Issue with front garden ( joint freehold)

Sistergold

[Deleted User] said:

Gillhams99 said:

I share the freehold of a house that has been converted into two flats ( upper and ground floor). I own the upper flat which overlooks the small front garden. It had a tall privet hedge which had become very leggy and only grew at the top (6’) so I gave it a really hard prune so that it would regrow from the bottom and be thicker and so provide better screening.

I know that I should have discussed this with my joint freeholder in advance ( we jointly own the front garden) but she has been very difficult since she moved in. We have had a number of running disputes over the fire escape from our flat which she tried her best to get removed, but it is specified in our lease. We also have a emergency right of way over her back garden ( which we have never used) and I recently found out that she had put a lock on the garden door to the street, and refused to give me a key until I pointed out that obstructing a fire exit is a criminal offence. She moved out a year ago and is renting the flat, having fly tipped a load of rubbish in the front garden that I had to get rid of myself. 

Anyway, she complained about me cutting the hedge although I pointed out that it would regrow quickly and that if it failed to regrow, I would replant at my own cost. She has now sent me a solicitor’s letter with two quotes each in excess of £5000 which is ridiculous as the frontage is about 6’ wide, and threatening to take me to the small claims court if I don’t pay. I’m inclined to let her do it as this is so unreasonable, but I’d be interested in comments on the legal position, as I haven’t destroyed the hedge - it’s still there and growing back - and had already offered to replant myself if necessary. 

You have tended to the hedge by pruning it. Next she will be complaining when you cut the grass.
I would point out to her that by raising disputes, this will need to be disclosed if she ever tries to sell her property, and that is the biggest risk to devalue it and put off buyers.

Very valid point disputes are the worst thing and no one wants to buy a place with ongoing disputes! She is really a crazy neighbor what’s in a hedge? Tell her to get a life!