High Hedges Legislation

The authority can reject your complaint if it considers that you haven't tried to resolve the matter privately first, so make every effort to do so and keep a record of all communication to and from the neighbour. 

If we find it necessary, we will issue a formal notice to the hedge owner which will set out what they must do to the hedge to remedy the problem. Failure to carry out the works is an offence which could lead to a fine of up to £1,000. We also have the power to enter the hedge owner’s property and undertake the required work if they fail to comply with the formal notice. We are also legally entitled to recover the cost of undertaking such works from the hedge owner.  

Requesting we intervene in a private dispute is chargeable. We have been instructed by government to agree the fee locally for applications. Our fee for registering a complaint has been agreed at £650 for each complaint.

More information

You can obtain further information and guidance leaflets from the Central Government High Hedges Legislation website. This includes guidance for how to make a formal application to have your high hedge complaint determined by us.

You may also find The Tree Advice Trust useful, as they provide a ‘Tree Helpline’. This is a live service and gives direct access to an experienced arboriculturist. The Tree Advice Trust helpline staff can also act as arbiters in cases where an impasse has been reached. Telephone 09065 161147 - premium rate, £1.50 per minute - the average call lasts 3 minutes.