Replacing a hedge with a fence

workingboy

Got a thick hedge across the bottom of the garden 3.5 metres high.
Can I replace this with a fence same height.

Aylesbury_Duck

workingboy wrote: »

Got a thick hedge across the bottom of the garden 3.5 metres high.
Can I replace this with a fence same height.

I don't know, you need to check your deeds and local area rules. Sometimes there are restrictions on fence height.

Davesnave

No. The maximum height for a boundary fence without planning permission and a specific design is 2m.
https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/20/fences_gates_and_garden_walls

The reason for this is that increased wind resistance would make anything taller more likely to fall down and injure people. Besides, most of us don't wish to live in or next to something resembling a fortress.

YBR

Why would you prefer a fence?

ka7e

Not without planning permission - max height permitted is usually 2m. It is also a criminal offence "to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built, or to intentionally kill, injure or take chicks or adults, or intentionally take or destroy any eggs". It is recommended that hedges are not disturbed between March and August.

workingboy

The hedge are Conifers which are dying from lack of water and dry summers.............

Davesnave

workingboy wrote: »

The hedge are Conifers which are dying from lack of water and dry summers.............

If you are in one of the drier areas of the country, that's understandable. Even here, in a wetter region, we're losing parts of our low cotoneaster hedge to the dry summers.


If a 2m fence wouldn't be acceptable in that location, long term, then you could either apply to build one taller, but with no guarantee that you'd get permission, or you could replace with hedging that will survive.


Looking at the most hostile environment we have here; an elevated road hedge 200m long and aligned east-west, we find native trees can be planted and cope without watering while establishing. Of those, beech would be the best option for you, because it grows fast and keeps its dead leaves all winter.


You don't suppose someone on the other side is killing your trees with regular applications of diliute glyphosate sprayed after dark? Won't say too much, but we once found ourselves on the 'wrong' side of an uncontrolled leylandii hedge!