Neighbour's Leylandii Or Hedge Too Tall

What's happening?

GOV.UK explains that councils can deal with complaints about high hedges under Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, and the Act applies to hedges in England and Wales. A high hedge is a barrier to light or access formed wholly or mostly by a line of two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs, rising more than 2 metres above the ground. Gaps do not stop it counting unless gaps above 2 metres significantly affect its effect as a barrier. A single tree or shrub is outside the scheme. You must try to settle the dispute informally first, the council may charge a fee, and the council cannot just order a hedge down to 2 metres: it issues a remedial notice to reduce it to a height that puts the problem right. Scotland has the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013.

What usually causes it?

• A line of leylandii or other evergreens that has outgrown its planting and is blocking light to a home or garden
• A hedge that has never been cut back, so it has reached well over 2 metres
• A hedge of two or more trees or shrubs that is mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen
• A neighbour who will not discuss it, so no informal settlement has been tried
• A single tree or a deciduous hedge, which the high hedge procedure does not cover

Is it dangerous?

No. A tall hedge is a nuisance, not a danger, and on its own it is not illegal. Do not cut it down yourself: GOV.UK says you can trim branches and roots that cross into your property only up to the boundary, and your neighbour could take you to court if you do more. In a conservation area, or if the trees are protected by a tree preservation order, you might need the council's permission to trim them.

Can I fix it myself?

Talk to your neighbour first, and keep a record of what you say and send: GOV.UK says you must try to settle a dispute about a high hedge informally before the council can intervene. Work out whether the hedge qualifies: two or more evergreens, over 2 metres, blocking light or access. GOV.UK's Hedge height and light loss guide and spreadsheet can help you judge whether it is blocking too much daylight and sunlight. If it still qualifies and you have tried to settle it, ask your council for the complaint form, which may carry a fee. Use only the trimming rights GOV.UK describes for branches and roots over the boundary.

When should you call a gardener?

Ask a gardener or tree surgeon to cut your own side of a hedge, or to give a written height and condition report that supports a complaint. The complaint itself goes to the council, and a solicitor or Citizens Advice can advise on the dispute. A gardener cannot cut your neighbour's hedge without the neighbour's agreement.

What will the gardener actually do?

• Measure the hedge height and write down the species and the number of trees or shrubs
• Cut back your side of the hedge, and any branches over your boundary, up to the boundary only
• Check whether the hedge sits in a conservation area or has protection before cutting
• Advise on a height the hedge could be kept to, if the neighbour agrees to cut it
• Cut the hedge to the height ordered in a remedial notice, if the owner asks them to

Who fixes this

• Hedge trimming

Questions people ask

Sources & References

1. GOV.UK: high hedges, complaining to the council
2. GOV.UK: resolving neighbour disputes, high hedges, trees and boundaries
3. Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, Part 8 (high hedges)
4. High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013