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ivy on fence

gamblerebecca7x8TQR0Sgamblerebecca7x8TQR0S Posts: 1
in Problem solving
Hi, we had an ivy tree in our garden that has been there for years, growing against the fence. There were one, perhaps two trees, that grew up and overhung our wee pond, covering about four or five metres along the fence, and about two or three metres high. It's not a massive garden, so the ivy made it look mysterious, and much bigger than it was, as it obscured the fence. Our neighbour decided to replace the fence without telling us (apparently it's their boundary fence) - they dug up the whole of the ivy, roots and all, even though they were growing on our side. The first we knew about it was today (saturday) as in the week, everyone is out, and no one gets home until after dark (because it's winter). Our whole garden has been changed because of it - every scrap of ivy, roots etc gone, just a bare fence running along the length of the garden. There's nothing we can do now, it's done, but shouldn't they have at least told us this is what they were planning, and is it ok to dig up roots in our garden? They've never mentioned the ivy before, or the fence. I've just read that you shouldn't grow stuff on a garden fence if it belongs to your neighbour, but they've never mentioned it, and dug up the whole tree and come into our garden, as well as completely changed our garden, without asking. Any advice ??

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    They should ask before coming into your garden and before digging up your plants, and it would be common courtesy to tell you before they replaced their fence. Sadly it's sometimes lacking these days. You should ask before attaching or growing anything on the neighbour's fence.
    If you ask on here and post a few pics, I'm sure people will be able to make suggestions for things you could plant in front of the fence (maybe not attached if the neighbours don't agree) to soften the look.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The only thing I'd say is - ivy is quite hard to kill, so unless they've removed every single piece of root, it'll probably regrow. However, that will take time. 
    It certainly wasn't acceptable to remove anything planted on your side, but ivy has a habit of growing and rooting extensively, so unless you actually planted it, that would be difficult to prove. They may have assumed it was theirs, because it could have been growing on their land too.
    They should have at least discussed it with you before doing the work, because of the intrusive nature of re doing the fence, but unfortunately, neighbours aren't always considerate.  :/
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    I don't know about the legal situation but I do think they should have told you. I don't think they should have come inside your garden without your consent. However, I think the most important thing is to get on with your neighbours, it can turn into a nightmare if you don't.

    Look on the positive side, you now have a new fence and plenty of room to choose plants to grow up it or along it. I would have a friendly chat with the neighbours, ask them if they would mind if you grew clematis, or whatever, up the fence as the garden is now looking very bare. If they don't mind then maybe you could grow ivy again, perhaps a variegated one. Some people look on ivy as a weed.

    If they don't agree then you could put up posts and wire or trellis inside the fence to grow plants up.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    We must all have been typing at the same type, I probably type the slowest!
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'm very slow @Busy-Lizzie. I spend ages trying to make sure that what I'm writing actually makes sense  :D
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • gjautosgjautos Posts: 429
    I agree they should have asked, that said if it is their fence, did you ask to grow the ivy on it? If it was me I would pop round now and ask if they mind you growing a clematis or similar along the fence.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    If they do agree to clematis or other non-self-clinging climbers, and if the new fence has concrete posts, these are good https://www.rivelinglenproducts.com/concrete-post-fixings---wire-anchors-33-c.asp - they fasten onto the posts without any drilling, nailing etc and you can thread wires through to make a support system. (I'm not spamming, just  happy customer!)
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Basically, it your neighbours entered your garden without your consent, that is Trespass.  If they dug up any plants in your garden, that could be construed as Criminal Damage.
    However, as others have said, it may be best to treat it as an opportunity to grow a new "barrier" if that is what you are after.  You just need to bear in mind that if the fence does belong to your neighbour, you cannot legally attach anything to it without their consent.It's also worth remembering that if your neighbours, having given consent, then decide to move, the new neighbours may not agree with what you have done.
    Easiest solution is to erect a trellis on your own ground and grow some nice climbers up it.  Alternatively, plant shrubs which will eventually give you coverage of the fence. 
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