Certain gardening tasks can result in fines of up to £26,000 if not completed in accordance to rules and regulations set by government – check out the list below to avoid a penalty
Trimming your hedge, chopping an overhanging tree and bonfires are all common activities many gardeners likely do in their own back gardens.
However, what many gardeners don’t realise is certain activities are subject to rules and regulations which could result in substantial fines, adding up to a staggering £26,000. With this in mind, gardening experts at Yell have shared which tasks gardeners need to be careful of this summer to avoid hefty penalties.
1. Hedge height
Hedges are fantastic for providing privacy and adding greenery to your garden but they can become a nuisance in the summer months as they can block light, reports the Express. According to the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, if your hedge exceeds two metres in height and obstructs your neighbours’ light or view, they can file a complaint with the local council.
If it is deemed a nuisance, gardeners may be required to trim it. Not complying with the suggested hedge height can lead to fines of up to £1,000. Before going down this route, gardeners should try and settle disputes about hedge height with their neighbours by first asking them if they wouldn’t mind cutting back their hedges or trees. The local council is unlikely to accept your application for a High Hedge Notice unless gardeners have tried to sort it out with their neighbours first.
2. Cutting a neighbour’s overhanging tree
Trees can be a nuisance if they block light or overhang into your property. Gardeners have the right to trim branches that cross their property line, but only up to the boundary. If branches are overhanging on your side of the fence or wall, you can cut them back, but it’s polite to inform your neighbour first and return any trimmed branches.
However, some trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Before trimming or chopping a tree, it’s wise to check if it’s protected by a TPO. Unauthorised work on a protected tree can result in fines of up to £20,000. In extreme cases, unlimited fines can be imposed.
3. Garden bonfires
Summer bonfires are great for toasting marshmallows and keeping warm as the evening temperatures drop. But before lighting a bonfire in your garden, make sure it won’t cause a nuisance to your neighbours. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 covers issues related to smoke nuisance. Regular bonfires or those producing excessive smoke can be considered a statutory nuisance.
If complaints are made and an abatement notice is issued, failure to comply can result in fines of up to £5,000 for domestic properties and £20,000 for business premises.
Total fines
If gardeners face the maximum fines, they could be hit with a staggering total of £26,000.
- Hedge height regulations: £1,000
- Tree Preservation Orders: £20,000
- Bonfires and smoke nuisance: £5,000 (domestic properties)
