Can my neighbour remove our boundary hedge without my permission?

When the weather picks up and the sun creeps out, people start to care about their gardens again.

Now Winter is a distant memory and our hedges and lawns are no longer ignored, you’ll hear a trimmer or two. But what about a chainsaw?

If you’re neighbour suddenly decides to take down your boundary hedge, there are rules and guidelines for this.

Hedge trimming satisfying video.#landscape #landscaping #hedgetrimming pic.twitter.com/ZF1NMe8IQm

— Agriculturistmusa (@Agri_musa) May 11, 2024

What is a boundary hedge?

Put plainly, a boundary hedge that separates you and your neighbour’s gardens.

Hedges, unlike fences, grow and expand, so they are not strictly static.

This can make them a particularly contentious form of boundary which can often lead to a property dispute between neighbours.

Is there a boundary hedge removal law?

According to Checkatrade, there is not specifically a ‘boundary hedge removal law’.

However, there are general rules and guidelines to follow.

When considering removing a boundary hedge you must have a mutual agreement with your neighbour if it’s a shared hedge within both of your boundaries.

Recommended reading:

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You must check your title deeds to see exactly where the property line is. If the hedge is on your side of the boundary line, you should be within your rights to remove the hedge (providing no other legalities stand in your way).

If you do remove a boundary hedge without permission, your neighbour may choose to take you to court.

If you lose, you will be expected to replant the hedge and pay legal fees. Before removing a hedge, review the legal documents you got when you bought your home.

You can also buy the documents from the Land Registry if you don’t have them.