Replacing our fence, impact on ivy on neighbour's side

ferf1223

Firstly, we don't hate ivy.

The fence on the side we are responsible for has been quite overgrown for awhile and we had it cut back quite a bit as it had started to shift dramatically.

Once this was done, and the fence panels exposed for the first time in 10+ years, we have of course found that the fence panels underneath are in a very poor state and do need to be replaced. I suspect that they will not last long as they are now that they are exposed to the elements.

The ivy has been cut back to 3 of the panels, with a 4th intended (bird's nest with eggs in it made us say to leave that section for now). We were surprised to find that the ivy appears to have started on the neighbour's side, we always thought it started on ours...we all moved in years after it was established. We don't care that the ivy started on their side, the fence is old and would need replacing even if it were not for the ivy. We have no issue with taking on the replacement of the fence panels as they are ours to maintain.

What we are worried about, is what if the neighbour kicks off about the ivy on their side being cut away as a result of our fence replacement? Logically, the ivy on their side will need to go when the old panels come out - the ivy is growing through the panels that are there. I cannot conceive of how the panels would come out without the ivy also coming out. I don't even mind if the ivy from their side is dumped in our garden and we deal with disposing of it.

We have really liked having the nice green boundary and are a bit sad to replace with fencing, but it does have to be done...and I worry that the neighbours will also be sad and a bit miffed if the green goes.

We do intend to talk to our neighbour (and also to the fencing company), but would be good to know where we stand if there are any surprises. if it is our fence to maintain, do they have any right to make a fuss about the change in the general look to their garden when we replace the fence and the ivy is a casualty?

JP08

Chances are they will be delighted to be rid of the damn stuff too ... we've got a similar problem with a fence at the end of the garden (neighbor's fence) that is collapsing under the ivy. When he does do the fence (or even if I do it) the ivy will be going. Fortunately it is collapsing into his garden, not ours :O)

patman99

Ivy is a nightmare. Our site hda an issue with ivy destroying the boundary fencing on one section. We replaced posts and panels every 4 years or so. When they developed the site next door, they used their digger to remove the ivy, roots and all.

New fence went in and so far no issues.

olibrofiz

Not that simple - I would be a bit cautious regarding the 'fence we are responsible for' - as you both moved in when the fence was already in place how do you know who put it up? If the previous neighbours did, it's 'their' fence even if on your deeds it may say that side is 'yours'. In which case you can't just remove the fence, ivy or not - you could tho put a fence up on the boundary against the old fence.


Unfortunately 'mine' and 'responsiblity' are not always clear cut with boundaries and fences. Garden Law is a great source of information.


I have this nightmare, fortunately, at the moment, no one is anal about the fences (long may that continue!). If you have a chat to your neighbours, and they'd love a new fence, all is good