Gardeners hit with £26,000 fines for tree and hedge mistakes
Gardeners are being warned not to break these three laws which could land you with a £26,000 fine.
Gardeners have been warned over fines totalling an eye watering £26,000 for making two common mistakes in their garden this summer.
It’s a constant battle when you have a garden or outdoor space to keep it neat and tidy and properly maintained.
And everything within that space, from the lawn to the hedges to trees hanging overhead, can all be time consuming and expensive to look after.
And if you get it wrong, those expenses can become very hefty indeed.
That’s because of laws governing both hedge height and what you can do with overhanging trees which if broken, could lead to very serious fines of up to £26,000.
Firstly, fences. Gardening experts at Yell are warning that the legal height of a hedge is clearly defined, and those breaking the law could be hit with a significant fine.
Yell said: “Over 300 Brits each month search the term "What is the legal height of a hedge between neighbours?" While hedges are excellent for providing privacy and enhancing the beauty of your garden - often they block light and become a nuisance in the summer months.
“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 the hedge is deemed a nuisance, you will be required to trim it.
“Non-compliance with this can lead to fines of up to £1,000.”
But overhanging trees are even worse news. Trees can often hang over your garden casting shadow over your lawn or your raised beds, as well as scattering large volumes of leaves or twigs which can block gutters and damage lawns, as well as costing you a lot of your time to keep on top of.
But, Yell warns that certain trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) to maintain their environmental and aesthetic value.
It adds: “Before undertaking any work, such as cutting down, or topping, it’s worth checking if they are protected with a TPO. Each month, approximately 1,900 Brits search for the term "tree preservation order." Unauthorised work on a protected tree can lead to fines of up to £20,000. In severe cases, unlimited fines can be granted.”
Finally, bonfires. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 addresses issues related to smoke nuisance. Regular bonfires or those producing excessive smoke can be considered a statutory nuisance. Yell adds: “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.”
In total, that’s £26,000 of fines for simply not knowing the law - and ‘ignorance is no defence’.
