Hedges and shrubs

Residents are responsible for the maintenance of any hedges or shrubs adjoining a public highway from their property. The council does not conduct inspections or hedge/shrub pruning for private residents. You are advised to contact an approved contractors (word) to do the work for you if you have a high hedge (over two metres).

Hedges and shrubs on neighbouring property
There is no legal obligation for the owner of a hedge/shrub to prune or reduce foliage at the request of a neighbour. However, if overhanging vegetation is causing damage to a neighbouring property it can be deemed a legal nuisance. The owner of the hedge/shrub will then be obligated to pay the cost of damage and repairs.

Legal height and width requirements for shrubs/hedges
There are no legal height/width limits, but any evergreen hedge that is more than two metres in height may be considered to be high. Each case will have a detailed assessment conducted following a survey.

Hedge/shrub border lines growing near public footpaths
There are no limits or controlsto the type of shrub that can be grown on or near public footpaths. There are implications if it overhangs/obstructs the public footpath as this would be a highway enforcement issue.