Gardeners have been warned they will have to pay fines totalling £26,000 for making two common mistakes in their gardens this summer.
It is a constant battle when you have a garden or outdoor space to keep it clean, tidy and properly maintained.
And everything inside that space, from the lawn to the hedges to the trees hanging from the roof, can be time-consuming and expensive to care for.
And if we make a mistake, those costs can be very high.
This is due to laws regulating both the height of hedges and what can be done with overhanging trees, which, if broken, could lead to very serious fines of up to £26,000.
Firstly, fences. Gardening experts at Yell warn that the legal height of a hedge is clearly defined and those who break the law could be hit with a hefty fine.
Yell said: “Every month, over 300 Britons search for the term ‘What is the legal height of a hedge between neighbours?’. While hedges are great for providing privacy and enhancing the beauty of your garden, they often block light and become a nuisance in the summer months.
“Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, if your hedge is over two metres high and obstructs your neighbours’ light or view, they can complain to the local council. If the hedge is deemed a nuisance, you will be required to trim it back.
“Failure to comply with this rule can result in fines of up to £1,000.”
But overhanging trees are even worse. Trees can often hang over your yard, casting shade on your lawn or raised beds, as well as spreading large amounts of leaves or twigs that can block gutters and damage your lawn, and cost you a lot of time to keep them under control.
However, Yell warns that certain trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) to maintain their environmental and aesthetic value.
He added: “Before carrying out any work, such as felling or topping, it is worth checking whether they are protected by a tree protection order. Every month, around 1,900 Britons search for the term ‘tree protection order’. Unauthorised work on a protected tree can lead to fines of up to £20,000. In serious cases, unlimited fines can be awarded.”
Finally, bonfires. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 addresses issues relating to smoke nuisance. Regular bonfires or those that produce excessive smoke can be considered a statutory nuisance. Yell adds: “If complaints are made and an abatement order is made, non-compliance can lead to fines of up to £5,000 for residential properties and £20,000 for commercial premises.”
In total, that’s £26,000 in fines simply for not knowing the law, and “ignorance is no defence”.
