Neighbours Hedge Overhanging

Hunter_Jaeger

What is the law in respect of a neighbours beech hedge that was planted about 10 years ago, they would come round and trim it periodically. The neighbours sold up about 4 years ago and the new neighbours have not trimmed it at all.

The hedge is now over 3m tall and expanding rapidly over the top of the boundary fence in all directions. Who is responsible for the hedge especially on our side of the boundary?

I really have no desire to tackle close to 100m of thick beech hedge that we did not need or want.

unrecordings

https://www.gardenlaw.co.uk is a good port of call. Although, simple answer: My understanding is that if it's hanging over your side then you can trim it back to the boundary - ignore the bobbins about throwing back the trimmings - that's just flytipping - unless your neighbour really wants them back (which is unlikely)

We've a fairly mature beech hedge which gradually got bigger - thankfully it's only about 10m (in length) but still very much a struggle/next to impossible in my current circumstances. Neighbours are understanding, in part because they have their own hedge problems.

Beech (we discovered this year) likes to be cut back hard and will grow back quickly - I think peeople are scared to cut back drastically in case they damage it. Beech is also fantastic nesting cover, which I think will also put people off taking the plunge.

This spring we got the timing just right and took about 18" from our side. August is also the perfect time (according to the RHS) for a second trim, for which we intend to get a tree surgeon in to do the top, and maybe the other side.

I can't help with 100m of Beech, or sweet talking your neighbour, but hope my little insight helps in some way to get the problem solved

unrecordings

Just checked. The side trim I mentioned was end of March, which was perfect timing this year in terms getting in there just before the blackbirds start nesting, and before budding started in ernest

Hunter_Jaeger

I suppose the question really is, is it my problem or the neighbours?

unrecordings

Well both I guess, but traditionally in my experience each neighbour cuts their side of the hedge (our beech being the exception because it borders our garden & shared drive so we take responsibility for all of it). Maybe you were lucky in that your previous neighbours took such a pro-active approach - hard to say, but if it turns into a bone of contention then yes, you've both certainly got a problem on your hands

spadoosh

Hunter_Jaeger wrote: »

I suppose the question really is, is it my problem or the neighbours?

Sounds like yours. Or have your neighbours expressed problems with it too?

Hunter_Jaeger

I'm just a bit fed up with a huge hedge that was a unilateral (planting) decision by the previous neighbours and now I have to cut the blasted thing.

If I do have to do it will be the contractor with a flail that will be doing it, like does with the field hedges.

littleredhen

Have you tried asking your neighbour to trim it?

unrecordings

Hunter_Jaeger wrote: »

I'm just a bit fed up with a huge hedge that was a unilateral (planting) decision by the previous neighbours and now I have to cut the blasted thing.

If I do have to do it will be the contractor with a flail that will be doing it, like does with the field hedges.

ah, so this is more rural than suburban ?
(I was thinking 100m is a fairly nice garden)
maybe they're stuck figuring out how to tackle it and are still thinking as city folk ?

Davesnave

If it's rural and you can get a tractor in, then there is no big deal and a flail will sort it in no time. Where I am, that would cost about £30, but YMMV.

Yes, it's your responsibility, but all part and parcel of having a property with a 300' garden. The alternative, a fence of some kind, would also cost a pretty penny to install and maintain.

Hunter_Jaeger

littleredhen wrote: »

Have you tried asking your neighbour to trim it?

They don't even do their own side.........lol