Help! I forgot to tell my neighbours about the leylandii being cut down...

[user1479136681]

This is my first post, so hi everyone! I've spent the morning reading about leylandii disputes in a panic.

We bought our house last year and inherited a 12ft leylandii hedge. Took up loads of the garden and parched the soil -- and it blocked loads of light from the neighbours garden too.

The thing is that because of the way our estate was built, our garden backs onto another garden but to get to that neighbour's house is about a 15 minute drive. Since it's so complicated to get there and I have no idea how to do it, I kept putting it off and putting it off until today when - surprise! The tree surgeons turned up at the door. I had completely forgotten they were coming this morning.

So long story short, I didn't tell my neighbours that I was cutting down the hedge. This is all on me but I wasn't trying to be rude -- I was just being harebrained.

There is a 6ft fence but it seems ever so exposed without the leylandii there. We can see into their kitchen from ours and vice versa. We're going to plant a nicer hedge but in the mean time what should I do about the neighbours? I've never spoken to them before (because I couldn't see them over the leylandii) and know nothing about them. Should I go an apologise or just get on with quietly planting the hedge?

I feel awful and this was supposed to be such a positive thing! On the plus side we do have an extra 5ft width of garden.

[corlan]

Ha! I should think they'll be relieved the Leyladii have gone.

It's probably a bit late to say anything about it now though

[OhNoNotMyBaby]

It wouldn't hurt to go round and just say sorry you didn't forewarn them, and that you will be putting up a lower, nicer hedge. In their place I would be delighted.

[user1479136681]

Hopefully the relief will counteract their shock at finding no hedge! It really was horrible, and it was growing over into their garden. I'm sure they're nice people but I'm a natural worrier and am anxious about going into the garden in case they're angry!

At least DS will be able to chat to their kids over the fence :D Haha not sure if they will appreciate that!

[mumonashoestring]

OhNo's suggestion is exactly what I was about to type I'm sure they'll be glad to have a bit more light and as long as they know you've got plans to replace it and haven't just done it to get a better view into their kitchen then all will be well.

[PurpleDaisies]

We were thrilled when our neighbours cut down their massive trees. We couldn't work out why it was so much lighter. I'm sure yours will be reasonable.

[user1479136681]

@OhNoNotMyBaby you're right, it wouldn't hurt to go over (I tried to tag you, not sure how to use this yet...). Better than making them angry! I'll have to figure out a way around!

[Floggingmolly]

How can you see into each other's kitchens over a 6ft fence? You'd have to make a special effort, wouldn't you?

[user1479136681]

FloggingMolly, it's because our house is on a bit of a gradient. So from the kitchen you can see over the fence, but out in the garden you can't. It's a bit awkward!

[dodobookends]

Perhaps you could fix a strip of wooden trellis along the top of the fence? That would help in the meantime, and reduce the kitchen window issue quickly.

[user1479136681]

That's a great idea, actually some of that bamboo roll stuff would do the trick quite nicely. I'll go out and get some now :)