Who's Responsible?

[Monika]

who is responsible for cutting a hedge between two properties? Is it the sole responsibility of the owner of the hedge or is your neighbour legally bound to upkeep their side?

[Zacs-Master]

Who's land is the hedge on?

[dannyk13]

The owner of the hedge is responsible, but the neighbour is within his rights to remove any part of the hedge that impinges on his property.

[woofgang]

was going to say exactly what Danny said

[Monika]

Further to the above, I am still wondering about our issue here, so let me explain my question. Our neighbour's boundary is a 6ft hedge. My husband has had all the hedges we are responsible for replaced by feather edge fencing as he is in his 80's and can no longer maintain them himself. The hedge belonging to our neighbour is the only hedge boundary now remaining and it is mostly dead and looks dreadful; it is also very dusty and possibly harmful to breathe in when being cut. (He has always cut it on our side, but has absolutely no intention of doing that any more). Are we within our rights to demand of our neighbour, in future, that they should get it cut and, if they refuse, would we be able to get someone else to do it and present them with the bill?

[dannyk13]

Can you get a younger member of the family to cut that part of the hedge that is spreading over your side of the boundary?

[Zacs-Master]

'Are we within our rights to demand of our neighbour, in future, that they should get it cut'

If you go wading in with that attitude you're likely to stir up a good deal of trouble. If you go round and explain your situation as you have on here, they may be very amenable to helping you out. You could even offer to contribute financially, if you're able.

[spathiphyllum]

"The owner of the hedge is responsible, but the neighbour is within his rights to remove any part of the hedge that impinges on his property."

Aye, only if he gives the cuttings / clippings to the original owner of the hedge!

[spathiphyllum]

Monika all you can do is cut the hedge yourself, and give him the cuttings unless he is happy for you to throw them away or keep them.

[spathiphyllum]

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/problems-where-you-live/if-you-disagree-with-your-neighbour-about-a-tree-or-hedge/

[Peter Pedant]

you are allowed to cut your half

I really wouldnt get into hedge disputes - any way - you dont have one do you - your hub replaced sort of your half with a feather do dah

as for can you make thingey do his stuff on his property?
the short answer is no

[margarettom]

Why not put fencing up in front of the hedge?

[Buenchico]

Unless there's a relevant covenant in the property deeds (relating to the maintenance of the garden), or possibly a clause in a tenancy agreement about keeping the garden in good order, NOBODY is ever obliged to cut a hedge unless there's some statutory reason to do so (e.g. where an overgrown hedge could obstruct a public footpath).

In general, it's perfectly lawful to leave a hedge to grow totally out of control.

You can trim back a neighbour's hedge if it extends beyond the boundary between the two properties but you can't oblige the neighbour to do so himself.

[TonyV]

As has already been said you can cut it back and give cuttings back to neighbour. What I don't understand is how can it be boundary hedge. It will have to be planted on somebody's land.

[barney4444]

Had this problem 2 years ago, after legal advice was told that I can cut overhanging branches etc, but as they are under law `the fruit of my neighbours trees` I must offer him the branches etc back, if he refuses to accept them the disposal becomes my responsibility and I am not allowed to simply throw them back on to his garden as I was intending to do. Cost me time and money in the end, what do they say about the law being a ass!