto a neighbour’s wall and into their gutters then it must be his responsibility to remove it, The tenant of a domestic property is not responsible for trimming or removing it. Teedoff

Teedoff 12/09/2020 at 3:57 am

I own a huge ancient boundary fence, and spent a lot ot time and money having planks replaced with Douglas Fir some fifteen years ago. Four years ago I had to ask my gardener to keep cutting ivy appearing over the top on three eight foot wide sections. One year he reported that the neighbour had told him not to cut it as she was waiting for the wild blackberries in it! They sold last year, but she refused to cut the ivy at its roots before leaving when I politely requested this. The new neighbours are very helpful and are allowing my gardener to go in and remove the ivy where possible butit has already destroyed the planks their side and looks dreadful for them. Can I sue the previous owner for the cost of replacing the ruined planks In the small claims court?

Teedoff 12/09/2020 at 3:49 am

I own a huge ancient boundary fence, and spent a lot ot time and money having planks replaced with Douglas Fir some fifteen years ago. Four years ago I had to ask my gardener to keep cutting ivy appearing over the top on three eight foot wide sections. One year he reported that the neighbour had told him not to cut it as she was waiting for the wild blackberries in it! They sold last year, but refused to cut the ivy at its roots before leaving when I politely requested this. The new neighbours are very helpful and are allowing my gardener to go in and remove the ivy where possible butit has already destroyed the planks their side and looks dreadful for them. Can I sue the previous owner for the cost of replacing the ruined planks In the small claims court?

Deedsrule 07/09/2020 at 7:20 pm

Hi there,

I own an end of terrace property and my garage is built at the back of the property, and it’s walls according to my deeds, and Barrats maps are the boundary wall with the mid terraced property. The owners of the mid terraced properties have now gone and built and open shed against my garage wall, as well as some tall plant beds using train sleepers, they have also attached on my garage walls 3 plant runners.
Sadly they have never ever had the courtesy to share this with me, or even earn me about using the garage wall. Do I have any rights to oppose this as my main concern is that they built the plant beds above my garage damp course, almost 90 CMS higher, and I fear there will be a lot of damp coming through in the future. I can share some photos here.
Kindly let me know if you have any advise for us.
Thanks again.

FMC 04/09/2020 at 4:12 pm

My neighbour says he owns the hedge on our boundary and it is in his garden, however, he is insisting I cut the half that is in our garden. Do we have to do this? We live in Scotland

Thuja123Plicatta 23/08/2020 at 11:27 am

How close to my established but regularly clipped Thuja Plicatta (Western Red Cedar) hedged trees can my new neighbour erect a closed board wooden fence , probably over six feet tall . The fence deprives the growing trees of light and the posts will have damaged roots. They are not subject to a TPO.

Debs 09/08/2020 at 8:10 am

A laurel hedge separates the back of our garden from neighbours in an adjoining street. They are new neighbours of about 2 years. There are old posts on either side of our garden indicating an original fence line. These are now covered by this laurel, which is also riddled with bramble. It stems from behind their garage and is left uncontrolled. It has encroached into our garden to the point of wrecking an ornamental fence and pushing against our patio. We would like to remove the laurel from our side and reinstate the original fence line. They are vehemently opposed to this. The properties were built in 1933 so the boundaries are not as clear as more modern properties. I would appreciate any advice. Thank you so much

Zee 09/07/2020 at 5:38 pm

behind my garden is a college field and their brambles are growing through and over my fence. it is damaging my fence and they’re not taking any responsibility for maintaini got the brambles.
they have suggested i put up a new fence and cut the bramble.

who is responsible for cutting the brambles and paying for my damaged fence? can i challenge them?

Nelly 05/07/2020 at 6:16 pm

We need a new fence between us and next door down the left hand side at the bottom there is a Hawthorne hedge the neigbour is insisting we take it out there is nesting birds and other wildlife in there.The fence could start at the hedge it would look ok but they want it removed we don't.

Sandra 07/06/2020 at 7:16 pm

My neighbour has a Virginia creeper growing up our fence and it has come under and is strangling our plants. She used to send her gardener to help remove it but she sadly passed away in March and so it’s growing voraciously! She had no relatives so no-one will be near the house for the foreseeable future. What can we do please?

Dave 02/06/2020 at 9:37 pm

My neighbour has errected a fence on there property. She has left us with the rough side of the fence and her conifers are now on our side. They are turning brown and look to be dying. Should she not of removed the conifers or put the fence up with the conifers on her property.

Jeany 25/05/2020 at 6:46 pm

We have neighbors who planted hedges between their yard and our next door neighbor's--he lives in between us.

We used to be able to have a nice view of the local church and the mountain behind it, but now their hedges are growing so high that they're obstructing our view. Can they let the hedges grow as high as possible or do they have to trim to within a certain height?

None 17/05/2020 at 8:13 pm

On my boundary fence the other side is a different estate the close had a pathway which drops lower than my garden
There is a shrub which had been planted by a person over the fence which had grown and spread now against my fence .
I now have to replace a panel .and the branches are stopping us getting out the panel as we will not be able to.slide panel out .I have sent a note saying I will require shrub being cut back to enable the replacement panel to be placed .how do
I stand please

JDogg 28/04/2020 at 10:48 pm

When my next door neighbour moved in he planted a privet hedge on the border of his front garden and my path without asking my permission, he also planted on the border of his garden and the pavement (without getting planning permission), in addition he filled the remaining space in the garden with shrubs some of which are now over 4 metres high.
Despite numerous requests that he trim his shrubs down to the legal 2 metres and trim his hedge from over my path, he refuses to do anything, what should be my next course of action?

pete 21/04/2020 at 9:44 am

I've lived at a property for 20 years and have never had an issue with my neighbours until recently. The house next door now has a new owner and a leylandii hedge that separates his garden and my rear driveway has now become a point of contention.
Ideally I would like to cut back the hedge up to the boundary marker (a steel point that has been in the ground for some years) and erect a wooden fence on my land. My neighbour objects on two grounds (1) the cutting back of the hedge would turn it brown and may kill off the hedge (I won't see the colour as it would be hidden, but would be concerned if I subsequently get sued for criminal damage) and (2) he claims that as the hedge line has for some years grown beyond the original marker there is now a new boundary! I'd love some advice.

Sophie 18/04/2020 at 6:45 pm

During storms our neighbours fence panels blew down,they removed the posts and panels, I assumed to put up new ones. They decided to put in a bare root hedge,on the boundary line, hard up against the gravel boards we had installed to protect their panels( there is a difference in ground levels ours being slightly higher. When I said to them that they would need to put a fence up they got very aggressive and that the hedge is a fence. They told me I should put up a fence.Their deeds stipulate they must maintain a fence there is no dispute where the boundary line is,however with time the hedge will encroach on our property. What course of action can I take

M 17/02/2020 at 2:01 pm

The new owner of the house next door completely removed the hedge dividing our properties without any discussion .We have looked after this hedge for 35 years and believed it was a boundary hedge. The new owner now claims it was entirely on his land. If this turns out to be true is there nothing that can be done?

Sammy 15/01/2020 at 4:07 pm

What is the distance between my neighbour's tree and my fence supposed to be. His tree is ruining my fence.

Rach 11/01/2020 at 6:38 pm

I rent out my property. My neighbours vine has grown over fence and tenant let it grow through closed upvc windows of conservatory and break through join between house and conservatory wall. The tenant say it’s not there fault and they don’t have to pay for damage as plant came from next door. Is this correct please..

Mary 04/12/2019 at 1:02 pm

I have a boundary hedge and I’m wanting to cut back on my side and then erect a fence on my lane is this doable?

Hopperty 09/11/2019 at 1:41 pm

I grew a hedge on my boundary between my neighbour and myself, they moved,so now my new neighbours have said I cannot lower my hedge to my desired height,is this true and what is the brightest a hedge can be between neighbours please.

Delfina 05/11/2019 at 9:42 pm

Hi, I am renting a property with a back garden that has a very well trimmed Ivy growing on my rented flat side. It reaches all the way to the top of my house. The only way I can trim it properly is to knock on the adjoining house for the use of there garden. However, he wants me to trim his side as well. From the look of my neighbor's property, it has several years of neglect. Ivy is growing in his gutters and it looks like it will coast me several hundred pounds for a gardner to come and trim it. In the end, I decided just to trim myside and find a more creative way to trim the ivy growing at the top of my flat. Its alot of hard work for me. Every time I trimmed my Ivy my neighbor would knock on my door asking me to trim his garden as well stating it was my landlords Ivy growing on his side of the wall and that I am obligated to trim his side as well. My landlord will not bare the coast. for his garden to be trimmed. acaould anybody, please offer any legally advise?

Ceri 05/11/2019 at 10:08 am

I have a driveway lined with conifers which have been here for 15 years, they have now started building houses on the opposite side of the hedge along side the conifers, where do we stand with the tress being here 15 years before the houses as far as being told to cut them down.

lakey 16/10/2019 at 9:41 am

Am I responsible to collect trimmings that fall into my next doors ganden after cutting my hedge?

lakie 16/10/2019 at 9:34 am

When I cut my hedge and trimmings fall into my next door neibors garden have I got to go around to there garden to clear it up .they have made demands that I do.

Cheese 14/09/2019 at 3:27 am

I was born on a wagon of a travelling show. My mamma used to dance for the money they’d throw.

Frustrating 11/09/2019 at 5:13 pm

Apparently our weeds are growing into neighbour's garden, but only after they erected a fence about a metre back from our we'll established tree hedge letting light through. The trees were planted along the boundary which is now in dispute. JK. N

Fedup 08/09/2019 at 7:11 pm

We have a 14' evergreen hedge, with an Ash tree mixed in. We trim the hedge on a regular basis and today took it down by about 2'. We have taken this amount off previous, without an issue. However, the neighbour has hit the roof, complaining that we didn't ask his permission to take this amount off. The hedge isn't the boundary of the two properties, a fence runs behind it. We can understand him complaining if the hedge was coming down to 6' but by 2'?

Pm73 03/09/2019 at 2:22 pm

My rear fence currently boarders a building site for new homes. A tree root from the site has grown under my fence and is now visible and coming through my lawn. Is it down to them to sort the mess out?

Lkp524 Never trust t 31/08/2019 at 9:46 pm

They do as they like, even though they pay for our services. Need I say more?

Rich k 30/08/2019 at 2:41 pm

My neighbours new tenants have cut my wisteria and damage my fence that it grew thru leaving it very unsightly, although my bush will grow back my old fence however will not and will no longer match the rest of my fence panels , as always a knock on the door would have been helpful and friendly!

How should I proceed from this point as I’ve contacted the home owner of his tenants actions and what equates to vandalism of my property?

Byron 26/08/2019 at 5:08 pm

Our neighbour has removed her hedge and is now claiming that the boundary is within our garden. Legally where does the boundary lie when an old hedge exist?

A 19/08/2019 at 9:49 am

RB my neighbour has also done the same without consulting me. I'm very annoyed as it now looks thin and we dont want to lose the privacy. I'm looking to report then for trespassing

RB 03/08/2019 at 10:08 pm

I have a hedge which is within my boundary, a small fence runs as a boundary line however my neighbour continues to reach a foot over the fence to cut the hedge back which is back to the spine of the bushes, can you advise of this is trespassing. (Please note the hedge was trimmed a few weeks back by myself to a prevent branches over hanging).

Robin 24/07/2019 at 11:21 am

Hi,
Our left boundary of the garden is a hedge - but we would like pets which could pass through. Though it's our neighbours responsibility because we want pets we have to pay to stock fence and secure the boundary? We need to make the boundary safe and enclosed. Advice would be very appreciated

Buns 19/07/2019 at 10:57 pm

My neighbour comes onto my drive to cut his bushes and hedges back and leaves it all in piles on the drive.

Gg 03/07/2019 at 9:08 pm

Can my neighbors plant bushes without my permission

SAA 25/06/2019 at 11:59 am

We have purchased a beautiful house which borders in a piece of land owned by the council. There is only 15-20 feet from the front of my house to my hedge which runs along the full front of my house. There is another very large Wilde hedgerow which runs the other side of my hedge which how now grown out of control. It is growing over my property and is now that high you can not see my house, other than the roof, from the road. As there is so little space between the hedge and the front of my house it is now totally blocking out the light to my living room and kitchen. To the extent I have to have the lights on in the middle of the day during June. I have been in touch with the council to see if they would trim it down, not remove it as I really like it, but it is now completely overgrown and if continues will be higher than my house. They have told me it is a conservative area and as such they do nothing. I can cut anything that overhangs my house and throw it over but that’s it. I asked if there was a compromise but he said no. My concern is this is already dramatically reducing the natural light from coming in to my house and as they are not willing to keep it to an agreed height will just get worse. I love my house but feel very claustrophobic in my own home as it’s so very dark. Is there anything I can do?

Poosey 23/06/2019 at 1:59 pm

We have leylandi how tall are they allowed to grow in a garden?

Sallyjane 05/05/2019 at 10:38 am

I live in a council bungalow and my neighbour on my left (I have access through her garden to back gate) keeps leaning over the fence to cut the upper side and recently part of the top of my hedge,
which is next to an 8ft by 8ft wall attached to both properties. She has a 6ft fence panel her side, plus the original 4ft wire fence is inbetween both fence and hedge.

I have explained the law regarding this countless times, that she can only cut what grows over her fence. Also not to lean over or the top. I cut it to 8 - 9ft and neatly round the end and trim the inside as best as I can. I wait until after nesting season and leave berries on my side and top during the winter.

Part of the hedge is a Snowberry the rest is privet.

I am sick of explaining nicely to her to please not cut beyond her fence. But yet again one of her grown up children has and messed it up! I am considering if possible, to slide a 7ft - 8ft fence panel between the wire fence and my hedge and hoping that the hedge itself would support it, plus bricks at the bottom. Or any other ideas, anybody, please?

Looking forward to your replies and suggestions.

The kid 29/04/2019 at 10:44 pm

Our neighbours hedge is planted right on the boundary line, so the default position means any growth is immediately encroaching. The boundary line is our neighbours side wall projecting front and back. This line is subject to a tomlin order after we successfully issued legal action as they refused to accept the legal boundary as defined by the land registry, the developers, independant surveyors etc.
Having trimmed our side for many years, they recently harrassed me by pointing out where the boundary line is as i was trimming the hedge, they didn't even check first as the hedge branches are right on the line and i was only cutting the spreading leaves. I have now erected a fence just short of the line so in effect passing the problem of maintaining their hedge onto them. The only way he can trim this hedge now is from my side if i remove the fence panels. If he asks me do i have to allow him access?. My belief inplanting the hedge on the boundary line itself and not leaving room for growth he has exacerbated this problem and i dont want any thing to do with his hedge. It is his problem. Am i correct?

Also his rear garden wall encroaches by several inches, this was built when we all first moved in and he told me the boundary line was the roof eaves. We found out later this was mistaken, we could have enforced the tomlin order on the rear wall. Now he is causing trouble again can we enforce this order and make him realign his wall, or is their a time limit which prevents this action?.
Thank you

Icecream 27/04/2019 at 5:35 pm

my Neighbour has decided to cut my 6 foot hedge right down to the root and put a fence-up about a foot away from where the hedge was.
The hedge actually separated the two gardens so theoretically I’ve been left with know back to my garden now.
I’m a council tenant and at the time they were but they have just recently bought there property.At first the council hadn’t really got a clue what do apart from mess me about,I’ve been very persistence and they have now got the legal team involved which I’m still waiting to hear of them,apparently it’s a long drawn out process in the mean time they have been lifting panels up to get there kids ball when ever it’s gone over the fence ( when I’m out ) I feel so angry I’ve now contacted cab due to how long I’ve got to wait for all this to be resolved...
The police have been called and told me to keep a dairy of everything that’s happing...
Surely they can’t get away with this ?
No permission of me to do this or with the council
Left my garden open access
Left the root still in as I believe it’s got to go about 3 foot down to get them out
That’s why I think it was left ( ridiculous) I hope to get some advise on this thanks.

Ccpict 05/03/2019 at 10:35 am

I live on housing development which was built in 60s on a long plot of land which has a hawthorn hedge as the boundary to an existing house and land which occupied the ground since early 1900s. The land Development was built on was a similar house and plot originally and was then carved up with the 60s development. The hawthorn hedge remained as a boundary to the new properties on the developed land and the adjoining original. Part of the land beyond the hedge has now been sold, the purchaser has planning permission to build houses, and the first thing the builder has done is tear down the boundary hedge and construct a fence. Where would i find details on ownership of the hedge and if ownership is not defined, is the builder liable for damages.

Lynny 25/11/2018 at 9:25 am

We fell out with our neighbors months after agreeing on the species for a hedge. I decided to plant the hedge myself so it could start growing. I planted the hedge about 12 inched inside our land. The neighbor went berserk saying we had no right to plant it. This was not the reaction I expected I thought she would be pleased. She cut one down so I called the police and the promised the police they'd replace it. But told us they had no intention as they did not want the hedge. We took out an AVPO and at mediation after 6 hours without a break they reluctantly agreed to the species but wanted control of the height. Out of sheer exhaustion we agreed. But next day at 9am I called the CJC and made them cancel our agreement. I was advised the agreement was not legally binding so I didn't need to worry. Because of all the activation caused by these neighbours and as the hedge was inside our land, I carefully removed the hedge and planted it on the opppsite boundary where we have no neighbours. Next thing we know we're ordered to attend a tribunal and have been ordered to put the hedge back! The member hauled us over the coals and said the CJC was wrong.

Cath86 22/10/2018 at 2:12 pm

Hi. I've a boundary hedge which was planted on my side. Literally most of the hedge is on my property apart from a tiny bit which is over grown onto there side. I'm wanting to pull it out and replace it with a fence. Am I able to do this with the hedge actually been on my property?

Conwy 10/10/2018 at 1:59 pm

I forgot to say we cut the hedge ourselves twice a year to keep it trim

Conwy 10/10/2018 at 1:57 pm

Hi we've got a conifer hedge between us as neighbours the hedge roots are planted on our land and not the boundary. The hedge has been here years before we moved in and we've been here 11 years the new neighbours about 5 years, we have constantly asked him not to cut our side he even lets the hedge trimmer come down about of our hedge too.He will only stop cutting it if my husband is home and is in the garden to askt him again not to cut our side .I don't know what rights we have and where to go from here.Any help and advice would be great. Thank you

Hall 21/09/2018 at 4:49 pm

We have maintained a hedge between our neighbour & us for 32 years she is now saying it is on her property & not on the boundary line & she is going to have it removed & a fence erected but the fence will come further into our garden. Can she do this?

Jay 27/08/2018 at 7:15 pm

Dear Josy. I also have a right of access down a privately owned lane so I can tell you what has happened here. Another neighbour who is a police man and has a right of way informed the land owner that his speed bump (which was above normal height and scrapping the bottom of his car) was causing criminal damage to his property (his car). I would guess the same applies to overgrown hedges etc. The speed bump by the way was promptly removed. I imagine said police man neighbour had looked into his rights first. Hope this helps.

chippy 14/08/2018 at 5:13 pm

Hi,My neighbour owns a hedge which defines our boundary.However they seem to think it is good practice to lean concrete slabs against the hedge causing the hedge to lean into my garden and also put stress on the hedge itself.I asked them 10 weeks ago if they could remove the slabs and they have done nothing other than lean more things against the hedge.What could i do please.

Maximuss 07/08/2018 at 9:07 pm

We have recently approached our neighbour regarding our dilapidated fence which has been damaged due to his conifer trees pushing against the structure and natural wear over time. After some lengthily communication, in writing,we agreed that the fence bordering our properties was equally our responsibility and have now replaced the dividing fence. As part of the agreement he gave written confirmation that he would reduce the height of the conifers to a mutually agreed level. He then proceeded to cut the trees with what equates to a pair of scissors and soon became disenchanted and gave up saying that he could not cut the trees back any further. H e was soon reminded of his earlier commitment and replied by saying he didn't actually state to what level he would reduce the height. It is worth explaining at this point that the trees in question sit on a boundary between his property, my property and another property to his rear. Neither I or the other neighbour at the rear have benefited from his attempt to reduce the height which has been brought to his attention. His reply is simply that he does not have any obligation to attend to his trees as advised by the local Council.
The facts are that the trees are about 25 feet high and access to trim the overgrowth is difficult and dangerous. This has been the basis of our concerns for the future as the task of maintaining the trees is only likely to be more difficult as they grow out of hand.
Under the High Edges Act 2011 there could be an obligation for our neighbour to reduce the height of his trees although this does seem a grey area. My concern is not so much the loss of light , which is a factor as the tree grows in height and width, but the ongoing maintenance.t has become more and more difficult the trim our sides with no where to support a ladder. Is there any obligation on his part, litigation I could pursue and any other long term resolution?

Disabled persons car 26/07/2018 at 6:58 pm

Hi, I am a disabled ladies registered carer. Everything I do for her and her children is done on a voluntary basis. The Lady moved to the village 5 years ago. She lives in a row of twelve houses. Her back garden adjoins a farmers field. At the back of every house/side of the field there are grass cuttings, bricks and other rubbish. These have been there for years and lay underneath nettles, brambles, weeds etc...This week every house received a pretty stern `unless rubbish is removed within seven days legal action will follow` letter. I rang the farmer (A huge national business) and was told that it didnt matter when the Lady moved in, the rubbish is there now and so it is her responsibility. (The Lady is a council tenant) I live about 3 miles from the lady, there is approximately an 8 yard skip of bricks, concrete and corrugated iron sheets at the rear of her home in the field. Theres no way I could even attempt to move it all within 7 days as I am not even home this coming weekend and I work weekdays. The lady is very worried and distressed by these threats as she struggles financially. Could anybody please offer sound legal advice? The Lady didnt and couldnt physically deposit the rubbish (its not rubbish as such, its more building waste bricks etc...) it was there when she moved there five years ago and this is the first time anything has been said. If I could move it I would to prevent her worrying but I simply cannot in their time scale. Thank you in advance for helping by giving advice. Patrick

Mat 24/07/2018 at 7:01 am

I have a building plot some weeds are growing through the fence on to my neighbors property he says they have damaged is fence
He recently asked if he could cut them back and was granted permission but he didn't bother who's is responsible

Stephen 23/07/2018 at 8:04 pm

Rules on high hedges just get swept under the carpet with the council. Clearly states on websites that if a hedge is preventing light from garden and house then council should take action. But if you council tenant and house bought next door and hedge on boundery line the council say nothing we can do.

Hedge angry 16/07/2018 at 6:41 pm

We have a 20m privet hedge at the bottom of our garden which we keep to roughly 2m in height to allow our son to play football without kicking the ball over all the time. There is a private lane the other side which leads to a house. The person who owns the house has employed someone to use an industrial hedge cutter to take about half a meter off the top, while we were at work.
It now looks a total eyesore. We kept it neat and trimmed and looking healthy but now it looks a total mess. Is she allowed to do this without consulting us first? The hedge was there before the lane.

Jossy 16/07/2018 at 1:11 pm

We live in a row of 4 terrace houses which has a service road running around the back of them. Although we all have access rights, the parts of the access road at each side belong to the 1st and 4th neighbour. Neighbour 4 maintains the hedges down his side of the road and there are no plants. Unfortunately neighbour 1 does not and has verbally declined to cut the plants and hedges which are increasingly growing into the road. These plants and hedges scratch the sides of our vehicles. We were allowed to trim them once, but now he refuses that option as well. Is the next step legal action?

Sandy 10/07/2018 at 3:23 pm

Our neighbours weeping willow is hanging over our garden making the patch unusable. Tree is just in a conservation area but has no preservation order on it. We have spoken to the owner but he does not want to know. It has already caused our extension to subside forcing us to have the extension rebuilt. Can you advise us please.

Bleed 06/07/2018 at 11:08 am

I just witnessed my next door neighbour climb on the outhouse roof over to my side to cut bushes in my garden and then throw it in my garden, I know it is over grown but should he not ask permission to do that or ask me to cut it back myself, he is always cutting my bushes in the front garden because they hang over my side of the pathway

ProblemNeighbours Editor 05/07/2018 at 11:27 am

You can cut back any branches that over hang your side of the boundary. You can't attach anything to your neighbour's outbuilding but you can erect a freestanding structure such as a fence/trellis on your own property. There are maximum heights for many garden structures constructed within 2 metres of a boundary so you will need to make yourself aware of these.

Sammy 01/07/2018 at 5:52 pm

My neighbour is a nightmare for complaining and now has two things causing me problems
1/ over hanging bush in our rear garden in their side of boundary but overgrown in height and overnight hanging our garden
2/ a building detached from the house with window on our boundary. It’s bright yellow and had windows on my side. It’s been there over 19 years that I have lived here but I would like to cover it with a fence or something.

Can I do this and cut back the bush ?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 22/06/2018 at 12:08 pm

You can trim the hedge back as far as the boundary as long as this doesn't damage the hedge. You can offer the cuttings back to your neighbour but they don't have to accept them, in which case you should dispose of them yourself.

Steph 21/06/2018 at 11:24 am

Need to know about cutting edge that are in my garden but are my next door neighbor where do I put the cutting if someone could please let me know thanks .S Allen

Horsefan 19/06/2018 at 8:20 pm

We have a field the back of our garden which is really over grown (Grass and weeds are about 5ft high) we dont have any fencing at the back as its on a steep bank... Who's responsibility is it to maintain it? The field is owned by a farmer who i dont know.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 15/06/2018 at 3:17 pm

A property owner is not legally obliged to fence in his/her own property. There is nothing to prevent you from erecting your own fence if you so choose.

Notahappycamper 15/06/2018 at 10:50 am

Our neighbours owned the hedge dividing our rear gardens and wanted our consent to trim and remove any hazardous trees. They proceeded to remove all lower branches and clear hedge but left tops of trees completely exposing our previously private garden.

We complained to them that we were not happy with the work, they stated that they would be putting up a fence.

10 months later and no fence, they have erected a sun terrace at the top of their garden which looks directly into the usable area of our garden and into our kitchen.

When asked when the fence is going up the neighbours have replied that they are not putting one up. Where do we stand?

Lincolnshire Lass 13/06/2018 at 5:00 pm

We have a privet hedge boundary, our hedge which I planted 20 years ago on our side of the boundary line. The neighbour at the time was fine with this, unfortunately several owners later, the current neighbour persists in cutting the hedge back to the bare stems on their side and taking gouges out of the top, even through the bird nesting season ?? we have now written to them asking them to refrain from touching it, but if they don’t what is the next step?

Muffyyy 12/06/2018 at 9:54 pm

Hello, we live on a small cup-de-sac on a corner plot with no direct next door neighbour. The access road to the cup-de-sac runs adjacent to our house. Across the road are a row of houses looking onto the side of our house and garden.

At the side of our house, closest the road, is our fence, the other side of the fence (road side) is our hedge which i have to cut and maintain. My front lawn then continues from the front of the house and traverses the hedge. The lawn is 2 feet wide and is next to the pavement.

My question is can i remove the hedge and put a new fence in where the current hedge is, leaving the same amount of lawn closest the pavement?

Thanks

Tessa 10/06/2018 at 11:45 am

Hi, it is Sunday, I live in a housing association but was a city council tenant before the housing association took over it. I have lived in my property 21 years and thinking of buying. New neighbours who haven't been here a year yet are as I type removing half of the front garden henge that has been there 50 years. It is kept tidy. . This leaves my side of the garden open to the public walking by now has made me feel vulnerable due to being disabled and living alone. Had no discussion with neighbours they don't own rent.. being a Sunday I can't call anyone official to find out if I can stop them. Not only have they left my front garden open now removing there half of hedge it will affect local birds that use it. My cat is a little shy and worried dogs may wonder in and rubbish. .kids already misbehave around here can see them running around it now. Do you think my new neighbours have been unfair and what can I do not a happy bunny .

phoebe 07/06/2018 at 3:55 pm

An old-established privet hedge(mine) forms the boundary between me and one of my neighbours.My neighbour believes that this is encroaching into his garden by approximately 18". Instead of cutting it back,I recently noticed that he has dug a deep trench, exposing the roots, so that the hedge is dying.My family has lived in the house for over 70 years with no problems. I do not want to become involved in a bitter or costly dispute, any advice, please?

Milly 03/06/2018 at 8:53 pm

Hello, me and my husband live in a council bungalow and have been tenants for well over 14 years. The problem is that there is a small area of private ground which we and 2 other bungalows back on to. For the best part of this time my husband has been looking after part of this ground with the owner knowing, but 3 months ago the owner's son came and put a 3ft fence up and said he no longer wanted my husband to look after this piece of ground. He also sent a letter telling us. We are both upset as it is now looking a terrible mess, and the trees that have been kept under control are now growing very fast again and will soon be blocking out light from the 3 bungalows. Other vegetation is now a good 3ft high in places. The owner was happy enough when he visited twice before but now changed, as our next door neighbour apparently upset the owner's father by complaining that a tree was blocking his light, and it was. This has now been sorted out by the owner's father who paid for a tree surgeon to cut off some well over hanging branches. Can not understand why the owner's son has been like that with us though, my husband would not hurt a fly. Now this land is getting really out of hand and do not know what we should do as we do not wish to upset the son or his farther. I personally blame our neighbour who worried his father as to why my husband is not allowed to keep it tidy anymore. Should we have a word with our council? Just do not know what do it is very upsetting and I know my husband is too. Please can anyone advise or have any idea what we should do please? Many thanks for reading this I know it is a little long.

SAJ 31/05/2018 at 4:50 pm

Hi,

I am looking to understand my scenario and where i stand legal what i can do and cannot do.

- getting my driveway done, i employed someone they scammed me and they have been reported to NFA, the builder i employed did not get my consent of removing these bushes.
- hedges have only been removed from my side.
- both parties/ tenants that live next to me ( left and right) have hedges, and these hedges on there side has not been removed.
- when i spoke the housing association (council about it) they said we cannot remove address. when i ask her if we could remove both.
- as far as i am aware i can remove mine as my property is fully paid off and mine we are not tenants for this housing associations at all.
- based on the above where do i stand? i am looking to put fence in the middle but do not want to get it removed by them later loosing 700 pounds. please let me know.

saj 31/05/2018 at 4:39 pm

Hi,

we own a property within a council area, our property is ours, we had it for years, we are getting some work done on the front driveway on both side of the property are council owned and have tenants. Within these houses, we own a majority of the hedges between both parties, we employed someone to do our driveway however he removed hedges that were on our side only without touch any that grow on there side without our consent, there is a tiny tiny branches of hedges on there side of the property it look awful as its, he has committed fraud and the NFA are taking action on him on that note. In my scenario the bushes/hedges have only been removed from our property boundary only ( shown from the concrete posts that are set around the front of the property. Will the council take action on this or not? we are looking to put a fence on the boundary line but was waiting on there response, they put a fence on the boundary line years ago near our drain and nothing happened. but we ask a few weeks back they said we couldn't remove the hedges( all of it both sides), they
haven said we can or cannot remove from our side, being said its our property we can do what we want as long it doesn't affect them, its our hedges as far as i am aware we don't need there permission is that correct say? under some stupid policy they have with tenants they (housing association) tenants cannot remove the hedges, doesn't state we can remove ours at all legally speaking of course what are my options in this because it looks horrible im not bothered with but if i install fence i do not want it getting taken down.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 30/05/2018 at 2:23 pm

You were correct in your assumption that you could trim the overhanging/protruding branches. It's also true that some people seem immune to "eduction"...we hope the information on our website does at least help some people when they need specific advice to back up their case.

Stevied 26/05/2018 at 4:38 pm

There is a fence between the neighbour and local scout Hall, there are clematis and other shrubs growing through the fence overhanging the pathway to the front door of the scout Hall, back in October a beaver scout has hit in the face by the overhanging plants, so I went and trimmed them bsck(not even to the boundary fence). I was confronted by the neighbour saying I had no right to touch his plants, I argued I did and they could be cut back to the boundary to clear the pathway. This comment upset him more. I explained about the child being hot in the face. His response was"the kid should have ducked! Or gone off the pathway to avoid it". I explained it was slippery off the pathway, this upset him even more..... You can't educate some people.

Supes 24/05/2018 at 9:51 am

We have shared conifer bush with neighbour he has cut so far back it has shocked it and parts are dying where do i stand

ProblemNeighbours Editor 11/05/2018 at 2:42 pm

She can cut back any growth that overhangs/extends into her garden and can do the same with the roots. This is unlikely to cause irrepairable damage.

Ma 10/05/2018 at 1:42 pm

My daughter owns a house next door to a council owned property. The left hand hedge on the neighbours side is pushing down and growing through her boundary fence. The property has been renovated for new tennants, but is still empty, and she has asked the council to remove or cut the hedge, but they say they have no budget. They are totally uninterested in the difficulty it is causing her. What would be her legal position if she irretrievably damaged the hedge?
Thanks

Elly 21/04/2018 at 12:15 pm

We own the back fence/hedge bording our neighbours. It is quite overgrown my partner states we have to maintain both sides of the hedge I reckon we don't have to legally. Where do we stand?

Chrissy 20/04/2018 at 10:43 pm

Hi my neighbors have really high leylandis in their garden they are not far off the height of the house. We have a fence my side which needs taking down and renewing which I’m prepared to pay for because it’s mine so my question is who’s responsible to trim these trees on my side even though they are not a boundary hedge I haven’t long moved into my property either.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 11/04/2018 at 10:48 am

It should be fine as long as the growth does not over hang the footpath (or you keep it trimmed back regularly). Are there some other factors that we don't know of here?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 10/04/2018 at 11:41 am

Whose hedge is it? Your deeds should tell you. If the hedge is their's they can do as they like unfortunately.

Sion Leshoes Holt 09/04/2018 at 12:46 pm

Hi
A new neighbour has just bought next door. They have cut down hawthorn and holly hedges belonging to this property. No communication has taken place. Nesting birds are in the Jolly both natural and my nest boxes. All mature and been cut a foot of stump above ground. I have a temporary pig wire fence on various sides of the hedge just to prevent my dog and my daughter squeezing through. This has been assumed the boundary and all hedgerow on there side of my temporary fence has been cut down. Still no communication after letter put through the door. Very upset and as this is from a new neighbour where is this going to end? Thank you for time

Hannahrd90 08/04/2018 at 8:33 pm

We are currently building an extension and want to put some 6ft laurels along our boundary (other side is a footpath) people down the road have done the same thing as it won’t be blocking anyone’s views etc, my husband is worried the council will make us cut them down. Can they do that?

smoozey 10/03/2018 at 10:04 pm

I live in a detached house with neighbours on 3 sides, we are a corner plot and have a narrow mouth to our driveway that then opens up as it goes towards the house. Along one side of the driveway separating our house from our neighbours, there is a short (very short, not even 2 feet) white fence and some conifer bushes in a line. They follow the fence on our side to a point, but about 2/3 of the way along (towards the mouth of the driveway) the fence stops and it is just hedges, ending at a small triangle of gravel at the end where our driveways meet. We would like to remove the hedges and replace them with a short wooden fence, due to the narrowness of our driveway, we can't let them grow on our side and they are basically cut down to the bark but are covered in ivy and very unsightly. Added to that, the fence is broken in a couple of places. I can't find any word in our deeds or plot outline as to who the boundary belongs to, but I believe that I should be able to at least remove the hedges that are on my side of the fence (the trunks enter the ground on my side) but this would still leave a potential dispute about the two trunks that take over where the fence ends. I wanted to seek advise before acting, as I have had a few minor disputes with this neighbour (mostly about parking) and don't want more trouble than is necessary.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 20/02/2018 at 9:47 am

Unfortunately for you, it's your responsibility to trim back any overhanging branches yourself if they are bothering you. If you are concerned about the height of the hedge, you should try and negotiate with your neighbour, but unfortunately because beech is not evergreen, you may not be able to actually take action under the High Hedges legislation.

DL 15/02/2018 at 11:44 am

My neighbour has a beech hedge that is in her garden and lies against my garden fence - a fence which I consider to mark the boundary line. Her hedge overhangs my fence and is a nuisance in the sense that it robs my garden of light and sheds leaves in autumn. Since it's her hedge I asked her whether the guy that cuts her side and levels out the top every year could also trim it back to the line of my fence on my side so it doesn't overhang into my garden. She refused saying it was my responsibility to maintain my side but I really resent the fact that I have to maintain HER hedge and the fact that I will have to pay to have it trimmed out of my own pocket! Do I have any rights here?

Bob 25/01/2018 at 2:38 pm

Hi
I have 2 tall conifers at the end of my garden which were here when we moved in. The branch over hang into our neighbors garden. The neighbor has cut out tree back which I am ok with but has thrown the branches back over into my garden for me to dispose of. Who should get rid of the branches?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 02/01/2018 at 11:06 am

If the hedge belongs to the neighbour (the housing association in this case), then they can do as they like with it. Check your title deeds to see if there is anything that relates to maintenance/ownership of the boundary just to be sure.

dalisa 23/12/2017 at 3:06 pm

We have a boundary hedge, 8ft tall on our side and 10ft on the other. The other side is on a small housing association site which has elderly persons flats on. The hedge is perfect for security on our side, as it stops anyone just coming in to our garden, and privacy on both sides. I maintain my side twice a year and birds and bees regularly nest in the hedge. I came home from work the other day and the housing association had been and chopped the whole lot down so all privacy and security has now gone. They said it was a "health and safety" issue!! We are now completely exposed with a massive security issue and when they have chopped it away they have revealed a spiked fence which is very dangerous. They are going right down the avenue, which is another 8 houses and everybody is very angry as they will have the same problem. The association say they didn't need to inform us as the hedge is on their property, but surely if they were going to destroy all the avenues hedge we should have some sort of warning.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 06/11/2017 at 2:52 pm

The agreement was not made between you and the neighbour so it's unlikely that you would be tied to it. Why didn't the previous owners mention this in the sellers questionnaire? Your solicitor might be able to help. If it's clearly in your garden is not part of your neighbour's fence maintenance, responsibilities (your deeds will say who, if anyone is repsonsible for maintenance of a boundary fence), you should be able to get away with removing it, but do seek legal advice first.

Lozzaloula 05/11/2017 at 6:15 pm

My partner and I have just bought a property. When I went to the estate agents to pick up the keys, they gave me a letter from my new neighbour. The letter was a copy of an agreement between my neighbour and one of the old occupiers of the house from 10 years ago. It states that our neighbour planted a new hedgerow in our garden which he paid for. I can only assume that we have received this letter in an attempt to let us know that the hedge is his property and we don't have the rights to remove it. The planting of the hedgerow is clearly on our garden and is in a bad state. We eventually want to remove it and replace with something healthier and nicer, however we are worried about the legal implications. Can you please advise where we stand on this matter?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 01/11/2017 at 12:50 pm

We don't have all the facts so it's difficult for us to comment. When you say the deeds state that it's "their boundary" - that could mean it's their responsibility and they have to maintain it. If so the shrub and chain link fence could have been placed there by them and joint form part of their fence/maintenance. You'd really need to get a boundary expert to take a look at the deeds and the site. Alternatively try a local mediation service.

Davvers 30/10/2017 at 11:49 am

Hi. Just had my neighbour come shouting at me threatening to take me to court so want advise.
The boundary between my house and theirs is separated by a chain link fence which the deeds state is their boundary.
In my land on my side if this fence is a horrible shrub which I want to take out as it is wasting around 4ft of useable space.
As I started to cut this out I was shouted at and told to stop as the shrub was "shared" and they don't want it removed.
I disagree but stopped just to make sure.
No roots are on their side. No shrub goes onto their property as they cut it back flush with this fence. I believe I can remove this shrub and as the roots are all on my side and it doesn't form part of the physical boundary (the fence does that), I can remove it?
Thanks

JDogg 02/10/2017 at 1:24 pm

Hi, When my neighbour moved in he planted shrubs alongside the wall separating our properties at the front and along the fence at the back, he also planted a privet hedge flush with my path which runs alongside my driveway. I have no problem with the shrubs alongside the wall as I cut back anything that overhangs my property, although it is now well over 2 metres in height, the shrubs at the back have destroyed two fences over the years as they have pushed against them, broken through or caused them to rot. My main problem however is the privet hedge alongside my path, he has never maintained it and I have had to cut it back every year. I'm sure that I've read somewhere that unlike a garden, as it is overgrowing my path he is responsible for cutting it back, or paying to have it done should he not want to do it himself. Is this correct? I want it cut back to the edge of the path as I want to erect a short wall to stop it continually obstructing my path.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 14/09/2017 at 2:31 pm

If the hedge belongs to you, you may be able to take civil action for criminal damage.

Rebecca 13/09/2017 at 6:26 pm

Bow where is the hedge? Is it on your property? If it is and it was hanging over you are allowed to trim it back but I believe they must offer you the cuttings back, which you don't have to take.

Your message is not clear - are you sure there are cameras in the trees?

Bow 13/09/2017 at 1:43 pm

Hi mine is a question are neighbors have cut the top of our hedge which belongs to us with out asking they have also reduced the height of it we were growing it high due to there cameras they have in the tree what laws have they broken

Ariadne 03/09/2017 at 5:16 pm

Jp53,

I've been reading as much as I can on these bothersome topics. I wish I had neighbours who want me to cut my hedge as it strays into their garden. Mine
just want to savage my hedge on my side.

This is accompanied by their cutting down of my fruit bushes, dumping their rubbish into my garden and totally destroying a flat gravelled area I was making into a wildlife patch. Not once was I asked for permission for them to enter the garden or carry out their destruction.

There has been a total loss of privacy in my garden thanks to these NsFH.

Ariadne 01/09/2017 at 8:17 pm

A slightly different situation from what Jp53 has said above:

My house, a semi, adjoins one where the neighbour cuts down the hedge. The hedge is rooted on my side though the roots may spread underneath the boundary fence the hedge conceals. I have the woody base of the hedge on my side. If I cut the hedge at the bottom then the adjoining house has no hedge.

Does this mean it isn't my hedge?

Jp53 24/08/2017 at 7:01 pm

I was after some advice. A small picket fence seperates my back garden from my neighbours. Growing over and around the small fence is a variety of bushes shrubs etc which create a natural boundary between the properties. 90% of these grow from just within our side of the fence line and a small amount from our neighbors side.The boundary is no higher than two meters high so height is not the issue but our neighbour seems to insist that we should cut back his side of the boundary as he is not happy it is encroaching into his boundary line who is right here as we are refusing to cut his side. Any help much appreciated the law is clear on hedges being no higher than 2 metres but not so clear on this .

ProblemNeighbours Editor 16/08/2017 at 11:23 am

No - unless they were maintaining the hedge on your side, on you behalf, in which case it's probably reasonabe to expect you to dispose of them. If they were simply trimming back overhanging branches on their side of the boundary, they should "offer" them back to you but you can refuse to accept them.

Pebbles 15/08/2017 at 6:41 pm

We have lived in our bungalow for 40 years. We have a smallish garden and have the sun through the day until early evening. To the west is a very large house and garden where they planted a conifer hedge years ago which has now grown to 25feet high with one tree now 40foot high. this is restricting the light and sunshine and we are now sat in our conservatory at 6pm in August and virtually the whole garden is in shade. What should we do? thank you

Lejoky 14/08/2017 at 11:40 am

My neighbour has cut back my hedge and has dumped a skip full of cuttings on my garden. Is this legal?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 03/08/2017 at 10:06 am

Are you all home owners or is this council property? If so, the council should handle it. If not, you need to check your deeds to establish who owns the land...if you're all joint ownersr you may need to combine to take legal action because access rights or the terms of your deeds have been interered with. If the path is indeed to aid the emergency services in the event of a fire, then your local fire services might be able to take action too.

M 02/08/2017 at 8:26 am

Hi Hedginess
For a) see response to Maundundas. And for
b) see response to PhilK.
Am still confused!
M

Hedginess 01/08/2017 at 2:49 pm

@M. Where does it say that? Sorry can't find it.

M 01/08/2017 at 2:04 pm

I am a bit confused re your comments a) "If the neighbour owns the hedge he is resposible for maintaining it on both sides" and b)" There is no real responsibility on a hedge owner to maintain the hedge on the side that is not on their property"
Could you clarify this please? As a hedge owner am I responsible for the annual trimmimg of the hedge on my neighbour's side?
Many thanks, M.

Natasha 31/07/2017 at 4:36 pm

At the back of all out boundary fences to our gardens there is a path between our fence and the retaining wall... all the neighbours maintain the parts of the path know as a fire path that are outside their gardens however one neighbour refuses to take care of the part outside his fence and will not allow anyone else to maintain it... they have foliage from their garden spread right across the path including tree branches ect making it no longer accessible or if so with great difficulty... What are my rights to clear the path as it doesn't belong to him it's communal... this is becoming a massive issue and we have all been here since the houses were built and know what should be done

ProblemNeighbours Editor 28/07/2017 at 11:53 am

He cannot do this. As you rightly state, your neighbour can trim back any branches that overhang his side of the boundary.

Union Jack 25/07/2017 at 9:55 pm

I own a field behind some houses. Only the gardens look out on the field but no windows. Some years ago I planted some blackberries along the boundary on my side of my own stock fence which is on my boundary. A new neighbour has threatened to cut the blackberries down and send me the bill. If he comes into my field without my permission, is that trespassing? I would think so. Also I do not mind if he trims the blackberries on his own boundary and throws the cuttings over. But he is very aggressive. I also have heifers in the field.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 25/07/2017 at 11:58 am

If the hedge is on your side of the boundary, you could construct a fence on the actual boundary to allow you to do as you like to the hedge. As the new owners planted the hedge - they may of course dispute that is it not on the boundary and will say that they can do as they like with the hedge as it belongs to them (which is fair enough). The only way to resolve that, if you cannot do so amicably would be to use a boundary expert/the legal system. If you accept that the hedge is theirs and they can therefore do as they like with it, your ideal means of maintaining privacy would be to plant, or construct something else on your side.

cbr600 18/07/2017 at 1:31 pm

We bought a disused farmyard and have converted a building to live in. The old farmhouse is adjacent and was sold prior to us buying the yard. The new owners of the house planted a mixed species hedge along part of the garden and laurel on the rest which was well established when we moved in. Up until last year we have trimmed the natural hedge between us by mutual agreement but last year neighbour decided to cut it down to 4 feet high totally taking any privacy away. When questioned he said it was for ease of maintenance so I offered to take over cutting which was agreed. Last week while we were out he cut some of it low again and continued to do so the next day while we were out. We have avoided him as so angry! My husband got out the deeds to our property and we have now discovered that the hedge was planted on our side of the boundary i.e boundary is 5.92 mtrs from an outbuilding, roots as 5 mtrs form the building. We have not yet tackled him over this to avoid bad feeling but would like to know how we stand please

Maudundas 05/07/2017 at 2:37 pm

Hi, I have lived in my property which is an end terrace in a small cul-de-sac for the last 17 years. When i first came the neighbour then had a leylandii hedge which he kept at a reasonable height and he used to cut his side and the side that overlapped mine.

New neighbours are there now and the side of my property which meets on their side has totally overgrown and is overlapping my property by about 12 ft. The hedges have practically forced my buddleia bushes over. Their side is higher than mine and i have an above ground pool next to the buddleia which his hedge is growing over also. I have asked them to cut them back, and when we went on holiday he had his hedge cut but never did our side. Do i have any rights as these trees are about 30 ft high. We don't have a good relationship with them to be honest as they have a westie that never stops barking either.

Thank you in advance

ProblemNeighbours Editor 30/06/2017 at 11:41 am

This is a civil matter, so you if you're not happy with simply having a conversation with your neighbour asking them not to touch the hedge again, you might have to seek action for damages via the courts.

forkandles 29/06/2017 at 12:06 pm

Hello,please advise regarding an issue with a private boundary hedge, as follows:Hedge belongs to my property & is planted in my front garden.The height is 6ft and always well trimmed on both sides by myself.It does not block their light as adjacent to their garage.It very slightly grows into next doors garden, as is the nature of a hedge, however you can plainly see all of next doors block paving up to the boundary. I trimmed the hedge the other day & the following day their family member arrived & subsequently cut large areas of the hedge away leaving a large hole on their side. Are they allowed to do this? As I feel it is going to kill the hedge (which is their goal?)What route should I go down to stop any further damage please (police?) thank you.

Kate 17/06/2017 at 9:04 am

We are semi detached and live in a col-d-sac. There is a lane that passes through the back of each house which is accessible through my back garden gate. I use this lane every morning to walk my son to school. In recent weeks I have had to walk the lane with a pair of shears chipping back hedges and bushes in order for us to continue using the lane. I'm rather tired of doing this and was wondering whose responsibility it is to keep the lane neat and tidy! Would I complain to the council? I have bought my house that backs onto the lane therefore feel it's my responsibility to ensure my part of the lane is kept tidy. However there are some residents that rent via the council or privately. Can you help?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 16/06/2017 at 11:12 am

If it is indeed a party hedge, then you and your neighbour share responsibility for its maintenance and you must both agree before any parts are removed etc. You will need to get this resolved using a mediation services or a solicitor.

Emmz 13/06/2017 at 5:32 pm

Hi
We have a hedge Border in our back garden one has agreed for removal and for us to put a fence up the other has been very awkward as they like greenery. Awkward neighbours Sao we can cut hedge back to the boundary line (concrete posts in middle of hedge). Having cut back the majority of the hedge the roots are on our boundary a small section of hedge near the house wall is completely on our boundary so we have removed the section (about a metre and a half). In same section there is a fence and additonal bushes on next doors garden. Having checked with our solicitor the hedge is jointly responsible known as a party hedge. Today our neighbours have complained and said they are not happy as l we've removed a section and they are going to legal I've tried to explain that the part they are referring to is completely on our side and that we have tried our best to accomodate leaving there side of the hedge in by leaving roots in on our own boundary to ensure some hedge is left for them meaning we will effectively loose a good foot of our garden once the fence is erected. Just wondering where I stand legally as I feel I've been extremely reasonable and actually think I should be able to remove all roots that are on my boundary. Any advice much appreciated thank you

Billy 06/06/2017 at 4:38 pm

Moved in 30yr ago.Front garden is offset,terraced house,so everyone looks after the garden to the right of the path leading from front door to the road.There is a hedge on the neighbours to the left of our front door,never been a problem as previous 4 neighbors have trimmed hedge.New neighbors not trimming hedge,I know I can trim it but I don't want to .They know the hedge is theirs,or rather the landlords.I don't want the hedge as legally half of it is growing in my property.Where do I stand.

KAT 24/05/2017 at 11:05 pm

My neighbour has a very beautiful, well kept, front garden consisting of different types of bushes. My problem is, when I get into my car on my driveway, which runs along our front boundaries, I can't see if any traffic is coming on the road (near a junction), or if there are any pedestrians on the footpath. The plants aren't particularly high, roughly to the height of my car roof, so I don't know if the 2m rule would apply. Some encroach my boundary but that's not the problem. My problem is visibility. Where do I stand?

Sue 05/05/2017 at 5:42 pm

Hi some land on our boundary is not being maintained and it is dangerous for us to cut the hedge on the side of the neighbouring land. Is it possible to make the landowner clear the area so that we can cut the hedge safely

old house rules 30/04/2017 at 7:37 pm

I have just moved in to an old terraced house. We own the fence boundary to the right of the garden, and the family to my left own the boundary to the left of the garden. They have a lorrel hedge planted, but it looks like it was planted on the boundary, not their side. It is well established but has 1m wide gaps in it that I could walk through, so not safe, secure or private. I am going to put fence up along the back of the garden soon, and want to put fence along the left too, to enclose the space.
The neighbour likes the lorrel - though from brick counting between the windows etc, it does look to be planted on my side - what can I do?
There was an 'agreement' between the neighbour and the previous owner re the hedge. I would guess that no longer applies...

ProblemNeighbours Editor 06/04/2017 at 2:45 pm

There is no real responsibility on a hedge owner to maintain the hedge on the side that is not on their property. Can you write to the governors or to the Local Education Authority to appeal about this on behalf of the elderly owner? They may agree to continue as a gesture of good will.

PhilK 06/04/2017 at 11:44 am

I have an elderly friend whose home is adjacent to a school between which there is a boundary hedge (approx 100ft x 9ft high)with a small chain link fence in the middle.The school accepts responsibility for this hedge and has trimmed it (top and both sides) for the last 30 years.A new head and administrative staff are now refusing to carry out any future maintenance on my friends side.Where does she stand legally on this matter ?

Cris 13/03/2017 at 3:54 pm

Hi. Between my neighbour and I there is a hedge fence on my side and a wall brick fence on his side. This was already in place when I moved here 14 years ago.
For what I've seen there are older boundaries visible ony side.
The real strange thing is that my neighbour have always trim the top of the edges, even having a tall wall on his side. He gets steps and he bends over to reach out the green edge ( it is not save, no). Sometimes e puts a lader and comes down our side and our next-door neibour to paint the back of his fence even knowing is cover by the edges ( I understand it could be a OCD thing). I've never mind much, but this last two years I been at home and actually see him do it. He stands there looking at me and keeps the job like I'm Invisible. Last year I approached him and asked what was he doing on my neighbour and my propriety. After trying to ignore me and saying he didn't understand my pronunciation, he said the neibour give him permission. Well both neibours had passed away and I knowing the family felt I could question him.
I tried to question the reasons he never approach us before, but apart from I being doing it for 40 year and I can see the edges from my Garden, nothing else came out of it. So I feel his been very intrusive and abuses my need of privacy. Could any one sheet some light about this
Thank you

ProblemNeighbours Editor 16/02/2017 at 12:36 pm

This is really difficult. Theoretically, the neighbour shouldn't have cut back the hedge because it doesn't belong to him and he has caused criminal damage to it. On the other hand if branches of the hedge of encroaching on his property he can cut them back as far as the boundary. It may be that you have to employ a property/boundary specialist to resolve this but if you can do so using a mediation service/alternative dispute resolution first, it might be easier.

Patb 15/02/2017 at 9:24 pm

A new neighbour has cut the leylandi hedge in our front garden which divides the property back to the trunks on his side which has resulted in large holes on our side. This hedge had been in place for 25 yrs and was maintained by us as it was planted by a previous owner of our property. He is also disputing the boundary. We have had a survey carried out and it appears that the trunks are on their side by a few inches. The boundary on this side is actually ours and says quite clearly on our deeds that we are responsible for this side. Can he legally remove the hedge and if he does is he responsible for replacing it with fence or will we have to fund the cost ourselves? He is very difficult and has physically attacked my partner resulting in police being called. Our garden is no longer private or secure for our pets and grandchildren. Will welcome your advice.

theboy 01/02/2017 at 9:09 am

My neighbour has stopped cutting his hedge as he has never ask me who's hedge it is, but on my deeds it's his hedge and recently he shouted from the road 'cut your hedge' towards my house. The hedge has so weighted on his side that its leaning over his drive and its removing soil under my drive. What needs to be done?

James 15/01/2017 at 10:29 pm

My neighbours just fell out with me and says i can no longer cut the top of his hedge on my side after doing so for 8yrs

Bex 30/12/2016 at 7:13 pm

Hi, we are in private rented house and we have a hedge at the side of us between us and next door, which our landlord says its his so we was allowed to take it up, but now next door are saying its theirs, how can we tell whos it is?

Tan 21/12/2016 at 8:24 pm

New neighbours won't trim their boundary hedge between our houses. I have asked nicely when they're going to trim it.got a dirty look and that was It lol. It is twice the height of mine and looks unsightly as I cut my side regularly. It's a council property anything I can do?

mrbigsboy 10/12/2016 at 4:25 pm

Hi. We have a service alley which runs along the back of our gardens to the end house. The corner house next to me is council and the other is private as the same as mine.
I have a 6ft fence along the back and have a climber that has grown well and runs the top of the fence and onto the council house. It also.runs along the back of the brick shed and along the other private houses brick shed. Its great for security and hangs half way down the back of my fence. It looks like the council have turned up and cut the whole lot off leaving the fence clear and now my garden is visible through the trellis. Can the council just turn up and do this without my consent. Its my property after all and was not obstructing the alley in anyway.

Unhappy in my own ga 01/12/2016 at 3:47 pm

We have a neighbour who's very mature hedge sits right on our boundary, wholly within their land but is around 20 - 30ft high. The council is unwilling to help through the high hedge act as they are spineless, and we are now at our wits end.
We have tried to speak with her to at least halve the height of the hedge however she is adamant she will not touch it as it provides her with privacy to her whole house.
We have been told that she holds a grudge with us from trimming the hedge wen we first moved in as it was overhanging our garden by about 8 ft.
The grass can barely grow and we now have a moss covered rear garden and to add insult we have to have the lights on in the downstairs rear rooms almost permanently.
Is there anything we can do - ASBO/Human Rights etc?

Brambles 11/11/2016 at 11:21 am

I moved into a newly built housing association property over four years ago. My house and garden have a hedge running from front to back which has been there for many years and is part of a hedge running along the lane separating farmland from the lane. A farmer cuts the hedge regularly from his property and down the lane however the hedge along my property has not been cut since I first moved in and is 8-10 feet tall in places and 3-4 feet deep with a ditch on the far side. The gardeners for the housing association say they can't cut it because of the ditch (health & safety) but they maintain the hedge the other side of the close entrance which has no ditch or property alongside it. The hedge is full of brambles and bindweed which keep coming over and under my fencing, it overhangs my fence and blocks light. Part of my fence need repair as it is leaning back into the hedge so I need to get the other side to push it back up however this is impossible due to the prickly shrubs and brambles.
In addition to this, the housing association planted shrubs along the bottom of my garden along the outside of my bottom fence which have now grown to about 8ft and block the view of the downs. These are also never cut and the housing association says they think that land belongs to the farmer and that they are not their responsibility even though they planted them after I moved in.
Where do I stand on ggetting these hedges cut and who should be cutting them. I pay monthly a charge added to my rent a fee for maintenance of communal areas.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 09/11/2016 at 11:01 am

Yes he is entitled to cut back any growth that overhangs his side of the boundary, but if it's destroyed the hedge, it could constitute criminal damage and you can take legal action.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 08/11/2016 at 11:57 am

No you should not have to trim on your neighbour's side as long as the hedge was planted originally on your side of the boundary (i.e it's your hedge).

beechyhead 08/11/2016 at 10:22 am

I have a property that I own all the boundaries. One side is an access track to a farmyard behind my property. This track is lined with a beautiful beech hedging. This has been there for some 15 years and is commented on by all who pass it as its copper and green .. 8 ft in height it also acts as a privacy wall so the property does not over look the farm equiptment that comes and goes.
We have owned tha property for 4 years and have always maintained both sides of the hedge ourselves. It is about 50 meters long and always trimmed back twice a year.
It has never been an issue and for 15 years it has been maintained by both myself and the previous owner.
Yesterday the farmer decided he wanted it to be trimmed back so without prior consent or notification he used a tractor with hedge trimmer on it to decimate his side of the hedge which only borders an access track and not anyones garden. I spoke to him to ask why now ? after all these years he had done this causing distress to myself and the hedge. his answer was because he could as its bordering his property.
Is this correct ? do I have any comeback on this ?

Orlando 06/11/2016 at 7:48 pm

With the approval of our neighbor I plant a boundary hedge in our property more that eight years ago. My gardener has been trimming both sides of the edge. My neighbor is now demanding I cut my edge because it has overgrowed in his property. Do I obligated to cut the hedge in his side? I love my hedge and my neighbor never complained before.

Scarlet 12/10/2016 at 6:24 pm

I have a shared boundary where the roots of the hedge are well within our property and were planted by the previous owner. We would like to remove the hedge as it is very old and replace it with a fence due to having animals so they can't get through to the other property. The other owner of the property has refused my request to take it out and any compromise I have given them. Can I remove the roots from my side of the boundary, even though there will be virtually no hedge left?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 10/10/2016 at 2:34 pm

No, not unless their is something very specific in your deeds that says so (unlikely). In general a neighbour is entitled to trim back any growth on their side of the boundary if they want to but cannot force the hedge owner to do so on their behalf.

Brad 09/10/2016 at 11:04 am

Moved into a terraced property a few years ago with a hedge around the front garden which borders the adjoining house. New neighbours have moved in and want me to come and trim there side of the hedge. Do I have to do this?

Dick 04/10/2016 at 1:30 pm

My neighbours have cut down and destroyed half of the hedge that adjoins our properties. The hedge they have removed was growing on their side of a wire fence but the hedge was grown like this to make the hedge thick and sturdy and had been established for many years.
Can anyone tell me if this is legal? Now the hedge remaining is thin, unstable and has large holes in.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 04/10/2016 at 11:33 am

The law is a common law tort (i.e it's been defined by precedent) of nuisance that gives an affected neighbour the right to cut back roots or branches that encroach onto their property back as far as the boundary. You have a duty to exercise reasonable care in carrying out work as failure to do so may lead to liability in negligence (for example where the removal of roots make a tree unstable).

cloves 03/10/2016 at 6:16 pm

Hello,
There is a chain link boundary fence which has a hedge growing through it between my own and neighbours garden. These are owned by my neighbour.

They do not maintain it on their side and it has gone quite wild and now has bind weed and brambles growing through it.

I want to cut it back on mt side to the boundary chain link fence which is fine in most places, but in some spots the hedge has twined itself through the fence, and has also set roots on my side.

If I cut back the twined hedge it will leave gaps on their side and also if I cut back the roots it might die..... what can I do, I really don't want their hedge taking up space in my garden, I feel that if gaps are left by me removing growth on my side they might get aggressive. What are my rights and where would I find this information in print?

Any info would be helpful

Thanks

ProblemNeighbours Editor 30/09/2016 at 12:21 pm

You need to seek the help of a third party to resolve your differences - try a mediation service. Your neighbour is entitled to trim any parts of the hedge that overhang his side of the boundary but isn't supposed to cut anything off the height.

Itch 29/09/2016 at 5:11 pm

My neighbour is a law unto himself. A few years ago he said to my husband, I'm sick of the hedge now I'm thinking of taking it out and putting in fence panels. The hedge was the boundary between both our drives. We told him that we wanted to keep the hedge. A few weeks later he had a workman ripping out the hedge, when I asked him to stop he said I'm putting up a fence. I told him to leave my side so his workman cut into the hedge and basically destroyed it all. I was fuming and said he had no business etc.. £400 later I had replaced my hedge and he had his fence. He keeps cutting my hedge still and I've told him to keep his hands off but still now the 4 th time he's trimmed the side on his drive and cut over 2 foot off the height. I'm sick of him, what can I do,

ProblemNeighbours Editor 28/09/2016 at 12:22 pm

If your hedge overhangs a highway, pavement, or other access road, you have a duty to trim it back so it is not causing an obstruction. Otherwise, you are under no obligation to cut it back. If it overhangs a neighbour's garden, they can trim back any branches overhanging their side of the boundary.

DH 28/09/2016 at 6:27 am

My neighbour came knocking on my door last night demanding I cut my hedge (all on my side of the property, but overhanging part is on a corner next to garages though doesn't grow up on these as by the slight exit road to them).

He has stated he would do and charge me for the previlage (£400) as well charge me for his paint work to his van (£4k) as wants to park there. I've said that neither of his request for money will be happening as well as don't like being threaten on my property.

As the hedge isn't against any property, but is overgrown on to the exit road from the garages would I only need to cut back as far so access is more user friendly?

none 23/09/2016 at 5:47 pm

Help. We live along a single track road which enters out onto a 30 mph road. At the end of the track to the right the neighbours hedge is neatly trimmed, and kept at a low height so we can see right up the road for any approaching traffic and pedestrians as we try to enter the main road. However to the left the residents (who do not drive) have a hedge that has on numerous occasions been asked by the council to cut back to allow us to see to the left. They have done this although not all the way to the edge of the path and this has made things slightly better. However the height of the fence is approximately 10ft high now and we can no longer see to the left all until we are approximately half way out into the road. Also any pedestrians particularly children cannot see us coming. To make matters worse we enter out onto this road almost opposite another junction and there is also a parking bay opposite this hedge, so the oncoming traffic (bus route) has to be on the wrong side of the road as we are trying to pull out. Have tried talking to the Council but they have said there is nothing they can do as it is a private house and garden. Any suggestions as this is a death waiting to happen

KK 23/09/2016 at 4:09 pm

I am an older woman when at the end of last year my husband passed away. One of my neighbours then planted a mature pyracantha at least 5' high just on
edge of the fence which divides our gardens. He then said to me that if I did not like it, it was just too damn tough. It is now at least 6' high and growing over into my garden. My health is not good enough to climb steps to trim my side.So this is now over-hanging my garden. Is there any other action which I can take.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 21/09/2016 at 12:28 pm

It's not an easy one to resolve especially if you don't know whose hedge it actually is. There are a few options:
1. Allow him to do as he requests and hope the hedge is not too badly affected.
2. Allow him to do as he requests but ask him to pay for a replacement hedge planting on your side if the hedge is irrevocably damaged
3. Agree to remove the hedge as requested and re-plant (or replace if this is not possible) it on your side of the boundary
4. Refuse to remove the hedge and take it court/mediation.

sammy 19/09/2016 at 4:05 pm

Hi -

my neighbour wants me to cut down my hedge in my new property because he does not want to have to maintain his side. he wants to put up a fence instead. We prefer the hedge! He said he will get a fence anyway and trim the hedge right back to the boundary line (which is right bang in the middle of the hedge) , which will probably kill the hedge. Is he allowed to do this? what are the rules. Nobody knows whose boundary hedge it is... thanks!

Emma 14/09/2016 at 12:21 am

We live in a bungalow at the bottom of a private lane, there were hedges bordering the lane which we very much liked, I was greeted today with workmen cutting down all the bushes with a digger from my lane - private property - which has caused damage to my lane in the grass centre being churned up and where their property is about 2 feet below us and the workmen had been instructed to cut into the earth, the side of our lane is now crumbling and unstable, we now have a circa 100 foot opening onto the carpark of the flats rather than our beautiful lane as they have also removed the original metal chain fence, assuming the metal posts and fence were the boundary they have dug about a foot into our property, entered our property to do so and caused damage to our property, we now have an unstable lane with a 2 foot drop into their property and nothing to separate us from the drop! he didn't even have the courtesy to advise us! on standing with my neighbour in shock watching the pile of destroyed hedges it was evident that there was a bird nesting in it which i believe makes it even worse! I would be grateful for any advise you can give as surely this can't be legal?

StuF 28/08/2016 at 6:47 pm

I have a school at the back where the brambles, laurel etc have grown from not being seen through a old wire and wood post fence to being six feet above a six foot replacement fence. this means that the overgrowth is significant and regularly overhangs into my garden but the school ignores us. they do however trim further up the road. the council seem to not want to get involved. not only is it unsightly but I don't understand why they won't even respond.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 02/08/2016 at 11:09 am

Access is usually allowed for "essential maintenance" - it's highly likely that your neighbour does not need to access the other side of his fence for "maintenance" on a weekly basis. Also if it's a relatively rural area and you have livestock, there's a chance the hedge might be used for nesting and if so there are laws that prevent any hedge cutting under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

fedup 01/08/2016 at 3:43 pm

have a retired neighbour who likes to prune his hedge far too often for my liking from my property! he says he has a right to enter my property any time he likes to maintain his hedge which he says forms his boundary, but he likes to do it from my side as well as from his own garden. from the legal title documents i have paid a fortune for, his post and wire domestic fence is the boundary and it should have been a stock proof fence and his hedge is planted well within his garden. i have no issue with the hedge overgrowing his flimsy posts and wire as it overgrows into our field and my livestock eat it back to his boundary anyway. have tried to be polite and reasonable, but old owner used to let him roam about the field any time he liked, but it now forms part of my garden and i don't want him here every week i would like privacy in my own home!

Bookseller 29/07/2016 at 9:06 am

We recently bought a house that's had a large rear extension and extensive garden landscaping. The previous owners obtained full planning permission and we hold all of the relating paperwork including a site plan showing a 3m high hedge at the rear was permitted.

There is a 6ft high boundary fence between our garden and our rear neighbour, and the hedge is planted well within our boundary, so there's no dispute as to who's it is.2 months ago when I was maintaining the garden after moving in the hedge stood at about 2m high. I noticed our rear neighbour in his garden, introduced myself over the fence and we had a conversation. During this he mentioned previous owners prior to the ones we'd bought the house from didn't really maintain the garden well, so he kept the hedge level with the top of the fence. I politely informed him there would be no need for him to carry out any trimming as being retired we had plenty of time to maintain our property, and I also advised the hedge has planning permission to grow to 3m high. I said we'd be growing the hedge up towards the 3m height but would always maintain it well and were conscientious, sympathetic and respectful towards our neighbours.

We've just returned home after being away for a few weeks to find our rear neighbour has leant over the fence and cut the hedge down along the fence length circa 15m so it's now "level" with the top of the fence. However, where the hedge continues between our garden and another neighbours he couldn't reach it from his garden, so it sits about 0.5m higher! He's trimmed it badly creating castellations and it now looks a mess.

In my opinion he's totally out of order with his action. He didn't ask permission, illegally cut down our property by leaning into our garden, has left a mess and having been told by me previously that it has permission to grow to 3m high has no right whatsoever to suggest it was too high prior to his actions.

We obviously don't want to create a situation having only lived here for a short time, however, we find it totally unacceptable so welcome your thoughts, comments and suggestions how we could try to resolve the issue. We will of course visit the neighbours to discuss but are taking time to consider our options and what we might say.

Their house sits higher than ours as it's on a slope so our reason to grow the hedge a bit higher is for our/their privacy. We are open to having the side that faces us say 3m high, but the cut it away and slope it down towards the fence so it doesn't affect any light, which it doesn't really anyway.

ConifeSafety 27/07/2016 at 9:38 am

Our next door neighbour has conifers planted on the edge of his garden which separates our drive from his garden, we have always trimmed our side, however the height is now an issue, from our drive the conifers are approx 12/13ft foot high (our houses are built on a slight hill and our house is on the lower side) which has affected the light into our kitchen, our neighbour has no interest in reducing the height, I have approached him previously as the conifers go right to the pavement so coming out of my drive is quite a concern as we are in a cul de sac which a lot of school children and adults use to bike through and I have had a few near misses with cyclists (whilst leaving the driveway slowly I might add), I asked the neighbour if he could reduce the height to 3 or 4 foot for at least a metre from the pavement so it wouldn't be a potential hazard but he had the attitude that the cyclists can bike elsewhere, I have spoken to the local council who basically were not interested as they were conifers and do not fall under any ruling, is there anything i can do to A) reduce the height near the road for safety reasons and B) reduce the overall height to an acceptable level for light into our kitchen?

Tina 24/07/2016 at 10:43 am

We have a new housing estate that has been built at the bottom of the garden. We have a laurel hedge on our boundary that was there before the houses were built. The new houses have a fence behind our hedge. In the last couple of days, without notification, one of these neighbours has entered our garden and cut down our laurel hedge. What can we do about it?

Wollaton 22/07/2016 at 7:54 pm

I wanted to clarify a situation. Where we live there is a shared drive which we own. My neighbours' garden borders our garden and the shared drive. It is not clear, historically, which house owns which hedge in some cases. I have been maintaining two hedges adjoining the drive for 11 years. I have also been trimming my side of the hedge between myself and my neighbours' gardens. It isn't clear from the deeds, but the hedge is the only boundary between the gardens for most of the length and is on or immediately next to the legal boundary. It may or may not be on my neighbour's side, but I have been treating it as a boundary hedge - trimming overgrowth on my side and maintaining height to halfway width. A new neighbour has moved in and there have been issues about the hedge. I am unsure if I need to ask permission to trim the hedge on my side or what to do if they say no

ProblemNeighbours Editor 21/07/2016 at 11:03 am

Do the hedges/plants belong to the council? If so it has a duty to cut them back to prevent obstruction. If they belong to someone else but are overhanging the highway, the council can cut them back and re-charge the owner. If the council is not fulfilling its duty, contact your ward councillor. If you're not happy with the council's response, you could try the ombudsman.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 19/07/2016 at 10:29 am

You need to check your title deeds (you mortgage lender will supply you with a copy- they'll keep the original), they will show details of any convenants and any duties to maintain lawns etc. It's likely he's bluffing.

silk 16/07/2016 at 2:05 pm

Me and my neighbour have a shared lawn, he has not maintained his part of lawn after i refused to make right his patio which he claimed was damaged from the roots of a small tree in my garden, we were also advised not to repair his patio from legal advisers as no damage was noticeable on our land.
We decided, without consulting him due to him being very stubborn, to erect a Box lawn on our part of the boundaries.
This morning he has came over and said that under the covenant of deeds on his property I have broken the rules and stated that if I do not remove the hedge he will issue me with a writ and take me to court.
When i purchased the property 3 years ago , I did not receive any information regarding the covenants so do not know if they apply to me.
I am now lost at what I should be doing, The said neighbour is known to be very unreasonable and will only accept the removal of the hedge as a solution.

John 10/07/2016 at 10:50 am

The houses either side of me are rented and while I have resolved a hedge problem one side, I have a problem the other side. This house is still owned by the people who lived there and they maintained the garden, hedges etc. while they lived there. But the tenant, as seems the norm, does nothing and much is allowed to get out of control. While there are problems at the back it is the front garden that I have a real problem with.
It is my boundary and my late uncle built a low wall following the line of the boundary. A previous neighbour planted a number of shrub and bushes (some are evergreen) their side of the wall, but over the years these have been pruned to a decent height (about seven foot), even last year. But this year nothing has been done and now my lawn, already suffering from moss, hardly sees any sunlight. It also seems that whoever did the trimming last year did not have a ladder and simply cut what he could reach from that side, so in places the bushes are higher my side.
There is also a bramble problem. Previously I have simply cut off any growth my side. But this year it has grown and is threatening to take over a lovely japonica bush while shooting mainly over my side of the boundary. I am fed up cutting it back it. So, as it is not a natural garden bush or whatever, can I ask the owners/agents to do something about it - the same problem is also happening at the back of the house.
And can I do anything about getting the height of the bushes etc. cut back as they normally were.

Thanks
John
John

ProblemNeighbours Editor 06/07/2016 at 2:07 pm

The neighbour should not be reaching over to cut back any growth that is not on his side of the boundary. Depending on who the fence belongs to, the other neighbour should not be attaching anything to it (including climbing plants etc). There is nothing to prevent your sister from planting a free-standing bush/small tree for more privacy. The only thing to bear in mind is that is she plants several trees which are evergreen (eg. laurel, conifer, privet etc) they will be considered a hedge - and a neighbour can take action under the High Hedges section of the AntiSocial Behaviour Act if they grow too high (we're talking more than a couple of metres here though). She could consider deciduous trees to avoid this.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 06/07/2016 at 11:16 am

This is a really difficult situation but your neighbours while being entitled to trim back any overgrowth on their side, should no really have damaged your side in the process. Take a look at this guide produced by Rutland Council that has details of what you can consider doing.

Annie 05/07/2016 at 10:16 pm

My sister and brother-in-law have abusive neighbours. There is a wooden fence dividing their two back gardens. They have also grown a hedge to camouflage the fence which is about 6ft tall. There is also a clematis which grows up and over into the neighbour's garden, which he cuts, but now he is mounting a ladder and reaching over to cut the clematis on my sister's side. My sister would like to grow greenery a lot taller, to stop this man spying on them. Is that possible?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 05/07/2016 at 11:41 am

No unfortunately, there will not be much you can do about this apart from cutting back any growth that comes over your side of the boundary.

Gardenpotter 05/07/2016 at 11:02 am

I planted a pyracantha hedge on the boundary between my front garden and the neighbour's. This was planted 22 years ago with agreement with previous neighbour who also shared the cost. This has become a beautiful dense hedge that has been maintained at a reasonable height of 1.7m along its length of 5.8m with all year round colour. It also has become valuable nesting site for various birds including blackbirds and sparrows. The new neighbours have never liked this hedge and asked if we could remove it which we said we didn't want to do this. They have now been reducing their side considerably, obviously with intention of cutting it out completely. In so doing they have cut well into our side making a very lopsided, eleven ugly hedge which will eventually die. The birds have also left during nesting time. We have asked them not to cut into our side but they gave continued to do so. What can we do?

Juss 04/07/2016 at 12:02 pm

We have had several issues with our neighbour over the condition of their garden they never cut the grass and weeds grow to around 4-5 foot, so imagine our surprise when in his back over grown garden he made some planters!!! After a few months leave started to appear over our bounders fence it sits 6ft high his end but only about 4 ours due to decking. He has planted a bush/tree of some description (it has tiny white flowers I've noticed them all along the country lanes) directly inline with our decking which if contours to grow at the rate it has in the last few months within a year or two block off the sunlight we enjoy of an evening, hence the reason for the decking being there in the first place. He is a bitter man next door and I've no doubt given he doesn't maintain his garden that this bush/tree has been planted exactly where it has than for any other reason then blanking out our sun light, is there anything I can do about this?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 23/06/2016 at 12:05 pm

As long as you have not cut back any of the growth on their side of the boundary, you have taken what the laws accepts as reasonable action. It is your neighbour's responsibility to keep their dogs fenced in, you could argue that a hedge was never really sufficient to keep a keen dog in or out!

petulant_neighbours 22/06/2016 at 9:08 am

Hi,

We have cut back our neighbour's conifers which were overgrowing into our garden considerably (and were pretty much damaged as there was no greenery whatsoever) right up to the boundary line and no further. This has resulted in a very sparse boundary between our properties. We have put chicken wire up as a temporary measure as they have 2 very large dogs that could potentially now get into our garden (we're concerned with the safety of our children around these particular dogs also). We were planning on putting some form of fence barrier up our side but we have since received an extremely snotty letter from said neighbours stating that the hedge was there to keep their dogs out among a few other snotty 'concerns'. They've relied on their conifers being overgrown to provide an adequate barrier between our properties and now it's been pruned, it's not doing its job so is this technically their responsibility to provide a replacement fence? We weren't going to ask them to provide this replacement but wanted to know we could fall back on something if they do get really shirty. They've got a track record of sending snotty letters, it's beyond pathetic!

ProblemNeighbours Editor 20/06/2016 at 12:03 pm

Yes, all you can do is cut back any growth that extends over your side of a boundary line. You should not put it back on their side unless they are willing to accept it.

pam 18/06/2016 at 6:56 pm

There is a 3ft picketed fence. Outside the front of my house which diviends me and my neighbour.My neighbour keeps growing like a ivy plant right along the fence.Which goes in and out of the pickets.This grows very out of control and i do not want the ivy my side of the fence.My neighbour owns the fence.What can i do about this plant can i cut off or put it back there side.As they keep putting it back on the fence if i take it off.But this then means the ivy is going on to my land.So does it mean that when the ivy is past the picket itis in to my property.Can you please help. Thank you

ProblemNeighbours Editor 16/06/2016 at 9:52 am

There is absolutely nothing to prevent you from cutting back anything that grows onto your property. It might be courteous to let you neighbour know when you plan to this, so they're prepared. Neither honeysuckle not climbing rose should suffer too much if you cut it back, but it would be kinder to your neighbour if you waited until flowering had finished.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 14/06/2016 at 12:18 pm

You can cut off any of the virginia creeper that grows onto your property.

artycrafty 14/06/2016 at 2:09 am

Hi I have a similar issue with my neighbour. I have a roof on first floor level next to my neighbour. This building stops right on the edge of their property.Their climbing rose & honeysuckle is covering the edge of the roof for about 6 ft & extending about 2-3 ft high up the roof in places & is still growing.
I am concerned about this growing under the eves and the roof & causing damage. Do they have to cut it back if I ask them too?

The lady concerned unfortunately has a very authoritarian attitude & can be awkward. She has been involved in arguments with previous neighbours over the years before my moving here. So I wish to check before I ask.

At some point her fence & hedge has encroached on my side of the property years before I moved in & so my visibility is affected when trying to exit the property. She became very off & unfriendly when having her fence renewed when I asked if she would consider just changing the angle at the end a little so I could see more easily. I was going to offer to share the costs - but she would not listen. Hence I wish to check the plant situation before I ask.

Ivy 12/06/2016 at 5:53 pm

My neighbours are insisting on letting Virginia creeper cover the roof and walls of an adjoining dilapidated building, to the point of it encroaching on my property. I do not want this, the outside walls of my house are rendered and I do not want ivy damaging the rendering. What can I do about this? My neighbours are doing everything possible to make our house less appealing since we are trying to sell it!

Paul 07/06/2016 at 10:24 pm

The side wall of our house forms part of the boundary between us an our neighbour. The neighbour has grown ivy up the wall of our house which is brick up to first floor level where it then becomes clad with tiles. I am concerned that this ivy will cause damage to our property. Can they grow ivy up the side of our property? I will obviously talk to them about this matter but I want to be armed with my rights first as they have proved to be difficult neighbours in the past. I'd be happy to remove the ivy myself but I fear that they will not give me permission to enter their garden for access.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 03/06/2016 at 2:12 pm

This would be both trespass and criminal damage. Unfortunately, the only remedy would be through the courts. The neighbour could be made to pay for the garden to be cleared (of the felled trees/branches) and possibly also for some semi mature trees and shrubs to be planted to replace those removed/damaged.

Holt 02/06/2016 at 9:57 pm

My mother has a garden of about three quarters of an acre set down from the main road , half is flat the other half is a steepish bank which has numerous tress on it , some have TPO , the bank is a very small woodland and always has been , it has had pathway laid for acces around the bank and she has planted many flowering shrubs .

At the top of the bank are gardens of properties that front on to the road .

She has been away for a week , I have been collecting the post and two days ago I picked this up with a letter from one of these neighbours asking if the could tidy up some of the trees and they would take away the debris

She arrived home yesterday , the neighbour had instructed an amateur arborist company who had entered through the boundary and proceeded to cut down approximately five good size trees , lopped branches off a number of others dropping the trunks and debris onto her shrubs.

Furthermore they had gone to the base of the bank (about 25 yards ) and cut down a sycamore that now lies half across the lawn .

Her garden is her life and more so since her husband died and she at 83 , yes she is still out there at every opportunity , was actually shaking at what had happened .

I am not one for disputes and she certainly isn't but this to me goes beyond civil to criminal damage , am I wrong ?

Thanks

Mugenmike 27/05/2016 at 7:41 pm

Our neighbour at the back of our house is letting two stems of an exist.ing 8 ft beach hedge grow into trees, which after two seasons of growth are over 16ft high and if grow much more will shade our garden completely. What can I do ?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 25/05/2016 at 12:13 pm

That's a difficult one to answer. This really depends on where the roots/lower trunk of the hedge lie and who is responsible (if anyone) for maintainingn a fence etc. It could be a case of criminal damage. You'd be better advised to seek help from a legal professional (who specialises in neighbour/boundary issues).

Hedgesad 24/05/2016 at 6:51 pm

Too late for me now as it has happened but I wonder if I should have put up a stronger fight! I planted a yew hedge about 3 years ago in the boundary between two 1930s terraced houses. My neighbour did not care for his garden so I asked him if I should plant in the middle or on my side. He said the middle and he would help me and give me some cash for it ( but he never did). He then rented his property and I nurtured and grew the mostly yew hedge weeding and cutting both sides. He then moved back in and said to me in passing one day he was having his driveway paved and wanted the hedge gone. I said I was v unhappy about this and could we talk about it. He talked about me choosing a replacement fence etc but I said I was still unhappy. Last night he knocked the door and said he was having his drive done today. He said the hedge would be taken out as most was planted over the boundary his side. I was really upset and asked for more time to remove the plants myself, save and give to someone else etc. His workman duly arrived this morning and said most of the hedge was on his side, they couldn't put them back my side as the space would now be too small for them. They have now dug them all out. I am gutted!
Should I have put up more of a fight. I had no idea what to do. I pleaded for more time, even a day and he said no. I've asked for £100 for the hedge which he says he will give but I have doubts. I had always got on fine with him, I'm now gutted and uncomfortable living in my own house.
So back to my question, should I have put up more of a fight. I put in the hedge but as it was mostly planted on his side of the boundary ( which I didn't realise at the time) could he just take it out.
From a very sad hedge lover who today has lost faith in neigbourliness.

Hop 21/05/2016 at 6:11 pm

In your opening paragraphs you state "Just as with trees, if a hedge borders your property but is solely owned by your neighbour, it is their duty to maintain it even on your side." but then contradict this later with an answer "You are not responsible for any growth over the boundary, your neighbour can choose to cut this back if needed." Can you please clarify which is correct?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 20/05/2016 at 2:36 pm

The owner of the wall is reponsible for maintaining it. You, on your part, should ensure you do not attach anything to it or grow anything up the wall.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 20/05/2016 at 10:30 am

If the fence belongs to your neighbour, they can actually choose to do as they like with it, which includes cutting it down completely.

Dee 18/05/2016 at 10:02 am

The wall of a grade 2 listed stable block forms the boundary of the rear garden to my cottage, which I bought in 2009. The property next door is a pub and the stable block is in the car park. It was recently sold and the new owner is refurbishing the stable block. The boundary wall was covered in a great deal of ancient growth as the previous owners had not made any efforts to maintain it. That included roses rooted in my border, an old climbing hydrangea, lots of ivy and other unidentified growth. The growth was so rampant and ancient that it had covered most of the roof too. It was like this when we bought the cottage and we have only maintained the wide border at the foot of it. My question is this: who is responsible for removing the growth on the wall?

Frustratedneighbour 17/05/2016 at 4:27 pm

Our neighbour has a long leylandii hedge that borders the fence between our properties. We have been trimming our side each year and they have been trimming their side and the top. The hedge has grown wide (albeit the height has been kept at an acceptable level). BUT as they were apparently finding it difficult to cut the top of the hedge, they have taken the decision (without talking to us) to cut back the side of the hedge that borders our property, right back to the trunk. We are therefore left with the unsightly view of dead brown lleylandii trees from our garden, whilst they maintain a pleasant green view from their side. Is this legal and acceptable, or have they overstepped the mark and the law? We would have been more than happy to trim the top from our side to the same level as they cut it from their side.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 06/05/2016 at 2:31 pm

You are not responsible for any growth over the boundary, your neighbour can choose to cut this back if needed.

Maz 05/05/2016 at 8:26 pm

Hi there.
I have hedges all round my rented house.On the left hand side my neighbours has murdered the hedge and all dead stuff on my side.He asked for my landladys number as apparently its her side, he didnt have permission to destroy the hedge but now wants my landlady to replace it.
Am i going mad or is he being a bit cheeky?

kja 05/05/2016 at 9:44 am

We have Leylandi at the back of our garden. They are on our property and we have them cut and managed to a sensible height regularly. Are we responsible for the growth that goes over into our neighbour's garden or is it up to them to trim their side back to their fence?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 04/05/2016 at 2:28 pm

If the hedge belongs to you, you can choose to do what you like with it. You should not attach anything to your neighbour's fence and should also ensure that details of the original boundary line are noted if you should ever sell the property in the future.

Eagles77 02/05/2016 at 2:58 pm

Hi, I have a 6.5 foot hedge on the right hand side of the garden, my neighbour has put a 6 foot fence on the boundary on his side of the hedge, can I now dig up the privet hedge without getting his consent?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 20/04/2016 at 12:51 pm

No you're not responsible for trimming the hedge on your neighbour's side. They can cut the hedge back as far as the boundary if they so wish.

Steve 18/04/2016 at 7:29 pm

I have a hedge at the top of my garden which was planted years ago by the previous owners. It is high and I will cut back to the correct height as my neighbour complained about the light blocking the top of her garden. So not an unreasonable request on their part.They also want me to trim the hedge on their side of the garden. Am I responsible for the width in their garden as well as the height? Being a good neighbour I don't mind doing it once but I do not want to be reasonable for it forever in the future, their side as well as mine

kaz 17/04/2016 at 10:07 pm

Hi
I have hawthorn hedges on both sides of my garden. ...One side is fab 5 ft high and looks really good the other side (my neighbours hedge and hers ) is a mess. She keeps cutting it etc in some places it's only 2 ft high and others 6 ft. I have asked her to stop cutting it so it can grow to a decent height but she still cuts it...I have no privacy at all...she is complaining that her dog keeps getting through it !! I have suggested a fence but as our garden is 100 foot long it will cost me a lot of money and she refuses to pay half...plus I don't want that much fencing. How can I get around this and maybe get it to grow in height but look tidy....really starting to stress me out.as summer is on its way and I can't sit out cause it's like I'm on display..

dan 14/04/2016 at 3:49 pm

hi,
we have just bought a property with a very overgrown hedge running down the left hand side of our garden (semi detached house/joined wall) The neighbour has a fence on thier side of the hedge, so i presume the hedge is ours and we are allowed to trim the height by a couple of foot, does this sound right?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 31/03/2016 at 11:02 am

It might be worth running this past someone in the highways department. They're usually sympathetic to people wanting to maintain hedgerows etc.

Devonlocal 28/03/2016 at 7:39 pm

Hi , as a farmer in Devon with a roadside hedge in a sigle track lane, my neighbour and son show lack of respect with theretractors by driving them in the foot of the hedge causing erosion, and I within my rights to put post in the foot of the hedge off the tarmac as that is highway dept as im lead to belive by a land agaent that the foot of the hedge is ours ..because I care for the enviroment and getting pissed off with neighbour !

ProblemNeighbours Editor 23/03/2016 at 2:25 pm

Check your title deeds to see what is said about the hedge. It it turns out it's shared, then you both have to maintain it, this doesn't necessarily give you permission to grow your side. It would be preferable to simply build your fence (no higher then 2m, check your local planning laws), on your side of the hedge and make a note of it for the next owner of your home.

Osa 20/03/2016 at 10:06 am

Hi. I'm looking for an advice. We moved into a property a year ago. We have hegdes at both sites of our garden. We'd like to have more privacy so asked a neighbour to grow it higher. The problem is that he said he wont and keeps cutting a hedge to a waist high. We said that we will put a fence up and he doesn't mind that. Anyway, how do I find if it is actually my or neighbours hedge, or if we share it can I actually cut a half of it's width to put a fence in this place?

KK 16/03/2016 at 9:12 pm

We have a 300 ft. Fence with Myrtles, hollies & Nandinas ( about 50 yrs.old. Neighbor behind these plants has never maintained the overgrown privet & hedge , sumac, poison ivy that has taken over our property line , she wants her privacy . I understand , as we too want privacy , but is she responsible for keeping it in control ? She is a widow, but , before that , never maintained the thicket. It has even pulled down our wooden fence. We have hired our line cut@ 800$ every 2 yrs. but her thicket keeps taking over. How can I kill my line ? Heard of salt , vinegar, bleach , motor oil& boiling water. That is a big , big job at our age& health problems( we are retired) but if given formula, we will try it if it is a proven method . We love our neighbor, but need a solution that TRULY works . Hiring it done on a fixed income is impossible. Thank you for any Sure-Fire solulion cA

ProblemNeighbours Editor 07/03/2016 at 12:52 pm

First check your deeds to see if there is anything about the planting of hedges. We aren't aware of any specific rules on how far from a bounday you can plant a hedge, but common sense would suggest if the hedge was actually planted on the boundary line, parts of it would of course traverse the boundary. You neighbour should make allowances for that when planting. Also, in general a front boundary should not be higher than 1 metre.

rocky 04/03/2016 at 11:15 am

We share an 'open plan' style front garden area with our neighbour although there is an edging stone that shows where the boundary should be. This is much closer to our house than his and at its closest it is only 1.5 m from our sittting room window. He wants to plant a hedge along the boundary. We would rather he didn't plant at all but if he does HOW FAR inside his own land should he plant? We have seen 1.2 metres somewhere. Is this correct ??

Duck 18/11/2015 at 3:21 pm

I am having a real problem. I reside in a rural area where wild hedge thrives. I have asked my neighbor on several occasions to please keep it cut back off of our 4 foot chainlink fence, with no avail. We are in the process of aving a new home built, promblems is the hedge has took down the fence in areas. The roots from this hedge is running in my yard as far as 40 feet. I have lost space because of it. It will cost me $4.500.00 just to have the stuff cut out of existing fence, roots removed etc. before a new fence can be put up which will cost $1'595.00. The hedg also made it impossible to maintain a fire he had going on outside and it jumped the fence and did $10,000.00 worth of damage. I the past ten years I have had to hire someone to cut and haul off debri from it at the cost of 250.00 x6 =$2,000.00. Can't something be done. I contacted a lawyer and he said hedidn't know what to do. HELP!!!!

Stefan 17/11/2015 at 2:38 pm

Hi, I have an agreement that I can remove a bank back of my garden up to 1 foot away from the hedge. The Hedge is my neighbour's, the problem I have is that the neighbour is complaining that the roots are being cut but these are in my property. Do I need a lawyer or can I refer to a certain law, if I need a lawyer, who would specialise in these arguments as I think a friendly agreement will not take place with this issue

fernie 10/11/2015 at 3:25 pm

Hi, looking for advice.

My partner and I moved into a rented property on a small private lane. Very peaceful. That is until we realised we probably wouldn't get along with the neighbours, we both work so very rarely see them so not really an issue. But every noe and then we find the neighbour hanging over the hedge hacking it down. I like my privacy and personally I find it very distressing. Its not over grown. Its the perfect height. We both have dogs and I prefer for my pooch not to be able to see through. The neighbours dog once snapped and my lab and I thought for safe measure the hedge is perfect. Now they have hacked it so low I see them looking in all the time. It makes me very angry. And my dog goes nuts. Constantly seeing them walk past, sometimes just letting themselves into the property so have a good look at the hegde. This is my first rented property and myself and my girlfriend are only 22. We are very mature people, but I don't know what to do about this one. Can I build a fence to resolve this? The neighbours said they pulled the last fence out because it damaged the hedge so I'm thinking me replacing it wouldn't go down well. Not sure what to do about this as its a first for us both! Any suggestions??

Moriarty 05/11/2015 at 4:42 pm

Hello,
We have lived in our bungalow since new six years ago. It backs onto farmland divided by a hedge which is getting wilder and higher each year. It is owned by the Farmer and he has cut once in the 6 years. Myself and two more neighbours have approached the Farmer and he says he will not cut it but he has given us permission to have it cut and the contractor can go onto his land to do so. However the Farmer expects us to bear the cost.
Could we have it done and send the Bill to the Farmer?
Moriarty

kells 01/11/2015 at 8:32 am

hi could someone tell me we live up a shared laneway with a neighbour were his 2 fields along the right side is planted with conservation trees and a hedge boundary up the whole lane approx 100 metres, he came and cut 2 different chunks of the hedge out completely about 3m each at different places in the hedge and is now making an access route through the trees to his house adjoining the existing laneway he cut some of the trees down to make this path, the laneway is shared with us both and no restrictions for us to use, can he do this

Walter 10/10/2015 at 11:28 am

A public path runs up the side of our house, which causes problems with people throwing things in to our garden daily. We have a large hedge, which up until now has been maintained on the path side by the council. A few months ago they stopped coming and various people walking along the path have been complaining loudly.

I admit that the hedge is overgrown, however I am reluctant to trim it because it would take time out of my busy schedule, I would have to buy a more powerful trimmer out of my own money and we haven't had much respect paid to our garden by passers by.

We are renting and it was the estate agent who told us that the council was responsible for maintaining the hedge on the path (although that wouldn't be the only lie he told us if it isn't true). Does that sound right? I have not had a response from the council.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 23/09/2015 at 2:07 pm

What documentation do you have? Do your deeds mention the fence or the hedge at all? Is the "estate manager" still around to confirm what you were told? Unfortunately is sounds like you will have to get a legal professional to take a look at this. Someone with boundary expertise will be able to take a look at all the documents and land registry records etc and offer advice accordingly.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 23/09/2015 at 10:56 am

You would have to establish who has responsibility for the hedge to be able to find this out for sure. Is there a problem with this? Maybe they are finding it difficult to reverse if it's not cut back sufficiently.

Bunny 21/09/2015 at 5:03 pm

We bought our house 11 years ago from new. We have a protected hedge that runs the whole length of our property/garden as well as housing associations on the other side of the hedge. On our side there is 'living' fencing alongside the whole hedge. We were told by the estate manager that we were not responsible for the maintenance of the hedge and that it would be the H/A's responsibility. Something they've never accepted.We've had it cut a few times, at our own considerable cost because we never get any response from the housing association. It is nearly as tall as the house and blocks out a lot of light and sun. It is not clear on the deeds where the boundary is but on the original estate plan there icons that show our boundary line to be our fence. Would this plan be accepted as proof? where do we stand legally? Many thanks

Drag Queen 21/09/2015 at 10:09 am

we own a small area of land which extends in front of our main driveway on which our neighbours have a right to use for reversing their cars . Along one side of this land is a hedge owned by the local council. We have always assumed we have the responsibility to maintain the land and cut back the hedge as required and have done so for the last 10 years on our side of the hedge.

Recently a neighbour has been entering onto the land and cutting back the hedge for themselves without consultation,notice or permission from ourselves or the local council. Do they have the right to do this?

alex 11/09/2015 at 5:12 am

How do I tell if a hedge and some wooden fencing between my garden and my neighbours belongs to them or to me please.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 10/09/2015 at 12:53 pm

There are lots of rules and misconceptions about boundary lines, not to mention the rule of adverse possession when a neighbour has been using land for 12 years or more. You'll first need to establish were the boundary line is and then you have a few options as to how you resolve your dispute. The guide to read is this one which we hope will help more.

FootyPup 09/09/2015 at 5:39 pm

Help..There is a hedge between ours and neighbours garden. They insist it's theirs as deeds say they are responsible for maintaining that boundary. The deeds mention a fence (which is no longer there).The entire hedge trunks are clearly well over the boundary into our garden. It was planted well after the property was built so we think it was planted our side of the boundary. It's high and intrusive and its trunks and roots are preventing us using our garden as we want. We've tried to talk to them to sort this but they refuse to discuss it or even consider that we may be right. What are our options to get the boundary sorted and hedge gone, as it's making our lives a misery?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 01/09/2015 at 2:23 pm

Check your deeds to make sure the fence is definitely your responsibility. There are laws about ragwort management - there is some guidance here which might help you take action. If the council are being particularly unhelpful regarding this land you may want to try contacting your local MP.

Maddy 01/09/2015 at 10:35 am

My property is next to land owned by the County Council that has a tenant Farmer. The land is not agricultural as it is on a slope and difficult to get to. They call it Amenity Land. We have lived here for 43 years and have been trying to buy a small part of it without success. The only offer given to us by The County Council was a 2 meter wide strip and about 15 meters long so that we were able to protect the fence. The cost was £10,000. I rejected the offer. ... The farmer has a conservation subsidy and this has enabled him to do nothing to it. The field is covered in Ragwort which now seeds in our garden and the fence is always rotting. I am responsible for mending the fence. The County Council say I am not allowed on the Farmers side to clear the weeds. I am unable to discuss this in a reasonable manner with the farmer as he becomes abusive and threatening. If I mention it to the County Council they speak to him and the situation is worse. I tried to sell the property but eventually had to take it off the market, All the viewers wanted to know what was going on in the surrounding land . I say it is Conservation .

ProblemNeighbours Editor 28/08/2015 at 12:49 pm

There is nothing to prevent you from cutting back any growth that protrudes over your side of the boundary. It would better to dispose of any cuttings yourself. You cannot do anything about leaves from neighbouring trees falling into your garden, other than collecting and disposing of them yourself. If the problem is really bad you could report it as a "nuisance" firstly to your local council. Certain types of weed are more damaging and the authorities are more likely to act if your neighbour's weeds include creeping or filed thistle, spear thistle, curled or broad leaved dock and ragwort. Of courseJapanese knotweed and giant hogweed are absolutely worth reporting.

dragee 27/08/2015 at 6:32 pm

My neighbour has let his weeds get at least 15 feet high. We live in a very populated part of town. the weeds are bang up against the fence. My light is impaired, the weeds are strangulating my camellia bushes and anything that they can reach out to. (Wisteria among others) Is there a law that obliges them to cut back to the height of the fence 12 feet or can I cut back and throw the weeds back into their garden. at the moment my garden is a jungle. Also when the leaves fall they fall into my garden.Help!dragee

Kathy 26/08/2015 at 6:17 pm

My neighbor takes his dog on a leash to poop and pee a few times a day on his property but right next to my flower garden which is on my property. He will leave the large deposits there for the day by the garden. He will stand there by my garden at night in the dark while the dog poops. He cleans it up later in the day or the next day. We each own almost 1/4 acre, but he has to go to this area several times a day. I feel it is really disrespectful and selfish on his part. I have helped him move furniture, get mail, etc. I talked with him in a friendly manner about a year ago, but he went back to walking his dog directly to the edge of my flower garden and was doing it again. If I want to show off my garden there is a large deposit there, or if I want to kneel down and work in the my garden, I have that stink next to me. I am thinking of just getting rid of the garden and he can have it as his toilet area. Help?

rosier 10/08/2015 at 11:36 am

I wonder if someone could give me some advice, please. I live in a mid-terrace property, and our front garden is separated from both our neighbours' front gardens by privet hedges. The neighbour on one side rarely cuts his side of the hedge (it's probably been done twice, and very poorly, in the last three or so years). As we are responsible for that particular boundary (which the hedge straddles), we always cut the top and ends as well as our side. However, due to lack of maintenance by our neighbour, the hedge is now so thick on his side, our hedge trimmers won't reach fully across the top of the hedge, so there's an unsightly line of tall privet growth (mingled with ivy, brambles, and young ash and sycamore, as he doesn't maintain the rest of his garden either!). For reasons I won't go into here, talking about this to the neighbour, let alone requesting access to his garden to cut back this unsightly mess, is sadly not an option, so my question is: Do I have the right to employ a gardener to enter his garden and not only cut the top level, but to cut back the entire side of his hedge by at least a foot so that our hedge trimmers will fully reach across the hedge width in future? And if not, is there something I can do to obtain permission to do so? Many thanks in advance for any advice you can provide.

Jacquie 10/08/2015 at 10:36 am

My neighbour has a hedge running down my pathway to my front door, my previous neighbours planted it and we kept it trimmed and at a resonable height . I trimmed the hedge as usal and my new neghbours called the police saying i had caused criminal damage.
My deeds say that as it is an open plan front garden no fences /hedges should be more than a metre high, this hedge is about 3 metres and making it difficult to access our property , can i get them to cut it down

ProblemNeighbours Editor 07/08/2015 at 2:30 pm

It's unlikely the hedge belongs to the council if it's between two privately owned properties. Are you sure it has encroached onto your property? You need to establish from your deeds/land registry records where the boundary is who is responsible for the hedge. If it is your neighbour's then you can cut it back on your side as long as you are sure you are only cutting it back to the boundary and do not damage the hedge in the process. If it's shared then you are both responsible for its upkeep and again you can cut/trim it back as long as you do not damage it. It it transpires that the hedge is yours, you can do what you like to a reasonable extent. Bear in mind that birds might be nesting at certain times of year.

No nickname 07/08/2015 at 9:27 am

I have just moved into my new house my neighbour has a hedge that has encroached on to my property, most of the hedge in now on my side.I have tried to talk to her and we had an agreement,she has now said I can't do anything with the hedge as it belongs to the council? We both own our house and the hedge is a boundary on the side that she is responsible for.
HELP.

A&D 18/07/2015 at 6:22 pm

Hello
We bought a property two years ago. The left boundary is owned by the neighbour a 77 year old man. There is a hedge dividing the garden, which he claims has been there for a 100 years. Our 'red line' boundary runs parallel with his house but the hedge has encroached over our side over time. He says as it's been there so long it's where the border is. The hedge only lines half the length of our properties but he has know planted trees all the way down the garden in line with the hesge. His property is at an angle yet he has followed the hedge line which is in straight line. We believe this is unfair and inaccurate and that the plants are in our side. His property isn't registered with the land registry. Ours house is only two years old, there is no mention of the hedge being the border in the deeds. We've asked him to remove the plants but he's sent a snotty solicitors letter out saying the hedge is the boundary. Advice welcomed

CGK 15/07/2015 at 10:10 pm

If a hedge is shared and planted on a boundary, I understand both neighbours should agree how to maintain the height across the top, or failing that they should not cut beyond the boundary line down the middle of the hedge (which could result in a 'stepped' height hedge).

However, would this rule of only being allowed to cut to the boundary still apply if one neighbour claimed ownership of the hedge? E.g. if neighbour A owned the hedge (the stems being rooted very slightly on their land) and the hedge spanned across the boundary, could neighbour B refuse neighbour A cutting across the whole top of the hedge on the basis of trespass? Would neighbour B be able to control the height of the hedge that falls within their own boundary even if neighbour A owned the hedge?

Logan 14/07/2015 at 8:47 pm

I appreciate if anybody can answer this question.

My neighbor has been pressuring me to cut my hedge that touches the roof of her carpool. I did a little internet research, but received confusing responses. One says I am not responsible for the hedge extending to her property, and another one says I am responsible for it. I am living in LA. Do anybody know the law here? Thank you in advance.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 14/07/2015 at 12:04 pm

@Sg. A boundary specialist might be more help. Try either: Mediation, to create a legally binding agreement using a the services of a mediator with knowledge of boundary/property law. (2) Agree to employ the services of a boundary expert to resolve this. You would both pay towards the cost of hiring the expert. (3) RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) Alternative Disputes Resolution - using their neighbour disputes service (4) Legal action via the courts. The first two options are likely to be the cheapest, but not necessarily so. You will need to do some research on the costs of all four methods before proceeding.

Sg 08/07/2015 at 7:24 pm

Help!
We have a pivot hedge runs along the boundary our neighbour has responsibility for - ie it's his t mark on deeds. The boundary is marked by a concrete post and wire fence( wire is long gone) the hedge is then planted on the other side of the fence posts and in our garden.

We sought legal advice which confirmed we own the hedge- we want our neighbour to stop cutting it down.
We were advised if he cut it we can call the police and charge him with criminal damage- the hedge was cut today and the police community officer wouldn't act-

We are really confused - a solicitor has said its puts, it's root system lies in our garden a it's been badly damaged and we can't do anything to stop this happening again!?
We've tried mediation, and written letters from our solicitor - neighbour says his t means he owns the hedge- how can we help him understand the fence is his boundary as it sits half way between houses as marked on land registry!

Feeling lost - and confused !

ProblemNeighbours Editor 01/07/2015 at 2:28 pm

@Emma. While the roots are on your side, do you have absolute evidence that it is your fence to take down? How old are the houses? Do you have any information as to the location of the original boundary (e.g the title deeds/land registry) or the ownership of the fence/hedge? You need to check all of this out before progressing further and it may be useful to seek the advice of a legal professional speciliasing in boundaries etc.

Emma 28/06/2015 at 8:42 pm

We have a property and there is a hedge in between the houses but the roots of the hedge are on our land. We want to take the hedge down to have a new drive and get two cars on the drive. The neighbours are preventing us from doing this as they want to keep the hedge on their side. Where do I stand legally with this?The hedge in our side is not very nice to look at and is very woody looking.

John 23/06/2015 at 4:48 pm

In my back garden and along the side which is the neighbours boundary according to my deeds is a privet hedge, at least 30 foot long, which . The boundary is clearly marked by stone posts which were previously clearly visible on my side of the hedge, indicating the hedge was on my neighbour's property. The previous owner was an old lady who lived elsewhere and only visited and never touched the garden which became a jungle of bramble and the hedge out of control. When the house was sold, the new owner cut all the excess growth from the hedge which resulted in varying widths in it. The result has been , as I have always cut my side of the hedge , that the hedge has grown my way and the stone posts are now well inside the hedge which now partially covers a path I have running my side of the boundary. (I suppose I have trimmed rather than cut the hedge which has caused its growth)
I now need to cut the hedge back to get my path back. But I am worried that I could cause fatal damage to the hedge because of the varying differences in its width, because in places I need to probably cut into the hedge about a foot.
The current owner is a landlord who does not seem to care about the hedge, the same going for the tenant. My cutting of the hedge my side has never been questioned by this owner or the previous one.
So, can I cut the hedge back to the boundary, or are there any steps I need to take because of the risk to fatally damaging it.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 26/06/2015 at 2:40 pm

@Lyns. Have they shown you their title deeds? If there is something written on theirs it's likely there will be something on yours too. Go back to your solicitor and take them to task.

Lyns 22/06/2015 at 4:57 pm

We moved in last year and our solicitor could not find evidence of who owns the boundary to the right so said it was joint owned. There is a hedge there but we decided to erect a wooden fence within this hedge to secure our dog. Our neighbour is saying we own the hedge and they want us to remove it as it is slowly dying. They have some title deeds to this effect.
Do we trust our solicitor or their documents? If we do own it do we have to listen to them and remove it? Or can we just leave it (as we don't mind the hedge). I have already told them they can remove it if they want to but at their cost.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 19/06/2015 at 1:00 pm

@Hollie1234321. This is a confused interpretation of the common law which probably originates from the days when a tree owner would want their branches back for the firewood or the fruit etc. Your neighbour is obliged to "offer" you the branches back. Merely throwing them into your garden could constitute 'fly tipping'. If you mention this to your neighbour and ask that they either bundle them up and bring them round (or let you do the same on their side) then that would be a far more acceptable arrangement.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 17/06/2015 at 2:44 pm

@JohnBonwick. Assuming the trees are yours and on your property? (You haven't said). No you are not obliged to cut the trees back or offer any payment towards this. There is also no liability on your part for the sticky residue. You may only be liable if the tree causes significant damage (e.g if it/or a large branch falls) or injury and you were aware that it was in an unstable position/likely to cause damage (you can ascertain this by having the tree inspected by a professional every few years).

Hollie1234321 15/06/2015 at 7:15 pm

Our neighbours and my family don't get on. We have a holly tree in our garden which over hangs into their garden. We are happy for them to cut the tree up to their boundry. However they keep throwing branches and leaves into our garden, which is petty as we would be happy to go over and collect them. What can we do? Can we do anyrhing?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 18/06/2015 at 10:32 am

@happygolucky. The neighbour can remove the roots but if that damages the tree he will be liable. If he wants to he will claim from his insurance company for the damage that the roots have caused (they in turn may claim from yours). Ideally when he comes to build his new garage extension, he should consider the roots and dig his foundations to allow for it - this will avoid the loss of a health tree.

happygolucky 13/06/2015 at 4:03 pm

I have some very tall trees at the bottom of my garden.One of thes trees has the roots growing in to my neighbour's garden and the foundation [the floor] of their garage is cracking up.But the garage is away from their main building.They want me to pull down the tree.
Now, presumably these trees were there long before the garage was constructed.I would imagine that this garage should never have been built so close to the tree in the first place.
my neighbour wants to take down his garage and rebuild it again - but only after the roots have been dealt with.
Am I responsible for this problem ?Can he make me cut down the tree ? and should a garage or shed have been allowed to be built there in the first place ?

John Bonwick 13/06/2015 at 7:16 am

A bungalow has been built on a very narrow strip of land at the side of my property. Periodicaly the people who have moved in come to me to have overhanging branches cut back. The trees are very tall and have been there for at least 40 years long before the bungalow was built. The cost of this work is usually in the region of £200. They refuse to share this cost. Am I legally bound to bear the full cost. They keep making these demands and of course we could all do that when we know we are not paying for it! They also complain about sticky deposit on their car which is kept in the open and that the trees are damaging the car. What is the law about claims that property has been damaged. I do not agree that the car has been damaged when the sticky substance can be washed off.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 16/06/2015 at 2:38 pm

@Hazel. In general there is nothing to prevent a land owner planting whatever he/she likes within their own boundaries.

hazel 12/06/2015 at 11:17 am

my neighbour has planted laurel trees about 3ft along side my kitchen window that are now getting tall. is there a legal distant she should off planted these trees

ProblemNeighbours Editor 16/06/2015 at 2:33 pm

@Debbie They would have to get a surveyor to have a look and assess the potential damage that the roots might cause. They are also entitled to remove roots that have encroached on their side of the boundary as long as this doesn't destabilise the trees. They cannot force you to remove the trees but may be able to claim off you for any damage done to their path (unlikely to be major damage). You could simply refer this to your home insurers. The threat of damage to foundation is often over-played and is really not that common.

Debbie 12/06/2015 at 12:04 am

Ive recently moved and my new garden has a leylandai hedge. This keeps my garden private and stops me from seeing the house behind. The owner wants me to remove the trees as the roots have caused the concrete path behind their fence to crack and they are concerned the roots will damage the foundations of their house. I dont want to lose the trees but I dont know where I stand legally?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 08/06/2015 at 12:49 pm

@regan. If the hedge is in your property the neighbour should not touch it (except to trim it back if it encroaches on his side of the boundary). If it's an evergreen hedge and eventually grows too high, he may be able to complain under high hedges legislation.

Regan 04/06/2015 at 12:53 pm

I am trying to grow a hedge (for more privacy) that sits on my side of the boundary. It's a boundary that my neighbour is responsible for as indicated by T-marks shown in the deeds. However the hedge isn't the boundary, the boundary is a series of concrete posts.The roots of the hedge sit on my side and the hedge grows upto the boundary, and beyond if not kept trimmed. The neighbour wants to keep the hedge trimmed at a lower height and won't accept that the hedge is our responsibility, and its height is determined by us. Our solicitor has confirmed it is. What can be done to prevent the neighbour continue cutting the hedge?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 04/06/2015 at 11:06 am

@Charlie. It's probably not actually doing any damage at all. You are within your rights to trim back any branches that overhang your property. You can trim them back as far as your boundary, this should fix the problem with the rain! Roots do not often do much damage, but if they do, you should pursue this via your household insurance - your insurers will follow it up with your neighbour if necessary.

Charlie 02/06/2015 at 9:10 am

We have a problem with our neighbour's conifer tree ,it's about 18ft tall and it is right by our front door ,we have had the council to see it but he said it was ok,but when it rains all the rain dripping from the tree drips all over who is standing on our doorstep and we have also sent them a letter stating ant damage to our property will be up to them to rectify it.we never got any reply.when the wind is blowing the tree is bending and what damage is the roots are doing to our property ,is there anything else we can do.thank you.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 01/06/2015 at 2:11 pm

@stevey. First find out who has responsibility for the hedge. If it's a joint responsibility then the neighbour will still be resonsible for half of the cost of maintaining it. Secondly there is nothing to prevent a neighbour from constructing a fence on his own property. If significant damage has been done to your hedge and it's directly attributable to the neighbour's work then you can try and claim compensation for this. The easiest route to achieve this might be your household insurance.

Stevey 29/05/2015 at 3:22 pm

I have a privet hedge on the border with my neighbour who has asked me if he can put a fence there instead. I politely declined and now he has dug down the level of the ground on his side to about six inches below the hedge roots. The problem is that he has dug right into the middle of the hedge roots and now the privets are kind of hanging on a loose soil precipice plus they appear to be dying off. My question is, if a neighbour decides to lower the level of his garden adjacent to the border privet hedge which has been there ok for years, should he not leave a reasonable space of soil for the roots to be expected to thrive in, and should he not sure up the soil where he has lowered the ground so it is not just falling away exposing the roots gradually?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 19/05/2015 at 2:37 pm

@Pat. Unfortunately a property owner can do pretty much what he wants within his own boundaries and is entitled to dig up and remove any roots that have encroached upon his land. If this damages/destabilizes a tree and it falls, then he may be liable for the damage, but this probably won't apply to a privet hedge.

Pat 16/05/2015 at 12:00 am

The first thing my new neighbours did when they moved in in February was to cut a perfectly healthy privet hedge down to the ground in the front of their property. There is a continuation of the hedge that runs along the length of the side of the property, common to us both. The roots are in their garden but for years I have cut my part. Now they want to rip it all out. Do I have any legal rights? Already they ripped out all the vines along the chain link fence at the back, altering my garden's sun/shade ratio, hacked down a lovely lilac bush and a beautiful old cherry tree to make way for a fence they plan to install. As neighboours we are horrified.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 27/04/2015 at 11:09 am

@Bemmy. It depends on who is repsonsible / who owns the hedge. You say your neighbours do not own the hedge - do you then own it or is it there another party involved? If the neighbours are willing to pay towards having a hedge cut (that doesn't belong to them) then it makes sense to take advantage of this. If you cannot afford to pay a fair share, do you have the means to cut it yourself? Tell the neighbours what you can afford and see if there's any room for negotiation. The alternative is to simply leave it and not cut it all. Is there anything in your deeds that says you must keep the hedge to a certain height? Or keep it neat/tidy? If so, then simply leaving it will not be an option.

Bemmy 22/04/2015 at 9:02 am

Hi, i have been in conversation with my new nieghbours regarding their hedge. In past years the owner before was very ill and my ex partner paid to have it cut. My partner left i got new neighbours and they maintained the hedge. i now have new neighbours again who have offered to pay half towards the cost of the local farmer maintaining the hedge but i advised i can only afford £20. I have one income going to my house they have two and do not own the hedge. i have now written a letter to them and i am awaiting their reply. How do i stand legally?
many thanks

ProblemNeighbours Editor 23/04/2015 at 10:32 am

@SDA. If the neighbours are simply cutting back any leaves/branches that overhang their side of the boundary then that's within their (common law) rights. If they are reducing the height or reaching over to cut foliage on your side, then that would constitute both trespass and criminal damage. Have a pleasant word with them, perhaps they'd simply like you to maintain a reasonable height and you could simply come to some agreement. If not, then your recourse is legal action.

SDA 20/04/2015 at 4:52 pm

Hi - I have had years of ongoing problems with my neighbours. I put up a fence MY side of the boundary and on my patio which is against this fence I have plants in pots so I don't have to look at the fence. Twice now my neighbours have reached over the fence onto my side and have trimmed these plants on the pots. Leaving the leaves on my patio. They cut the plants to about a foot brow the top of the fence. How should I respond ?

shah 31/03/2015 at 10:45 pm

New neighbours moved in next door and cut back my evergreen hedge which runs along our boundry but is on my side of the fence. It was a little unkept by the previous owner and the new owners have hacked it back so much that it is no longer a hedge but a few branches, twigs and leaves. it is now so transparent it may as well not be there. We have lost our privacy in the garden. is this criminal damage and what rights do I have? the neighbour suggested we replace the entire hedge with wooden fence panels and wants to split the cost.
I declined as 1) it was perfectly fine before they hacked it without any consideration for the neighbors and 2) we liked the look of the hedge and dont want a fence!!
I suspect this has been done deliberately as they just put new fencing on the others side of the garden and wanted the same fencing boarded around the 3sides of the garden .

ProblemNeighbours Editor 20/03/2015 at 2:03 pm

@Andy. An owner can do whatever he likes with his own trees. Your solution would be to construct your own fence (within local planning regulations).

Andy 18/03/2015 at 10:54 pm

Our neighbour, who we have ongoing problems with, has recently cut back all of the very large conifers that bordered our back gardens, leaving only 4 or 5 foot stumps. He cut from out side and his. I believe they are his trees, however we are now left with no piracy at all in our back garden. He has taken to sitting in a deck chair and simply staring at us when we are in the garden, including my 3 young children. My questions are 1. Can he do this? 2. If the branches are in our side ( they reached a good 5ft into our garden and we were happy with this ) can he cut them?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 13/03/2015 at 10:07 am

@John. Great to know you've managed to sort this out without too much aggravation.

John 10/03/2015 at 3:09 pm

Many thanks. I have discussed with the owners of the lane, without disclosing I'd had this advice and their understanding is pretty much the same as yours. There is no ditch and the deeds are unclear. So the trees on my side and in the centre of the hedge are probably my responsibility but they will deal with any overhanging branches and we will both keep an eye out for any damage needing attention and agree on any action or costs involving the trees growing from the lane side of the hedge as and when. Not much else we can do really. Thanks again.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 10/03/2015 at 12:25 pm

@John - this will depend upon when the tree was planted and the age of the boundary etc. Traditionally in rural areas "where there is a hedge planted on a bank with a ditch to the outer side of the hedge and bank, the hedge and ditch presumption holds that the boundary is to be found on the outer rim of the ditch." There is more useful information about this on Jon Maynards Boundary Problems website

John 06/03/2015 at 4:33 pm

One of our boundaries runs along a private lane. It comprises a traditional country hedge on a bank with several large trees growing along the length of it. We have just had to fell two trees, one growing from the bank on our side of the hedge and the other from the middle of the bank. On the latter, I consulted the owner of the lane before allowing the surgeons to proceed, saying I was unsure who owned the tree. Once they realised I was prepared to pay there was no problem! The deeds and plans are unclear about the exact boundary but we can assume it's the banked hedge. But this has raised the question of who is actually responsible for the trees. I presume those growing from my side of the bank are mine. But what about those rooted in the middle of the bank or clearly emerging from the lane side? Any general advice would be very much appreciated.

mary 05/02/2015 at 6:48 pm

Hello! Our neighbours fence full down, because it was old. It was wood fence! He said , that he doesn't want to spent money and will put hedge, which will grow in few years. This week without any permission he planted hedge on nearly all border line, which is about 15-20m. I think, it's a laurel, but really tiny, which will grow maybe in 10 years time.Question: Can he plant hedge straight on the border line, if I don't want to grow it's in my land and look after it, or he should plant with some distance from border. It's mean no privacy at all for about next 5-8 years. Don't know where to find some advice! And their garden is so unclean, I think, they don't look after it and it will be the same with a new fence. Many Thanks.

Annette 27/11/2014 at 5:34 pm

I have a row of bushes / trees that have been overhanging my garden fence for a while now . The bushes and trees are on my neighbours side of the fence . Recently she paid a gardener to cut some of the excess off the trees/bushes but he has put a large amount of the cuttings into my garden. I know the bits were over hanging my side of the fence but I was pretty sure that as they are her trees / bushes that her gardener should have to deal with them. There is a lot and they are very big branches that would involve me having to have a bonfire or I would have to spend my time cutting them down to fit in my recycling wheelie bin. Am I legally aloud to throw them back over the fence. My next door neighbour is a really sweet old lady but her gardenew is very ignorant and does seem to do things that make his life easier !!! Please can you advise me. Many thanks .

ProblemNeighbours Editor 21/11/2014 at 12:57 pm

@Andrea needs some cl. You can cut back any branches are that are overhanging your property or extending over your boundary line. If the hedge is a shared one (eg. the orginal planting and first root growth is on the boundary line), then you will need to negotiate with the neighbour. Ask the housing association to intervene on your behalf if the latter is the case.

Andrea needs some cl 20/11/2014 at 1:11 pm

I live in a housing association property...the property adjoining me at the back was the same but they bought it. There is a hedge between the two property's planted by the housing association/formerly Council - 90% of it is planted to my side of the original concrete posts that mark the border. The neighbour has a wired mess fence behind the hedge on his side and all the growth is on my side of this. The housing assoc. came round replacing all the hedges with fencing but he stood on top of 6ft ladders saying leave my hedge alone...and at the time I told him I can't manage the hedge and he said he would deal with it. He still trims it but leaves all the shavings where they land - despite our agreement and him knowing I have since had cancer.
I simply want to remove all the hedge on my side of the original boundary posts (still in situ) and have a 6ft fence installed. Can I do this without involving him? I know if i removed the soil from my side the hedge would die but i'm not trying to deny him a hedge, I just don't want the hassle and after 8 years it's still not providing me with proper privacy from him. Thanks

Nutty 16/11/2014 at 5:19 pm

I have a hedge which I am currently in conversation with my neighbour about. The hedge belongs to my neighbour. Since I moved into the property 11 years ago I maintained the hedge on my side as I had hedges in my front garden which I was maintaining and as goodwill gesture I maintained my neighbours hedge. I have now had my front hedges removed and do not feel I should get someone in to maintain my neighbours hedge. My neighbour is saying they have no legal obligation to maintain their hedge on our side and as we have been doing it for the last 11 years we should continue with the same practice and practice dictates that we should continue . Is this correct? Does my neighbour have no legal obligation to maintain the hedge even if we did this in the past?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 13/11/2014 at 10:54 am

@Steez. You will need to check your deeds for the exact boundary. If the picket fence is the actual boundary, then you can do what you like with the hedge on your side of the boundary.

Steez 11/11/2014 at 6:37 pm

I recently purchased a property, with a hedge at the bottom of the garden, the hedge is rooted in my land then there is a picket fence, which all surrounding gardens are boundary by, the neighbour across the back is trying to dictate that I cannot remove the hedge and erect a fence as he has maintance rights?

Vertbois 15/10/2014 at 6:59 pm

Having moved to a property recently we have a Laurel hedge some 12 feet high. It is on our land and is our responsibility to keep it clipped. We had it clipped last year but our neighbour wasn't happy with the height that it was clipped to - approx 10 feet high.
They have clipped their side of the hedge this year but have left the top of the hedge. We have had our side plus the top of the hedge to a reasonable height - 10 feet high.
My question is, can we, having asked them if we can access to cut the top of the hedge and they have said no, Do we have a legal right to have access to go on their property to cut the top of the hedge? And what are the implications of reducing it to 8 feet high due to lack of sunlight in our garden through the height of the hedge?

Mermaid 12/10/2014 at 11:01 pm

Hi, I would like to know what someone would do if their neighbour trimmed your hedge back on their side of their fence that had been hanging over which is fine with me, but what I am unhappy about is they have obviously climbed over or leant over their fence to get to my hedge and trimmed some of the branches of the hedges and trees, right down to within a foot of the ground on the side of the bushes nearest to their fence, I am really upset that they do this as why go to this kind of extreme trimming without even letting me know anything at all. What would you suggest I do? If anyone can advise would be grateful. Thanks.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 07/10/2014 at 12:16 pm

@Jacks. If the hedge is definitely your neighbour's then you have no responsibility for cutting any of it. You would be perfectly entitled to trim back any branches that overhang your property if you wanted to.

Jacks 04/10/2014 at 1:42 pm

We have lived in our house for 31 years and the row of leylandi trees have always been maintained by the owner of the property next door. These tress totally belong to the property next door, his side of our boundary fence. About four years ago the property changed hands and the new owner now cuts the top of the trees half way across leaving our side unkept. These trees have now reached a height of approximately 10 metres high and look unsightly on our side of the garden. The owner expects us to pay to have the tops, on our side, cut back which we think is unreasonable as they do not belong to us.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 06/10/2014 at 2:39 pm

@Hammer60. Is it definitely the responsibility of the farmer? Check your deeds to establish this point for sure. If it turns out to be your responsibility then you can cut it back to your preferred height/size. If it is the farmers' responsibility there is a chance you can take action under the high hedges part (secrion 8) of the antisocial behaviour act. You should mention this act to the council when you speak with them again. Note you will have to pay a fee for the mediation & decision making service provided as part of the act.

hammer60 04/10/2014 at 8:24 am

the farmer will not maintain his hedge at the back of our property, it is now about 30 foot high and with a lot of depth as well, we get no sunlight in the garden, he refuses to maintain it, what is the best way of sorting this problem? What are my rights?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 02/10/2014 at 11:09 am

@DVir. There is no rule about which fence (e.g a specific side) is a particular owner's responsibility. You should inspect your title deeds to establish whether the hedge/fence is yours. If the hedge is simply a small front garden hedge, you should not require permission to remove it. In general permission to remove a hedge is only required when it is a 'hedgerow' in the countryside and borders agricultural land, common land, SSSIs etc.

DVir 01/10/2014 at 3:21 pm

Hi , We recently bought a new property a terraced house and in our front garden , We want to get rid of the hedge and replace it with fence as neighbors on our left did the same on our side without our permission, I don't mind and I think it looks a lot nicer then the hedge anyway .
I just asked nicely to my neighbor on the right that I want to do the same and he is saying I cant do it without his permission . Is that right ? Also in any property or specifically for a terraced house is it correct that the left hand side hedge or fence as you're walking in is our responsibility and the right hand side the neighbor .

LS 23/09/2014 at 10:16 am

jbutton26
Hi, I feel a great deal of sympathy for you and my advice is this: You will feel a lot better if you take some action, so be prepared to spend some money, not too much. Send a solicitor's letter stating the legal position and requesting the cost of a replacement bamboo clump of the same size and type (quite expensive I would guess). The solicitor will advise if you should threaten the small claims court. Your neighbour is a bully and if you do nothing he will think you are a pushover and you will always be worried about what he will do next..

ProblemNeighbours Editor 15/09/2014 at 2:29 pm

@Sue. Sometimes, with neighbouring properties, there is information about who has responsibility for each boundary fence in your title deeds. Check with first to see whether you or your neighbours are responsible. If it's you and you feel there are more years left in the hedge then leave it as it is. If not then your neighbours can do what they want to replace it but at their own expense.

Sue 12/09/2014 at 6:12 pm

I own my house but live nextdoor to council tenants, they put a hedge in between our back gardens on the left of their property years ago, now the hedge is dying and they want to remove it but expect us to pay half towards a new fence, can they make us pay this as we cannot afford to and are quite happy with the hedge as it still has a few years left in it yet

KC 07/09/2014 at 2:55 pm

We live in a semi detached house with a joint boundary which is currently a hedge. Our neighbour (not met in nearly 6 years) rents the propperty. The tenant and ourselves want the hedge replaced with a fence. The owner does not want the hedge removing. As it is a joint boundary and the hedge is bang in the middle, what are the legalities? Seems wrong that someone who doesn't even live in the country can dictate what happens when it's joint and doesn't affect them.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 04/09/2014 at 1:50 pm

@Scooby. We don't really have enough information here to help you as there are quite a few different aspects to your situation. Examinign the deeds may help to affirm responsibility but then be sure that trees etc on your side are not damaging the wall further. You may need to consult a solicitor or independent mediator to achieve a satisfactory result.

Scooby 04/09/2014 at 11:18 am

Between our properties there is a wall on top of which is planted a hedge. My ground is higher than his and is supported by a retaining wall which is his responsibility to maintain. His property was built in 1860 mine in 1924 and I have lived here for 20 years. The wall has deteriorated and he maintains the landscaping to my garden (which was done when the house was built)., the roots of the hedge ( in which there are two small sycamore trees) surcharge from the ground, and "poor management of the area" has contributed to the state of the wall.He is asking for money towards repairing the wall otherwise he intends to take me to court.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 04/09/2014 at 10:23 am

@peterpan...you are perfectly entitled to cut it back on your side. Your neighbour does not have to this on your behalf even if the hedge belongs to them.

Peterpan 03/09/2014 at 11:49 am

My neighbours hedge is on the boundary line between our car ports. It has grown out so far that it makes it impossible for me to get in or out of my parking space. I have asked her to cut it back but she has refused. I am now having to reverse out onto a busy main road. What can I do?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 02/09/2014 at 2:41 pm

@Am. The highways depts of local councils are normally sympathetic to this. Even if it doesn't constitute a pedestrian obstruction, if it's hampering your view as a road user, they will probably trim it back on their next round of cutting/trimming.

am 02/09/2014 at 6:52 am

Hi. My neighbours hedge does not overhang my property. However it slightly overhangs onto the pavement but does not cause an obstruction to pedestrians. However it is now filling up a slight gap between a gate post and a telegraph pole on the street. I rely on the gap to view oncoming traffic when trying to pull out of my drive. It's now becoming dangerous for me to pull out because I can't see.
What are my rights in this situation?
Thanks.

grey haired pensione 19/08/2014 at 10:52 pm

my neighbour has poisoned an ash tree
, a 70 year old bush which attracted bees and now hes working on another bush.Its making me ill. I took a cutting to my local nursery and they verified it was under chemical attack. I feel phyisically sick. He is an intimidating bully. My house is for sale as I realise I am helpless. I cannot prove without ctv evidence what he is doing. I cannot accuse him without proof. I see the plants every day and the stress is terrible.

mozzy 13/08/2014 at 11:18 pm

our neighbour has poisoned a vine which runs over our boundary fence, the fence belongs to us. is he allowed to do this.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 05/08/2014 at 12:48 pm

@Lj. If the hedge was your property then yes this amounts to criminal damage. Your neighbour was only within his rights to cut back any overhanging branches, not to reduce the height. To sue for criminal damage would however be costly and time consuming so try first coming to some kind of agreement whereby the neighbour pays for new hedging plants. Perhaps an independent mediator would help and would certainly not be as costly as court action.

lj 03/08/2014 at 10:24 am

Our hedge has been chopped back from 8ft to 3ft by our neighbours, whilst we were on holiday, to allow their runner beans to get sunlight and grow. Not only did we not give authority for this, they were on our property without permission. After approaching them and being met with a reply of "I wanted to make my garden pretty". What can we now do? This must surely be criminal damage and trespassing?

ProblemNeighbours Editor 23/07/2014 at 11:07 am

@golfer. It depends on whose property the hedge is on/where the boundary is and who 'owns' the hedge etc. If it's his hedge and he's responsible for it, there's nothing to stop him from replacing it. The best thing to do is have a word with him and find out the reasons for replacing it, make sure you tell him that you find it an appealing boundary etc. It may be that you can come to some arrangement where by the hedge can remain or a new one can take its place.

Golfer 22/07/2014 at 8:04 pm

My next door neighbour intends to remove the hedge dividing our gardens, do I have the right to stop him as I feel the hedge is better for the wildlife & looks better than a wooden fence.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 22/07/2014 at 1:51 pm

@Lecole. Your neighbour, as the owner of the trees and shrubs, has a duty to maintain them so they do not cause a hazard. If they cause damage (such as that done to your guttering), you can sue them for the cost of repair. You can (a) try writing to him and requesting that he carries out the work (b) Get a solicitor's letter demanding that the work is done (c) Get the work done yourself and send him the bill, following up with legal action if he does not pay you. Bear in mind that the latter two options may cost you in terms of legal action etc.

Lecole 22/07/2014 at 10:42 am

I have lived n a small terraced property for 27 years. For the last 12 years I have been cutting back overhanging branches and shrubs from a neighbour who will not maintained his garden or home.
The water guttering shared by the two properties has been twisted by a plant that feeds from it
During the summer months. I have to cut back over growing tree branches, and saw plants with thick roots crevery summer. Today a Bush with thick branches has detached a garden panel causing it to leaning over towards my side of the garden.
I have contacted the council regarding the state of the garden, including a loose croided water pipe at frount of the adjoining property. Only to be advised that as it is private property they can only write to him. Of course he has never responded or will co operate. I feel I have suffered enough. Surely something can be done. I am a single mum and do not have the funds to take court action.
Appreciate any advice you have to offer. Thank you.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 17/07/2014 at 12:19 pm

@atki - if it's not on your property and the council have previously maintained this land then it's unlikely it would suddenly become your responsibility. Is any part of the land adjacent to a high way or footpath? If so try the highways department of your local council. There is often a long waiting list for jobs of this nature but at least it might get done. If there is no result from this, then contact your local MP or councillor.

atki 16/07/2014 at 5:40 pm

Next to my property there is a patch of council land which regularly becomes very overgrown with nettles,hawthorn bushes and other shubbery planted in the past by the local council. On previouse occasions the council have maintained this land. These bushes have now got really out of hand and a growing approx 14 ft high and a lot of the branches are falling over my 6foot fence onto my driveway. I have politley asked the council to cut them back but no joy as they say its uo to us to maintain them. I understand that we can cut the branches overhanging our property but they are very strong and sharp. We have two small children who we cannot let up yhe side of the house incase of them getting hurt. I was told in a telephone conversation that the council did not plant these bushes ?? And we are responsible for them. I advised the impolite " gentleman" that we were not maintaining council land it was up to them. I was advised of cutbacks and they would not do anything about it. I have asked if they are not thier bushes why did they maintain them in the past. I also advised that if my children get blinded or scarred from these branches i would take further action. What advise would you give. If we do have to cut them back because of the danger to our children are we allowed to throw them back onto the land because we cannot afford the expense of having them removed.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 04/07/2014 at 12:25 pm

@genferm - You can't force your neighbour to remove overhanging branches/hedges but if these are causing damage (such as blocked guttering), you could sue them for the cost of repairing any damage caused. It's always best to try to resolve disputes amicably before resorting to the courts.

Grenfern 03/07/2014 at 1:17 pm

Hi
My neighbour has a hedge which is growing over the top of my brick built carport. My carport is at the bottom of my neighbour's steeply sloping garden and the rear wall forms a retaining wall. The hedge was planted at soil level at the top of this wall just below the gutter. In the 12 years I have been there, the hedge has always been unkempt and never been cut despite my requests and expressing my belief that it is damaging my carport. It is leaning on 60% of the roof and the rest is covered by bramble from my neighbour's garden. I can access my roof to cut it from 'my side' but as you can imagine, it is huge and will not only take time and effort to cut down but there is also the removal of the clippings.
Will it be left to me to cut and remove the hedge and to look after it thereafter? Or can it be considered a kind of legal nuisance i.e affecting my amenity, and I can require the neighbour to remove it?
The complication is that it is a tenancy and the landlord believes that it is the tenant's responsibility and vice versa.
Any help would be gratefully received as I am not sure what to do and it is becoming quite stressful. Many thanks.

ProblemNeighbours Editor 03/07/2014 at 12:34 pm

@jbutton26. Yes if it's not from any part of your tree that was overhanging his property then it's not yours so you can give it back!

ProblemNeighbours Editor 03/07/2014 at 12:33 pm

@jbutton26- shocking behaviour from your neighbour. Yes you can take action your neighbour has gained access to your land and removed property that belonged to you. But what is the end result you want to achieve? Legal action might mean you could claim for replacement cost of the bamboo but would be costly, lengthy and would not help future relations with your neighbour.

jbutton26 02/07/2014 at 3:36 pm

further to my post below.... I have a pile of wood at the bottom of the garden ready to go to the tip. He's dumped his broken bits of fence on that pile and left it.
Am I within my rights to put it back in his garden?
I'm in no mood to get rid of his mess!

jbutton26 02/07/2014 at 3:27 pm

Hi
Could anyone offer any advice please.
The people who used to live next door had bamboo in their garden which spread into my own. When they opted to cut it down they offered to also do my garden but I said it was fine and quite liked it (mainly because it was covering an ugly part of the fence that belongs to those who's garden backs onto my own). Therefore, all traces of bamboo their side were gone.
New people have now moved into the property and on noticing I had bamboo, he concreted the bottom of his garden as he didn't want it growing back there. Fair enough.
He has since opted to put up a summer house, which is higher than the fence, with full electrics, satellite dish, the lot, and I've not said a word as I wasn't too fussed. That's now spured him into doing up the rest of the garden.
As it happens, the fence closest to the bottom of the garden (belongs to him) was damaged in the storms. He mentioned a few times he needs to get it fixed but I told him it's not bothering us at all so he can take his time. He then mentioned it again and asked whether he could come into our garden to sort the footings for the fence panel to which I agreed. He then said, and I quote "whilst over, he will cut down the bamboo bush". I told him under no uncertain circumstances that I do not want the bamboo cut down. I've been growing and maintaining it for 3 years and it serves a purpose in my garden to make it look pretty that end. He said 3 or 4 times that he will cut it down (quite jovially) as, and I quote, "he hates the stuff, it's evil and he doesn't want it there as it may go back into his garden". I left the conversation as me telling him not to touch it.

Weeks passed, and I suddenly heard noise out the back. This was around 8am. I looked out to see him in my garden working on the fence and my bamboo bush was completely gone.
I flew outside, and he said "he had to cut it down as it was in the way of where he wanted to put the new fence post".
I had checked that, the footing of the bush was a good foot away from the fence!
He knew I wanted to keep the bush, and quite frankly he knew what he was doing. He made sure he cut it down before I had got up in the morning and made out the post couldn't go in. He knew that had he knocked on my door to ask if he could cut it down I would of said no because it wasn't in the way.

So basically, he has entered my garden and cut down the one plant I adored simply because he didn't want it there.

I am mortified that someone would dare to enter my garden without my knowledge and cut down my bush when I had told him a number of times not too.
I would never think to do that to anyone!

I'm quite upset about it. He's one of those people who has always been further, had better, or paid more. He's quite arogant if I'm honest and likes to think he is above everyone. I've always ignored all of that and generally keep myself to myself and don't cause any bother f

ProblemNeighbours Editor 02/07/2014 at 2:23 pm

@tiredmumof3. Has she said why she's taking parts of the hedge out? Is she going to replace them with something else? You will need to take a look at your title deeds to see who is responsible for maintaining the boundary.

tiredmumof3 01/07/2014 at 2:27 pm

Hi,we have lived in our property for 14 years and have renovated the house and garden over the years. Even through pregnancy and looking after children I have always maintained our hedge. My neighbour has now decided she wants to start looking after her garden but has took to taking out parts of our hedge which are clearly on our side of the boundary. In places there are now holes big enough for me to walk through let alone the dog. Can I ask her to make the boundary secure?

ProblemNeighbours 09/06/2014 at 1:45 pm

Hi Cazinboots. They do not have to maintain the tree on your side of the boundary but you are within your rights to cut back any overgrowth on your side.

dan 08/06/2014 at 8:44 pm

Our garden backs onto local school field. When moved in 24 years ago we out leylandi trees at the bottom of our garden on our side for privacy as a lit of neighbours had, and we keep them trimmed regularly over the years so nice height. Years ago the school planted trees in several locations and now these are getting very high are overtaking our conifers and when they get bigger will be obstructing some light into our garden, Where do we stand I am even prepared to pay the costs and have them chopped.

Cazinboots 07/06/2014 at 5:13 pm

In my back garden there is a tall conifer hedge on the boundary to the left for which that neighbour is responsible, and at the bottom of the garden of the house to the right a very tall conifer is encroaching over my fence a few feet into my garden. Can I insist on them maintaining their hedge/tree on my side of the boundary? It seems unfair that I should have to pay.

Ickle bob 31/05/2014 at 6:32 pm

Our fence borders 4 other back gardens and all but one have fence panels. The one remaining section is overgrown with brambles etc and is next to our bathroom window. The neighbour affected likes the greenery but I want a fence to match the rest. Am I entitled to erect a fence if he objects? I'd rather be in agreement, they're a nice family but I keep getting scratched to bits when I trim it all back and it looks a real mess.

fed up 31/05/2014 at 3:11 pm

I have a similar problem with my neighbour and bamboo. What is the legl stance on this? Does the 2 meter height restriction on fences apply also to hedges?

pero 28/05/2014 at 10:51 am

My neighbour's bamboo has invaded my garden. She has removed some of it but it is still growing under her fence and I am unable to get to the roots. I asked her, very politely if she would do something more about and she verbally attacked me and pushed me. I am 70 yrs old and do not know what to do. My garden is being ruined and I am unable to get to the roots from my side of the fence. Please help?

kindnesscostsnothing 19/02/2014 at 10:26 pm

dear helper, I want to say thank you again.. I just noticed you replied so very early.. how good of you.. much appreciated... unfort I have had two further disagreements with the neighbours.. :( one in person from the husband and the other from the wife via phone.. you know it's very sad as they know my situation.. know I don't have back up and know that I am very upset.. the wife hung up on me leaving me with so many worries... :( all this aside I want to say apart from your comment I would be so saddened at this time... THANX lots... and I am going to continue with my plan ... facebook is nameless however its amazing how a kind message can make a difference ..

kindnesscostsnothing 19/02/2014 at 12:22 pm

Thank you so very very much.. I really appreciated your message as was so upset er after dropping me little boy off at school... im an a single mom and no one er but me to bounce the nastiness to from my neighbour apart from to me... feeling very sad but you have brightened up my day... I hope this is the same in Ireland.... its a very bad situation.. and yes for defo the hedges are on my land... there was a gate to walk around the property but it since has been covered over with the trees and then there still is a fence between us behind this gate ... its the fence that is the boundary line not the hedge.. I really want to say a huge thank you ... may you have some great luck for being so kind... thank you from my heart ...

Helper Editor 19/02/2014 at 6:40 am

@kindnesscostsnotjing. You can cut your hedges down as you wish as they are on your land. If your neighbour wishes to build a wall above 2m the (at least in the uk) he would require planning permission. Plus it is an expensive exercise to construct a wall.

Again, if the hedges are on your land they are yours to do as you wish with. Good luck.

kindnesscostsnothing 18/02/2014 at 10:47 pm

Hi there all.. I am wondering if someone could help me please.. I am in a difficult position... I live in the country... the neighbours house is some distance away.. when I bought my home it had low hedges the complete way around the house.. as I live on my own , they have grown and grown and now have a severe affect on the sunlight in my garden and in my house.. its dark and I have to leave lots of lights on. I was going about getting the back hedges cut down when a dispute started ... I met with my neighbour and I also said in passing that I was going to continue to cut all my hedge down surrounding the house due to light issues... and also the cost of maintaining the if i had decided to cut them down to a lower level... the hedges are clearly on my land and there is a gate which I cant use because of the hedge... my neighbours have recently applied and received planning permission to build on to their home and the husband has become very nasty towards me .. he has said I cant cut the hedges down although they are clearly on my land.. there is even a fence behind the hedge, I used to be able to walk all around the outside of the hedges before they became over grown.. he tells me that I cant cut them down because I will be invading their privacy in doing so.. I am very upset and as i'm on my own , I am being harassed and have been told today if I do cut them down that he will build a high wall , the implication was that wall would be worse for me than the hedge I have.. I really could do with some caring , kind and honest comments please.. it feels like I am living in a prison and no light apart from esb going non stop... again these hedges are on my land.. they are not boundary hedges in the least.. and not encroaching on the neighbours land.. am I legally allowed to have these cut down... thank you in advance... much appreciate for reading this comment... I hope someone replies.... thanks again... I live in North Tipperary.. Ireland

kindnesscostsnothing 18/02/2014 at 10:35 pm

hi there all.. I am wondering if someone could help me please.. I am in a difficult position... I live in the country... the neighbours house is some distance away.. when I bought my home it had low hedges the complete way around the house.. as I live on my own , they have grown and grown and not have a severe affect on my sunlight in my house.. its dark and I have to leave lots of lights on. I was going about getting the back hedges cut down when a dispute started ... I met with my neighbours and I also said I was continuing to cut all my hedge down surrounding the house due to light issues... the hedges are clearly on my land and there is a gate which I cant use because of the hedge... they have recently applied and received planning permission to build on to their home and the husband has become very nasty towards me .. he has said I cant cut the hedges down although they are clearly on my land.. there is even a fence behind the hedge, I used to be able to walk all around the outside of the hedges before they became over grown.. he tells me that I cant cut them down because I will be invading their privacy in doing so.. I am very upset and as im on my own , I am being harassed and being told today if I do cut them down that he will build a high wall , the implication was that wall would be worse for me than the hedge I have.. I really could do with some caring , kind and honest comments please.. it feels like I am living in a prison and no light apart from esb going non stop... again these are on my land.. they are not a boundary hedge in the least.. and not encroaching on the neighbours land.. am I legally allowed to have these cut down... thank you in advance... much appreciate for reading the comment... I hope someone replies.... thanks again...

greeny123 03/12/2013 at 1:45 pm

My neighbour had a concrete garage built on the shared driveway behind our houses,he then realised he couldn't close the door once the car was in so asked us if he could extend it which would take it onto my boundary I said no way as we were planning on extending the garden,a couple of weeks later we came home to find he had gone ahead and done it anyway.We complained to him and the council but they said there was not alot they could do as it wasn't dangerous etc but we could take him to court,the thought of expensive legal bills and no guarantee we would be successfull put us off going down this route,however my neighbour recently passed away and i suspect his son will be selling the house and I just want to know if I have any legal rights at all to get this eyesore completely knocked down or at least back to within his own boundary?

Sav 23/11/2013 at 4:34 pm

We have a 2 metre high mature hedge witch is on our property.
The new neighbour has decided to plant a bamboo hedge along his side to a higher level over 2 metres. The main problem is the root base has now come into our garden borders, and has started to take over. I have asked the neighbour if he can do something about it. I can't repeat his response, but he isn't intrested. What can we do ?

debbs 10/11/2013 at 7:49 pm

About 4wks ago my neighbour came over at 7pm say that someone would be cutting conifers down between our gardens. I said as long as they belonged to her and a fence would go up due to both of us having dogs then that was fine, what objection could we put up. However, over half way through cropping them down we went outside and noticed several small concrete posts, these were on the neighbours side of conifers meaning conifers belonged to us. This upset us but agreed that they could continue as neighbour had complained of lack of sunlight and because they had started from the bottom of garden it looked messy. Now these weeks later no fence is up, they have put some string up where they believe a fence needs to go but this is not in line with posts. When i asked about this she replied that they were not required to put a fence up by law. What can i do, we went from a lovely enclosed private garden with mature conifers which were kept trimmed within legal height limit to having no fence at all. My poor dog is having to be chained up in our own garden and no longer gets to run around. Please help!!!

Whisky 23/10/2013 at 5:44 pm

My neighbour complained 2 weeks ago that our leilandi is blocking light in their kitchen we have agreed to trim it however my husband has been working very late and has not had time to deal with it. Today the neighbour has come round again this time very aggressive. I explained my husband will deal with the bush but due to his extra long hours at the moment has not been able to. He was very rude and said he will cut it himself. The bush is not overhanging the fence it is completely in our garden if he cuts it he will need to either enter our garden or hang over the fence can he legally do this.

Connie 30/08/2013 at 4:08 pm

There are very high conifers at the bottom of my garden that belong to my neighbor, we asked her to cut them down because my garden is wet through and they have pushed my fence down, she informed us that she had sold the bottom of her garden and 2 houses were going to be built there and that the conifers had got to be removed by law, I've now spoken to the builders and they said they had no intention of removing any of the conifers at all, so now I don't know what to think

britts 04/07/2013 at 11:01 pm

I live in a 2 storey house and my neighbour behind me has said she will not cut her hedge/trees to a reasonable height as she wants some privacy. These are now higher than my house and stopping any sunlight coming into my garden in the afternoon and has ruined my grass. I have been told she rents the house so I was wondering who's responsibility it was to ensure the trees/hedges are cut to a reasonable height? If it is the landlords responsibility, then how do I find out who that is? Is there a law on what height they have to be? She has managed to maintain the hedges on the side of her garden just not the one backing onto my garden, which is annoying as I haven't done anything to upset her, our boys even play together.

OJ 31/05/2013 at 2:40 pm

We share a boundary hedge with our semi-detached neighbour along the full length of the garden (Approx 80ft). He has progressively cut the hedge back over a period of eight years curving it up from the roots and creating a curve on his side which means he has cut across the central boundary of the hedge into our side. There is no indication on the deeds of either property as to who owns the hedge so we've assumed its a joint boundary. He trims the top of the hedge and over the years it has been reduced in height by over a foot. It is and was well within the high hedge maximum height. When I come to cut our side I have to be careful as it creates holes due to how our neighbour cuts it. We have had a couple of confrontations about this but he doesn't work and has every opportunity to cut the hedge when and as often as he wants.

It creates issues around privacy as he spends a lot of time in the garden and can see through the hedge into the back of our house. It also creates issues of ownership as he seems to think he can do what he wants. They do not listen to reason and any attempt at conversation ends with them swearing. We have even discussed mediation but they won't entertain the notion. They own the house and have lived there about the same length of time as we have

Any advice would be gratefully received.

sammy 18/05/2013 at 12:28 pm

Hi please help,we have a property with stables and land and the horse paddocks back onto a row of neighbours gardens.one neighbour planted a hedge about 2years ago on his fence line our boundary and ask me to put up a electric fence to stop my horses snacking on the hedge which I did until it had grown,I have now removed my temporary fence due to horse injuring himself and now this chap has started trouble telling me I have to pay for him eating it....the fence on the boundary is post and rail and strong so no chance of it being pushed down also the other neighbours have put up small ringed wire to stop munching...what is the law on livestock eating hedges.thankyou.

katyscoot 13/04/2013 at 1:33 pm

We own a semi-detached house and had a lovely hedge dividing us with our neighbour, until her daughter decided to remove it, without consulting us. When we approached them during this process they said they could not maintain it anymore but promised a dividing fence would be built in place. However that was 8mths ago. I have since approached the daughter asking when the fence is likely to be erected, and have been told that they have no plans to do this, and to feel free to erect a fence myself. However I explained that I was quite happy with the hedge and she shouldnt have removed it without our permission, I am not in a financial position to fork out money for this type of work.Where do I stand? Could I get a fence erected and charge them for it?

HedgeMyBet 12/04/2013 at 6:59 pm

Hello all,

Our garden and kitchen is fully overlooked by our neighbour; there is no privacy at all - no where for us to have a sun tan, or just sit and feel relaxed.

We rarely go into our back garden now because of being overlooked and these feelings are more acute now as we (and friends and family) have seen them close their blinds when we are in the garden. We feel we are being watched and this is compounded when we see their silhouette up against their blind. They obviously don't realise we can see them .

We thought the answer was to put up a screen of four or five laurel bushes about 8ft high, but after reading various reports, but now question this approach. Then we had the idea to build a plinth about 3ft high and elevate them in plant pots, so they were then about 10-11ft. This would not interfere with the neighbour's light, but would stop them being able to see into our garden and give us the privacy we so crave. Due to the orientation of their garden, they have privacy.

Would elevating the laurel in this way be illegal? Does the fact that they will remain potted render them temporary or perhaps that doesn't matter? Am I allowed to put up a tennis wind break screen?

Thoughts appreciated.

Negotiator 31/03/2013 at 4:59 pm

We share a front garden with our adjoined neighbour, within our deeds it has a convenant that states no hedge may be allowed to grow in the front elevation. We would very much like to add a small hedge or similar within our boundary to define our garden and stop people walking across the two. However, our neighbour made us aware of his dislike of our intention to do so. Any ideas? Definition of a hedge..

Marko 23/11/2012 at 4:10 pm

My neighbour and I share a hedge between our propery, does he have the right to remove it without my consent?

maxdecatt 18/11/2012 at 11:01 am

All these complaints about overgrown hedges.When we arrived here 5 years ago our garden was on the same level as the next door garden.A nice 6ft hedge (on their side) created the boundary.A year later they had renovations done and raised their garden by 4 feet. This entailed building a retaining wall on their side next to the hedge (which was left in place). Once they had filled in their garden the level on theirside was 4feet above ground level on their side. That meant that the 6ft hedge (as seen from our side) suddenly became a 2 foot hedge when viewed from their side! They did not like that so allowed it to grow until it was 6 feet tall on their side.which meant it became a 10 foot high hedge when viewed from our side.They then promptly moved abroad and let the house to a woman that could not care less.and does not maintain the hedge.This cuts our light and makes it hard for us to maintain as we are now cutting something 10 feet high. The roots and trunk of the hedge (a sort of conifer) are visible to us and are an eyesore as no leaf grows on them right down at what to them is 10 feet below the top. I am doing my best and with the aid of loads of salty water and weedkiller that damn hedge will be history before long. Then they will no doubt attempt to put a wooden fence up at the (elevated) garden they createdto create a Berlin wall 10 feet high on my side.at that stage I will lodge complaint with the council. If that fails I will cut the posts and dump the lot in the garden of the inconsiderate swines.

jaikhay 23/10/2012 at 10:12 am

the authorities are asking us to cut back our hedge that is protruding over a path at the front of our property. we have to do this within 3 months although we have not recieved any letter regarding this. the hedge is dying anyway and i would like to remove it totally, but can't afford it.
would the authorities do this for me?

Schmitty 30/09/2012 at 12:10 pm

My neighbours garden is a nightmare for me. Every year i have to cut back ramping ivy, 15 ft elder trees that grow like weeds. Getting thicker every year. A huge bay tree that grows ever taller, a leylandi that is well over 40 ft tall with a trunk the size of 4 trees. they never do any prunning. Why? It doesnt block their light, they dont like gardening and they obviously dont care about their neighbour. Why should they, have such a control over my life? Why should they be able to dictate the light to my garden by the height of trees close to my bordee, why should i have to cut their hedge every autumn and get rid of the clipping. Spending hours on their plantings that are invading my garden. I am allowed to cut back branches, etc overhanging my garden but not the height of trees planted in their garden. I look after my garden, they so not but who are the winners - it certainly is t me

phil 27/09/2012 at 1:06 pm

I have a leilandi hedge as a boundary hedge on property just purchased the neighbour says its theirs and where not to cut it can you tell me where I can print out the legal rights knife im aloud to trim my side and the top which is getting very close to phone wires please help me as there is no reasoning with this neighbour I just want to be able to trim it up and have something in writing to show when she comes round shouting again

Coco 11/09/2012 at 7:41 pm

Can a non-adjoining neighbour cut down my shrubs/bushes which are slightly overhanging due to post being entered to hold them up?

Jaffa 18/08/2012 at 10:40 am

There is a hedge approx 20ft high at the back of our garden at the house previously occupied by my in-laws but owned by my husband and I - this hedge has not been maintained in height for some 20 years but has been trimmed back by my father in law. We are now moving into the property and have started to cut the fence back - it was originally installed by the council 50 years ago - the properties on both sides of the fence are now privately owned and have been for many years. The roots and trucks of this huge hedge are on our side of the original boundary fence which we have now uncovered - but out neighbour is disputing ownership. We have already cut back the majority of the hedge but she wants us to stop - but our garden is now insecure - he has erected a wooden fence many years ago inside the hedge. Even if the hedge is jointly or solely owned by her do we still have right to cut back what is on our property and charge her for the work.

Red1 10/08/2012 at 11:13 pm

Just thought I'd add. The fence is my property. The ivy is completely their side.

Red1 10/08/2012 at 10:58 pm

I have a 6ft wooden fence dividing me from part of my neighbours land (3 Bays). The whole fence is buckling under the weight from ivy in the neighbours land. The ivy is nearly a metre thick - grows approx 8ft tall & spews over the top into my property. The last trim I gave it, took a whole day including the 2 runs to the dump. The mess was all over my land. I want to replace the complete fence. I have approached my neighbour - twice - over the weight effect of the ivy, the extra work it gives me & that they do not want to cut it back for me. How can we resolve this issue legally. I am tempted to remove the old fence - the ivy will fall my side & then say come & get it back or I will remove all that is now my side. Put up a 1M chicken wire fence line & say I would like to put an expensive panelled fence up yet the ivy will just damage it again. (I really do want to replace with a nice 6ft fence line, yet I'm not willing to have it ruined by this cancerous ivy). I dont need to or want to fall out with anyone. I just wont pay good money for their plant to give me grief again. Any advice greatfully welcome. Thanks

Michael 17/07/2012 at 8:02 am

My nieghbour has cut off alot of branches off my trees and shrubs which overhang his property.I dont mind that but he dumped all the branches over my side.I was not pleased with that.Is it his or my responsbility to get rid of the branches as he cut them as they were on his side?

kenny 04/07/2012 at 4:23 pm

The thing is i live at a property where out my back door there is over grown land . ive been told off a few neigbours that this land use too belong too us but its no longer on our deeds how would we go about claiming this land back which should belong too us . thankyou

Philibob 26/06/2012 at 11:00 pm

My bamboo which I planted 8 years ago is now growing in my neighbours garden. He tells my wife he wants us to dig it up,Where do I stand about keeping it?

sundown 26/06/2012 at 6:11 pm

The boundary line between our house and our neighbour's is clear and undisputed. It presently consist of a wire fence.
However, there are some very tall cedar trees that have been planted many years ago on our neighbour's side of the boaundary, but close to it.
As these trees are essentially on our neighbour's land we do not feel we have a responsiblity to maintain them.
Our neighbour, however, feels they are our responsiblity as they form part of the "hedge" line to the left our property when viewed from the front.

john 24/06/2012 at 11:23 am

Do my neighbour grows ivy / plants againt my propty and stoping daylight through window I have complained before to them and owners. is there any acts

Danny 16/06/2012 at 7:45 pm

My neighbours keep pruning my chillian potato tree hedge which is growing on and through a shared fence to create some privacy. The Problem is that they insist on clipping it tightly to the fence in june, before it has time to flower and undercutting its structure making it top heavy on my side so that it overhangs and blows over forcing me to have to trim it too, whilst it is flowering, because the trellis on the fence would probably fall down. They do not consult and then just dump the cuttings on my front garden path. Is this their legal right? Do I have a say?

fiona 11/06/2012 at 6:19 pm

what if the the hedge belongs to the neighbour, but is overgrowing onto my property and causing a blockage to a right of access. he is refusing to cut the hedge back as it will make it thin and scraggly.

Jeff 29/05/2012 at 9:51 am

You say 'Just as with trees, if a hedge borders your property but is solely owned by your neighbour, it is their duty to maintain it even on your side.'
Yet in the section on overhanging trees it appears that the onus on cutting back branches from a neighbour's tree lies with you.

Ali 24/05/2012 at 4:25 pm

There is an existing wooden boundary. The hedge was an addtion. The neighbour is permitted to cut all roots and extending foliage returning all to the owner unless the tree/hedge has a covenant. The hedge is untouched below the level of the wooden fence. and would be completely untouched if the owner were to undertake a schedule of maintenance, thus keeping the neighbours privacy; a small priece to pay

John 20/05/2012 at 3:32 pm

Doesn't help explain about hedges that have been around for over 20 years and are right down the middle of a boundary. How much can can a neighbour cut back ? What if the cutback makes the hedge thin & see through so affecting the other neighbours privacy ? Or if one neighbour doesn't want the hedge & starts cutting the roots so it starts dying?