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🍃 Neighbour's Hedges & Trees: Know Your Rights🌳 As gardens continue to grow throughout the year, we often receive questions about overhanging trees and hedges. Here's a quick guide to help avoid neighbour disputes: ✅ Can you cut back branches or hedges that overhang your property?
Yes. Under common law, you have the right to trim branches, roots, or hedge growth that crosses into your property, but only back to the boundary line. You should carry out any work from your own side and must not enter your neighbour's land without permission. ✅ Do you need your neighbour's permission?
Not usually, provided you are only cutting back growth that has crossed into your property and you do not go beyond the boundary. ♻️ Who is responsible for the trimmings?
This is where many people get caught out. Although you can cut back the overhanging branches, the cuttings still legally belong to the tree or hedge owner. You should offer them back to your neighbour. If they do not want them, you are responsible for disposing of them properly. Simply throwing them back over the fence could potentially be considered fly-tipping. ⚠️ Before you start cutting
Some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) or are located within Conservation Areas. Special permission may be required before any work is carried out. 🤝 Our advice? Talk first.
A friendly conversation with your neighbour can often prevent misunderstandings and help maintain good relationships. | 
