conifirs

[zoearnold]

what height do I have to keep conifirs at?.

[ann_h]

I don't think there's a legal limit. but I would suggest asking your neighbours what they find acceptable, if it affects their gardens.

[jake-the-peg]

There was a private members bill in 2001 the "high hedges bill" which I believe was blocked.

Leylandii is considered a hedge and not a tree and thus cannot be covered by a Tree Protection Order.

So legally you don't have to cut them - however they have been the source of mighty feuds in the past that ended up in court with huge sums of money being spent on both sides.

Best advice don't let it become an issue between you and your neighbours because nobody will win in the end. 

[Hammer]

Jake, you are nearly right, a hedge is defined as more than one evergreen overlapping each other. So one tree is a tree, two trees are a hedge.

One tree can be as high as you like, two trees have to be kept below 2 metres I believe (though I am happy to be corrected here).

The advice about keeping your neighbours happy is very wise though...

www.gardenlaw.co.uk had a lot of very good advice and knowledgable people on the forums, might be worth a look.

[insurance]

according to gardeners world magazine the bill was past

last november 2004.the height approx 6ft or any height agreed with the neighbours.

[jake-the-peg]

Gosh Insurance, you're right it was incorporated into the anti-social behaviour bill.

here's the section:

http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/30038--i.htm#76

Hammer, I took the hedge definition from a couple of local councils and in a push I'd go with them.

[jake-the-peg]

 I see the section where you get the 2 or more trees from now, interesting the Councils involved having a different opinion - maybe that relates to TPOs

[jake-the-peg]

It looks like the actual answer of the question is that your trees should not be so high so as reasonable enjoyment of the property would be adversely affected by the height of a high hedge.

And that if your hedge is less than 2 meters such a claim cannot be made. 

[Hammer]

Isn't it nice when laws are so clear and easy to interpret ;-)