Thinking of making any big changes to your garden? Your neighbours could have something to say about it.
From out-of-control climbers to noisy machinery, we asked the experts which garden changes neighbours are most likely to complain about — and what you should do instead. Keep reading to find out what they had to say:
1. Vegetation that blocks out the light
'Allowing boundary hedges or trees to grow to a height that blocks a neighbour's natural light is one of the most common and most serious sources of garden dispute. High hedges are governed by Part 8 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 and councils can legally require them to be reduced,' says Elliot Anderson-Evans, Co-Founder, Elliot & Hill.
2. Noisy machinery
Noisy machinery could also be a reason your neighbours complain, especially if used at an inconsiderate time.
'Garden machinery, leaf blowers and power tools used before 8 am or after 8 pm on weekdays, or at any point on Sundays in many areas, is one of the fastest ways to create a neighbour dispute,' says Elliot. 'The law on this varies by local authority but councils can issue noise abatement notices and persistent offenders can face fines.'
3. Out-of-control climbers
'Climbers can cause problems too. Vigorous plants such as ivy and wisteria need managing carefully if they’re growing close to a shared boundary, particularly if they start making their way onto a neighbour’s fence, wall or outbuilding,' says Andrew Jackson, an award-winning garden writer and founder of The New Build Manifesto.
4. Branches and roots that cross your garden's borders
'Branches or roots that cross a boundary into a neighbour's garden are technically trespass, and if they cause damage, the tree owner can be liable. Allowing trees to grow without management until they become a neighbour's problem creates unnecessary friction and potential legal exposure. Deal with it proactively rather than waiting to be asked,' says Elliot.
5. Building new structures without proper permissions
Whether it's an outbuilding or new fence, always check proper permissions before erecting.
'Building structures erected without checking permitted development limits or notifying neighbours where appropriate generates a significant number of complaints,' explains Elliot.
'A fence that exceeds the permitted height, or a garden room built too close to a boundary, can require enforcement action and create lasting animosity. Checking before building rather than after takes minutes.'
What to do instead
We also asked our experts what you can do to navigate these tricky situations. Here's what they had to say...
'The easiest way to prevent most disagreements is also the simplest: talk before you make a significant change. You don't necessarily need your neighbour to share your taste in gardening, but explaining what you're planning can prevent surprises and sometimes highlights an issue you hadn't considered,' says Andrew.
Elliot agrees. 'The common thread in all of these is communication before action. Letting a neighbour know before you erect a fence, start a significant landscaping project or carry out works that might affect them is the single most effective way to avoid disputes,' he says.
'Most people are reasonable when they feel considered. Most disputes escalate because one party felt they were not consulted. From a property perspective, being known as a good neighbour has tangible value when you come to sell,' Elliot says.
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