High hedges FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a high hedge?
• I have a problem with my neighbour’s hedge, what can I do?
• What happens if I want to complain using the new legislation?
• Is there a charge?
• What can I complain about?
• What will not be considered as part of a complaint?
• How do I make a formal complaint?
• Where can I find out more?

What is a high hedge?

‘Hedge’ is defined by the Act as two or more evergreen or semi-evergreen trees, at least two metres high measured from the ground where they are growing, and must be owned by someone else.

I have a problem with my neighbour’s hedge, what can I do?

If you are affected by the height of a hedge, it’s best to try and resolve the matter directly with the owner. Advice on how you can do this is given in the government leaflet 'Over the Garden Hedge'. The leaflet 'High Hedges: complaining to the Council' may also be helpful. Both leaflets are published by the government and can be downloaded from the Communities & Local Government website [external link].

You have to be able to demonstrate to us that you have done all you can to resolve the matter before making a complaint.

What happens if I want to complain using the new legislation?

The legislation (Part 8 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003) requires that you do all you can to resolve the problem yourself before contacting us. This includes contacting your neighbour either in person or by writing and letting them know what you want them to do to the hedge and why.

Provided that your complaint is valid, we will investigate and if it is decided that works are required to the hedge, a formal remedial notice will be sent to the hedge owner telling them what is required and by when.

Is there a charge?

We charge the person bringing the complaint a fee of £350, reduced by 50% if they are receiving qualifying benefits.

What can I complain about?

If you have a hedge problem related to its height, first check that it is likely to be covered by the legislation. Under the terms of the Act, we can only consider a complaint if it meets the following criteria:

• it must relate to a high hedge as defined in the Act;
• the hedge must be on land owned by someone other than the complainant;
• it must be affecting a domestic property;
• the complaint must be made on the grounds that the height of the hedge is adversely affecting the reasonable enjoyment of the domestic property in question, and;
• it must be made by the owner or occupier of that property.

Further information can be found in chapter 4 of the government leaflet ‘High Hedge Complaints – Prevention and Cure’, which sets out the guidelines in detail. Download the leaflet from: Communities & Local Government: High Hedges Complaints [external link].

What will not be considered as part of a complaint?

Things we cannot consider in relation to a high hedge complaint include:

• Individual trees and shrubs;
• Problems caused by roots;
• Single conifers or deciduous trees, and;
• Overhanging branches.

The Act does not:

• require all hedges to be cut down to a height of two metres;
• require the hedge to be cut lower than two metres from the ground, or;
• guarantee access to uninterrupted light.

There is no provision to serve an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) in respect of a high hedge complaint.

How do I make a formal complaint?

If you are unable to resolve your problem and provided that you can demonstrate you have done all you can to resolve the matter yourself, then you can take your complaint to us.

You will need to complete a complaint form, first having read the guidance notes - see High hedge complaints to download the form and guidance.

Where can I find out more?

If your question has not been answered here, contact us (details below) or visit the Communities and Local Government website [external link] for further information about the High Hedges legislation.

Related pages on this website

• High hedge complaints

External links

Communities & Local Government: High hedges
The government web pages related to high hedges, including a series of helpful leaflets you can download.

Advice Guide: neighbour disputes
The Citizens Advice Bureau web pages about neighbour disputes, covering high hedges.

About links to other websites.