AIBU if I chop off neighbours overhanging net and climbing plants on my side of the fence?

[bakingmads]

Right hive minds, I need advice on how to address a contentious situation.

Background. My neighbour and us have a very contentious relationship. Things got pretty bad last year and we ended up taking them to court, whereby they had to pay us a substantial 5 figure settlement. So they just don't like us.

The own the fence on the back of our property. They have installed a long net over the fence and planted climbing plants on them. As the plants are growing, the net bends into our side of the boundary. It's an eyesore not to mention a nuisance. I'm really tempted to just chop off the net that falls into our garden but they believe the fence is theirs and they can grown anything on it even on our side.

So, thought I'd come here for advice on how to address the situation. Talking to them won't get us anywhere. If I chop it off, would I get into trouble with the cops seeing as they 'own' the fence? Or would that be a civil issue?

Could they then sue me?

Help!

I wouldn't touch it. Is putting your own fence up parallel with theirs an option?

You can cut anything that over hangs the boundary line plant wise but you can not cut the net, that's criminal damage

@AintNobodyHereButUsChickens

We have considered putting our own fence parallel to theirs but it would mean putting fence post alongside their fence.

Which could be another issue.

I guess where I'm getting confused whether this is their fence, surely they don't have a legal right to grow plants into my garden?

I would build my own/higher fence.

We have considered putting our own fence parallel to theirs but it would mean putting fence post alongside their fence.

Why? I think we may need a diagram!!! I would leave a no mans land of three inches in between. Or even better, have a Trump Style Brick Wall built right up against their fence!!

You can cut any plants that hang over your side.
I think you have to offer them the cuttings back though which probably won't go down well!

Given that relations have probably broken down irreparably, I think I’d be inclined to surrender a strip of my garden in order to put up my own, higher fence so that I couldn’t see theirs at all.
They can’t do anything about it as it would be your fence on your land.

@RightOnTheEdge ur right! That's not going to go down well at all! I might send the cuttings by post!

My next door neighbor is at wits end with them cos in their side, rather than a fence they have put a 2m trellis and all their plants come into their garden! It's a nightmare!

Was the out case to do with that boundary?

Court case, obvs

@Fabellini I think that might be the best option. Just gonna lose out space on our already tiny small garden space 😢

bakingmads the thought of them getting that through the post made me snigger

@TheSpottedZebra I've read loads of articles where people have spent a fortune on boundary court cases hence y I'm being cautious. Don't want to waste money or our time going to court with them. But I'm more worried about the police getting involved when I cut their plants. And also don't want to get into a 'dispute' as it's going to affect the value of our property.

You say they believe they own the fence - is there any proof of this?

I don't understand the net thing - have you a photo?

There's usually a limit on the height of fences you are allowed to put up in domestic situations, so you couldn't go above that but I would definitely put up the highest fence you're allowed.

Yes, don't cut the net, you'll be damaging their property, although you're allowed to cut back any plants, and as pp says offer them back the cuttings.

They are not allowed to intrude on you garden with their plants regardless of who owns or is responsible for the fence.

Definitely need a diagram, or better yet a photo

You can cut back the plants as a pp said. You could also try tucking the net back over onto their side of the fence so it's not on your side.

cut all the plants, and push the net back in their direction so it doesn't hang over your fence.
You could put up a couple of tall posts, one each end and string a couple of wires, so the net can't sag into your garden as it hits the wires.

Or put in your own fence.

@Londonmummy66

Great idea! Gonna get my husband on it one night under the cloak of darkness!

Until we can get new fence in!

Can you bend/fold the net back over to their side of the fence?

First, I would take photos that clearly show the entire situation from multiple angles.

Which side are the fence posts on? I believe - but may be totally wrong - that the fence posts have to go to the owners side while the nice looking side faces the neighbour.

@EileenAlanna

It's a retaining wall fence with netting overhanging from their side. Unfortunately I can't post a pic as I'm a new poster although long time lurker.

@EileenAlanna

Which side are the fence posts on? I believe - but may be totally wrong - that the fence posts have to go to the owners side while the nice looking side faces the neighbour

I believe this is just etiquette but not rule or law per se.

I love it when my neighbours grow climbing plants and they overhang so you get the benefit of all the glorious flowers. Often the neighbours get a better display than the grower.

It depends what they plant of course. Have they chosen something offensive or smelly?