Neighbour's Hedge

[lackie]

For years my husband has kept my neighbour's hedge tidy on our side of the drive. My husband has become so ill he cannot manage it any more. I mentioned this to my neighbour who suggested going to the Council to get it cut free, but I reminded them that the hedge is growing in their garden and that they may be charged. Are we responsible for maintaining the side of the hedge which overhangs our fence? My husband and myself a very very OAPs. We do get on with our neighbour, but I don't think they are too happy with the situation. They have cut the hedge today as far as the house, but would just like to clarify the situation as I don't want any problems with this. Any advice would be gratefully received.

[bookbinder]

Nobody is responsible for maintaining a hedge, whether it forms a boundary marker or not. If you are not up to maintaining the hedge, you could either leave it alone, or pay someone to trim it.

[hc4361]

It's not your responsibility to cut their hedge and if you choose to cut the overgrowth on your side you should offer the cuttings to your neighbour before disposing.

Different councils have different rules. My council don't offer a free service for private gardens, East Riding Council do if you are elderly or disabled but only if you are a council tenant living in adapted or sheltered housing.

Check your council's website. There is a possibility they provide this service but as the hedge belongs to your neighbour it is highly unlikely.

No harm in asking, though

[ladybirder]

If you can live with it let it grow. It will become a multi-storey guest house for songbirds who need all the help they can get.

[lackie]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm afraid we cannot cut it any more so if they don't cut it, it will just grow ! Like ladybirders answer - cheers.

[ladybirder]

Thank you lackie. I know I would get great joy from watching them. Better than looking at the neighbours;-)