Not sure if your neighbours’ side is your responsibility? Unsure whose hedge it really is? This article is for you.

Whose hedge is it?

If the hedge is growing on the property line between you and your neighbour, the property where the trunk is growing from is the property that owns it.

Does the owner of the hedge have to trim the neighbours side?

The owner of the hedge is responsible for the hedge and if the hedge is overgrown or threatening damage to the neighbour’s property, then the owner might be responsible for having that side trimmed.

Can I trim my neighbours hedge?

You are allowed to trim anything that is on your side of the property line. You will need permission from your neighbour to trim anything on their side of the property line.

What if the hedge is growing exactly from the middle of the property line?

In this case, the ownership of the hedge is shared between both properties. You can trim anything on your side of the property line. It is best for you and your neighbour to discuss the course of action for trimming the hedge.

Every hedge - and every neighbour - is unique

Some people choose to have the entire hedge trimmed because they want to maintain the hedge perfectly. Some people trim the entire hedge to do their neighbours a favour. Some people will split the cost of trimming with their neighbour.