Neighbour cut hedge on our side of property without permission when we were on holiday

[Anxiousmom2024]

We are relatively a new property owner of semi-detached house. The side of fence we are supposed to maintain is on the left as per our solicitors. Right side neighbour is an old man. But most of the times, his mother who is very elderly but quite active is the one involved in the maintenance of her son's property. We had recently trimmed our side of the front facing hedge about a month ago. We were out for a week on a vacation during easter. During that time, we got a handwritten note that he wants to discuss regarding hedge. The hedge was trimmed on our side too and the garden waste was piled up on the patio. When my husband went to discuss, the mother demanded that we pay 35 quid. Husband got furious that they entered the property without our consent and also got this done without discussing this. While speaking on this, the lady was also rude that we are wasting her time! Are we being unreasonable to deny this? We are new to the UK and I am a bit aghast. Is this normal?

No its not normal. They sound bloody awful.

They have taken advantage of you being away. Don’t pay anything. Hedges should be 2m or under. Width doesn’t matter. I’d just keep it trimmed and don’t engage with them.

It’s not normal for neighbours to carry out work on your property without consent and then demand payment for it. That being said it’s probably still worth an attempt to smooth things over for the sake of your long term relationship. I’d try and calmly discuss who is responsible for which boundary and agree what maintenance will be carried out in future.

There is no maximum height at which a hedge can grow either. If it breaches 2m it maybe be eligible for a high hedge complaint but there is no hard and fast rule that stipulates the height. So don’t be bullied into agreeing to something that you’re not comfortable with.

Cutting a hedge in April when birds are nesting is not a well thought out idea.

Don’t pay and tell them not to do it again.

@Anxiousmom2024 unless your deeds as a pair of semi detached properties allow them access over your land this is trespass. And cutting your side of the hedge without permission is criminal damage.
I suggest you send them a note stating the above and that if it happens again you will pursue it legally.

Don’t pay, ignore buy keep on top of the hedge in future.

Do not pay them, this is absolutely not normal and trespassing.

Nope, not normal.

I can only imagine maybe they had an agreement with whoever lived there before that this was ok? Still doesn't make it right though...

I used to go into my neighbours garden and trim her side of the hedge between our properties BUT only because she specifically asked me to - she had health issues . I would never go into her garden, or anyone else's, without being asked. And I would be absolutely furious if any one came into mine and started doing things, particularly if I was on holiday.
That she actually demanded money from you is the icing on the cake OP.

I'm really sorry this happened. I agree with pp who said they probably an arrangement with the previous owner of the house. I think you should tell your neighbours you will be maintaing your side of the hedge yourself and would they please respect your property by not entering your garden in future.

Really cheeky 1 to do the work without asking 2 to go on your property without asking and 3 to expect you to pay for something that you haven’t asked for or agreed to.

Tell them you will look after your side and they should look after theirs. Don't pay.

There are a few rules surrounding “trimming hedges”. But this next door neighbour has overstepped the mark

pissibly they had some type of arrangement with the previous owner, but that doesn’t mean they can just continue without adking

id talk to them and let them know you’ll trim your side in future and any other arrangements please knock and ask first.

I've been trying to think of a legitimate use for landmines.

You do not need to pay. This woman is what MN calls a CF ...

Be firm so that she doesn't try to trick you further. Your husband is correct and he is right to be furious. With any luck this will get rid of them. Your neighbours are hoping you're too foreign to understand.

Say this clearly to the mother and point out that she has trespassed on your land and damaged your property. Tell her to remove the garden waste she has left on your property or you will return it to her (son's) property. Leave it on his patio.

Sending you a note when you are not home but not waiting for your response is wrong.

If your hedge/vegetation was overhanging her (son's) property, she could trim what was on their side of the border and could offer you the cuttings but you could refuse them.

I have a list........

Thank you all for helping me! We will speak to the son later this week and make it clear for the future that they cannot take matters into their hands on things concerning our property. We will take steps for trespass if this were to repeat.

I would put a lock in your garden gate if that is how your garden was accessed by your neighbours.
I’m shocked that the CF’s demanded money from you too!

Not normal at all! Also there are rules around trimming trees and hedges during spring and early summer due to birds nesting. They sound like awful people.

Could also be illegal
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hedgerow-management-rules-cutting-and-trimming

I’d probably say we are happy to cut theirs back in return one time to appease them (instead of payment) but make it clear they shouldn’t be touching yours without discussion going further.

I'd be careful about falling out with your neighbour especially over something trivial. You will probably be living next to him for some time and life could become very unpleasant. I'd give them the money but say that you will look after it yourself in future.