What counts as a 'high hedge'?
For a hedge to be covered by the law, it must be:
- made up of two or more trees or shrubs in a line
- evergreen or semi-evergreen (it stays green all year or most of the year)
- over 2 metres tall
- on someone else’s land for example your neighbour’s garden
- blocking light or access to your home or garden
Before you complain to the council
You must try to sort out the problem yourself before contacting us.
You should:
- write to your neighbour to explain the problem
- give them reasonable time to respond and if nothing changes, send a second letter
- try mediation - this could be informal, like a chat with a neutral third person.
- tell your neighbour in writing that you plan to complain to the council
What the council can do
Under the Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003, local councils can deal with complaints about high hedges.
We:
- do not mediate or take sides
- decide whether the hedge is having an unreasonable effect on how you use or enjoy your home or garden
- consider both sides and the wider community and environment
If we agree with your complaint, we will:
- issue a formal notice to the hedge owner explaining what they must do and by when
If the owner does not comply:
- they may be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000
- the council can carry out the work and charge the owner the full cost
Cost
It costs £212 to make a complaint.
You must pay this fee before we can investigate a high hedge case.
