Gardeners could be slapped with hefty £26,000 fine for common gardening tasks
A whopping 27 million people love to garden as a hobby but many gardeners don't realise they could end up with a hefty fine if they break certain rules.
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.
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.
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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 also block light and can also overhang into your property which can be an eyesore and a nuisance. Gardeners do have the right to trim branches that cross their property line, but only up to the boundary.
If overhanging branches are on your side of the fence or the wall, gardeners can cut them back but should first let their neighbour know and return any branches that have been trimmed to them.
However, certain trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). Before trimming or chopping a tree, gardeners should check if the tree is protected with a TPO.
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Unauthorised work on a protected tree can lead to fines of up to £20,000. In severe cases, unlimited fines can be granted.
3. Garden bonfires
Bonfires in the summer are great for toasting marshmallows and keeping warm while temperatures drop in the evening.
However, before having a bonfire in your garden, you must check it won't cause a nuisance to your neighbours.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 addresses issues related to smoke nuisance. Having regular bonfires or bonfires producing excessive smoke can be considered a statutory nuisance.
If complaints are made and an abatement notice is issued, failing to comply can result in fines of up to £5,000 for domestic properties and £20,000 for business premises.
Total fines
If gardeners incur the maximum fines, it could total an eye-watering £26,000.
- Hedge height regulations: £1,000
- Tree Preservation Orders: £20,000
- Bonfires and smoke nuisance: £5,000 (domestic properties)
