My conifer hedge

[Elspeth]

I have a beautiful conifer hedge which separates my garden from a neighbour. It is a jointly owned hedge but we have have recent new neighbours. My hedge is about 7 ft and is trimmed twice a year. However the neighbour has not trimmed his side since moving in, in spite of our requests that he do so, and his side is now about 10 feet tall and growing like conifer trees. It looks unsightly and I fear that side of the hedge is out of control. What can I do?

[RATTER15]

I dont think there is much you can do really!!

[Elspeth]

Oh dear. I thought this was a site frequented by sensible people.......... Why bother to respond if you have nothing sensible to say.

[weeal]

isnt there a 'height' restriction on these things?

http://freespace.virgin.net/clare.h/index.htm

this might help?

[Hawkwalk]

There is a law regarding high hedges but since you jointly own it this may not be that useful. You could point this out to them to see their reaction but not worth falling out over.

Can you perhaps offer to trim their side for them if you feel that strongly about it?

[nathansphase]

this may be extreme but how about moving? a change is as good as a rest.!

[irishmary]

Get friendly with them,maybe you could offer to do their side when you are having yours done.

[Elspeth]

Thank you to everyone who offered sensible advice - it's very much appreciated.

[thugulike]

Maybe they don't have a hedge trimmer or can't physically do the job. I would offer to do it for them, that way you'll see what the problem really is.

[Elspeth]

thugulike - I have to trim my own hedges, four of them plus an old hawthorn hedge. I am 73 and the neighbours are a young couple.

[WendyS]

I think this is a difficult one as jointly owned hedges are normally quite unusual as they normally planted on one side of the boundary or another. I suspect that if they're not gardeners they really can't (or don't want to be bothered) with coping with the regular maintenance that a conifer hedge involves. So this really does put the impetus back on you and I'd suggest talking to them fairly soon and offering to get their side sorted out, although this will obviously cause you effort and inconvenience. By offering you will then hopefully get some feedback as to how they feel about the hedge. I fear that if their side grows another foot it will reach the 11 foot legal limit and then you could end up having real problems about how the issue is resolved, so it's best to take action fairly quickly. But if they allow you to trim their hedge once, you will probably have a job for life as they will undoubtedly expect you to continue doing it.

[RATTER15]

Like I said, not a lot you can do!! miserable git!!!