Dealing with disputes about high hedges
If a tree, hedge or other vegetation is causing a problem, the action you need to take depends on where it is located and who owns it.
Report overgrown vegetation on roads, footpaths and alleyways
Report vegetation growing from private land onto a public road, footpath or alleyway if it is causing an obstruction or safety concern.
Report overgrown branches or vegetation
Trees and hedges on council-owned housing land
This section applies to trees and hedges on council-owned housing land and around council properties.
If you are a council tenant, you may be responsible for maintaining your own hedge or tree.
If you are concerned about a hedge or tree that you believe is council-owned, you should first try to resolve the issue with your neighbour.
If you cannot resolve the matter, contact your local Neighbourhood Warden.
Trees and overgrown areas in parks and open spaces
If a tree, hedge or area of vegetation is overgrown in a park or landscaped area and you believe the land is council-owned, you can report it through our tree maintenance service.
Report a tree maintenance issue
Trimming trees, hedges and vegetation
You can cut back branches or roots that cross onto your property from a neighbouring property or a public road.
You must only cut back vegetation to the property boundary. If you cut beyond the boundary, the owner may take legal action for damage to their property.
If the trees or hedges are protected by a tree preservation order, or are in a conservation area, you may need permission before carrying out any work.
- Guidance on tree preservation orders and trees in conservation areas
- Apply for permission to carry out work on a protected tree
Property damage caused by a hedge or tree
Property owners are responsible for maintaining their trees and hedges.
If a neighbour's hedge or tree damages your property, they may be liable for the damage.
Boundary and party wall disputes
Disputes about property boundaries can be difficult to resolve.
You can find information about property boundaries in the GOV.UK guide to property boundaries.
We recommend seeking independent legal advice if you cannot agree where the boundary lies.
If you plan to carry out work to a shared wall, known as a party wall, you must give notice to your neighbour before the work starts.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) provides free advice about boundary disputes and party walls.
High hedge disputes
A high hedge dispute may be investigated by our Healthy Neighbourhoods team if the hedge affects the use and enjoyment of the main living rooms in your home.
Before the council can become involved, you must try to resolve the issue directly with your neighbour.
You can find detailed information about the legislation and assessment criteria in the Government guidance on hedge height and light loss.
You should first follow the advice on resolving a neighbour dispute.
When we can investigate
We can only investigate if all of the following apply:
- the hedge consists of two or more mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs
- the hedge is more than two metres high
- the height of the hedge is affecting the enjoyment of your home or garden
We may investigate only when all three conditions are met and you have already tried to resolve the issue yourself.
A fee of £375 must be paid before we can consider a complaint.
Information pack
Report a high hedge dispute
Use our online form to report a dispute about a high hedge.
We aim to respond within 10 working days. Some cases may take longer depending on their complexity and circumstances.