Is there a legal height for hedges?

Although the law states that a high hedge is more than 2m (approx 6½ft) tall, this is not necessarily the height to which a hedge is reduced. The hedge blocks too much light to a neighbour's house or garden. However, the legislation does not guarantee access to uninterrupted light.

In respect to this, is there a legal height for leylandii hedge?

Dont grow a Leylandii hedge to a height that will affect the reasonable enjoyment of their property. This includes cutting out light or blocking a cherished view. Remember that keeping a hedge below 2-3 metres means it is much easier to trim.

Also, what is the law on high hedges? The Act defines high hedges as a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs higher than 2 metres above ground level that form a complete barrier to light or access. You cannot make a complaint if it consists of only one shrub or tree, no matter the height.

Moreover, can I reduce the height of my Neighbour's hedge?

You are allowed, by law, to prune the roots or branches of a hedge if it's a nuisance and protruding into your garden. Your local authority can order the reduction in height of hedges, especially if light is being blocked to you or your neighbour's house and/or garden.

How high can my Neighbours trees be?

A high hedge is defined as a line of trees comprising at least two evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs and a hedge height of more than two metres above ground level. Local councils will charge a fee, and some may be reluctant to take action, but ant-social legislation is a potentially useful remedy.

31 Related Question Answers Found

How do you secretly kill leylandii?

Using Caustic Soda. The way to do this is to leave a stump by cutting the trunk and then killing the stump by digging around the roots and slinging caustic soda into that part. Remove loose limbs from the plant before falling it.

How do you reduce the height of a leylandii hedge?

With Leylandii, you can reduce the height but be careful about trimming the sides of the hedge or Leylandii trees. Always leave the green foliage on the sides of the hedge as Leylandii will not shoot back from the older, brown wood (see below).

How can I reduce the height of my hedge?

Reduce the height by up to one-third in April. Thin out the side branches, removing selected branches right back to the trunk but leaving the others intact. This will allow more light and air into the area around the hedge. Mulch and feed in spring to encourage vigorous re-growth.

Can I ask my Neighbour to cut his trees?

You have a common law right to cut back tree branches that overhang onto your property. The law states that any branches cut off belong to the person on whose land the tree originally grew, so you should ask your neighbour if they want them back, or if they are happy for you to dispose of them.

Do leylandii have deep roots?

Its roots, for example, do not go deep. "Leylandii roots can cause trouble in drains or block gutters if they are too close to buildings, but they are not as bad as a normal tree because their roots are relatively shallow," says Roy McClure, a surveyor based in Richmond, Surrey.

Will leylandii grow back after cutting?

It is not wise to cut Leylandii hedge back beyond the green growth, they do not regrow and the cut area stays brown and unattractive. The height of the hedge could be reduced by about a third to approximately 2 metres, a manageable height.

Who owns the hedge in my garden?

If it can be established who owns the hedge (i.e. which landowner, or his predecessor in title, planted the hedge) then that landowner owns land up to and including the root line of the hedge and the neighbouring landowner owns up to the near side of the roots.

When should you not cut hedges?

Hedge cutting and the law

Some mature hedgerows are protected by law but this wouldn't normally apply to garden hedges. We recommend not cutting hedges and trees between March and August as this is the main breeding season for nesting birds, although some birds may nest outside this period.

Who is responsible for boundary hedges?

Here's who's really responsible for cutting the hedges: The responsibility for boundary hedge cutting is shared. Both you and your neighbour should be trimming each other's respective side of the hedge. You are free to cut back roots or branches that are within your property's boundaries.

Can I remove my boundary hedge?

Answer. In the absence of mention of the hedge or boundary measurements in the titles of either property a Court is likely to assume that a line drawn through the centre of the base of the hedge represents the boundary; thus the hedge is joint property and cannot unilaterally be removed.

How high can I build my garden wall?

The wall or fence is not more than 2 metres in height anywhere on your property except where it adjoins a road or footpath. In this case the height is restricted to 1 metre.

Can the council cut my hedge?

There is nothing in the Act that says all hedges must be cut down to 2 metres. As a general rule, the Council can only order your neighbour to reduce the hedge to a height that will remedy the problems – or prevent them happening again – and no more.

What do you mean by hedge?

A hedge is an investment to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in an asset. Normally, a hedge consists of taking an offsetting position in a related security.

How do you kill a hedge?

Cut and Treat

First cut the unwanted hedge near the ground. Immediately after cutting the hedge or bush, spray the stump with an herbicide. Apply water to the tree's surface, which will act as a carrier to transport the herbicide. Use an herbicide with an active ingredient, such as glyphosate, 2,4-DP or triclopyr.

How tall can conifers grow?

Large conifers grow more than 12 inches per year, the majority reaching 15 feet tall or greater.

How far can you cut back hedges?

Because pruning sparks new growths, pruning low on the shrub will encourage the dense foliage that defines hedges. Early spring is the safest time to do this; later in the year, you may snip off new growth, leaving hedges looking thin. Trim the tops of hedges until the plants are approximately 2 feet tall, in spring.

How long do leylandii trees live?

100 years