Garden boundary

[janet44]

Before my neighbour moved into her property 14 years ago, the previous owner planted a row of beech trees to form a hedge on his side of the boundary fence, leaving the fence still in tact. My neighbour is now saying that the hedge constitutes the boundary and therefore is the responsibility of both of us. Any advice would be helpful.

[woofgang]

how can it be the boundary if the fence is still there? obviously previous owner planted on his side of the fence on his land. If he can tell you how the hedge can be the boundary if the fence is still there, then you need to take it further otherwise tell him politely to take a hike.

[bookbinder]

Have a look at the title deeds to your house. That might tell you exactly where the boundary is.

[buildersmate]

Contrary to the above answer, the title deeds will not tell you exactly where the boundary is. Yet another urban myth dispelled.

The title plan linked to the land title at the Land Registry only shows the general boundary.

The neighbour is wrong and the boundary is wherever it has always been, unless the two of you agree to a minor variation to the contrary. You have no obligation in regard to the hedge, nor to the fence unless their is a specific requirement for you to maintain that fence.

[janet44]

Thank you to everyone taking the time to answer, made things very clear.

[joko]

'responsible' means different thing to different people.

if it your hedge you are perfectly entitled to just leave it to grow however you like - there is no law that says all hedges must be prefectly pruned and shaped.