Hedge Cutting Regulations UK: The Dos and Don’ts

Want an immaculate-looking hedge? Well, you may need to consider a few garden hedge cutting laws before breaking out the trimmer. Whether it's legality around animal habitats or neighbourly disputes, over-eager gardening can land you in hot water with the authorities if you don't do your due diligence. And with the likes of high hedge notices and hedge cutting regulations here in the UK, there is a lot to consider.

So, to help you navigate the legal landscape of those cutting hedge laws, read our handy guide, below, for all the hedge trimming laws and rules you should be following.

Alongside noise complaints and parking feuds, working out the law on boundary hedges can easily drive a wedge between you and your neighbours. After all, if the hedge separates you and your neighbour's property, it can be tricky to determine who is actually responsible for it. However, by popping over to your neighbours for a friendly chat, you can figure out who is liable for maintenance. You'll be able to informally discuss your plans - and, hopefully, avoid any hedge-related disagreements. If necessary, bring your property's deeds along so you can point out your boundary lines.

And in situations where the deed does not specify clear boundaries, you and your neighbour could choose to make an informal boundary agreement. You can find out more information about such formalities at gov.uk.

TOP TIP: Be careful when cutting any branches or roots that encroach on your neighbour’s boundary. If you trim hedges too zealously and cut into your neighbour's side, even accidentally, you could be taken to court for damaging their property.

Now, neighbourly quarrels aren't just reserved for contested garden borders; even hedges that are irrefutably positioned on your premises could be a point of contention. But how exactly? Well, we’re talking about the hedge height law here in the UK, which looks at the height your hedge should be to avoid disturbing your neighbours. For instance, if the hedge is so tall that it blocks light or obscures views for your neighbour, then you could be on the wrong side of the law.

So, according to the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, your hedge should be no taller than two metres high - any higher and you could be in violation of this act. And to help solve any neighbourly disputes on this, the same legislation also allows the local council to send out a high hedge notice, ordering the offending party to trim the hedge. So, to keep the peace between you and your neighbours, you need a hedge trimmer that can easily reach high branches. And make sure you keep on top of the size of your shrubbery to keep in line with the laws on cutting hedges.

TOP TIP: Regardless of height, if a neighbour's window has received natural light for at least 20 years, then it can't be obstructed - whether by new builds or overgrown hedges. For more information, check out the Rights to Leasement.

Along with navigating neighbourhood politics, you need to check your manicuring won't be in breach of cutting hedge laws here in the UK around disturbing surrounding wildlife. Mice, hedgehogs, and toads are all common inhabitants of garden shrubbery and trees, and it’s a criminal offence to intentionally damage or destroy a bird's nest - whether it's finished or not. That’s why you need to check for signs of animals or nests before turning on your hedge trimmer. And to find out if you have feathered tenants in your garden, keep an eye on your hedges and trees over a couple of days. If you see the same type of bird hanging around, then it's likely to have built a nest.

TOP TIP: Be extra cautious when it comes to trimming tree branches - they could be protected by a Tree Preservation Order. That means it is illegal to cut down, uproot or trim the tree, so make sure you check with the council before making any amendments

With negotiations over, borders established, and animal nests safely avoided, you can finally look at caring for your hedge with a cordless hedge trimmer. Enter, the Hedge Trimmer HT50! This cordless hedge trimmer has a lightweight design, so you can painlessly preen out-of-reach shrubbery (up to 10ft tall), helping you avoid any pesky high hedge notices. And to neaten up untidy branches, just clip in your Branch Cutter to cut branches up to 6mm thick.

And when taking care of a hedge, it’s best to cut them at least twice a year – once in spring and then again in autumn to help prep for winter. Of course, you can do this more if your hedge is growing too high and you’re worried it will exceed the hedge height laws in the UK. If you’re looking for more tips and tricks to keep your hedge looking it’s best, check out our guide to trimming different types of hedges. Now you know all about garden hedge cutting laws, you can keep your hedges looking neat without risking high hedge notices or angry neighbours! And to lighten your outdoor chores this summer, take a look at the cordless garden tool range.

Alternatively, you can head over to our blog to discover more gardening top tips, such as lawn maintenance tips for each season and what you should do with all those pesky grass cuttings.