Hedge between properties - vent and advice!

Hedge between properties - vent and advice!

Author
Discussion

minimods

Original Poster:

135 posts

238 months

Sunday 28th June 2015
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There is a hedge between my garden and my neighbour's garden. It was obviously planted on the neighbours side many years ago and has over time grown over the border onto my property. I tend to keep 'my side' tidy by trimming it with shears and keeping it pretty level. Today I have just come home to find the neighbour has trimmed the whole hedge, inducing 'my side' of the hedge. Now this wouldn't normally be an issue apart from:
1. They didn't say anything and obviously waited until I had gone out before accessing my property
2. They've left a load of hedge trimmings on my grass I have just had to tidy up
3. They've trampled on some freshly seeded young grass in the process, possibly killing some of it

Now am I right in saying that even though the hedge is planted on their side of the boundary, if it goes over to my side it is my responsibility?

The same neighbour removed a large bush bordering our properties a few months back, accessed my garden and left me a load of mess in the process, so it isn't the first time this has happened.

How can I broach this, I don't want a neighbours from hell type situation. Due to the distance between our front doors and aforementioned hedge I don't speak to the neighbour other than a friendly hello. I don't want cause any friction.

LeadFarmer

7,411 posts

130 months

Sunday 28th June 2015
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I really don't think they have any rights to come onto your property, but maybe they thought they were doing you a favour?

Maybe thank them for trimming your side of the hedge, but explain that you are more than happy to maintain your side without them having to go to the effort. You will be able to judge whether they are decent people by their response. If they appear the type that couldn't give a toss, then it makes it easier for you to tell them you don't want them coming onto your property again.

a311

5,789 posts

176 months

Sunday 28th June 2015
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Bit ste that he's accessed your property without your permission and then left a mess. It the former that would probably irk me more personally. I think if it's overhanging your property then you're allowed to cut but should offer the cuttings back.

Funny how a bit like parking etc people can get a bit precious about things like this i.e. cutting back someones bushes as they can be arsed to keep it maintained.

I'd just have a word.

Vron

2,528 posts

208 months

Thursday 2nd July 2015
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Interesting as I have the reverse problem, the house bordering my back garden has a huge and I mean huge laurel that's growing over my boundary.

It is so high it's not possible to trim it from ladders from my side - it is about three storeys high. Also it's so mature the branches will need a chainsaw. Over the years it has been trimmed along the (my) boundary by the previous owner with a Stihl cutter on an extension pole but the top (out of reach) is now like a huge mushroom shape blocking light from my veggie area.

Can I ask the neighbour to prune it flush with their boundary at their cost?? I am happy to allow access for them. It will need professionals to do. I don't want to get into a dispute over it and would cut it myself if it was possible to do.

Mr GrimNasty

8,172 posts

169 months

Thursday 2nd July 2015
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You can ask, but they aren't legally required to contribute.

You have the right to self-abatement, subject to offering the arisings (who bothers!), which they don't have to accept either, in which case disposal becomes your problem.