Privet hedges
tashagill123
Posts: 2
So, we have a privet at the bottom of our garden and to the left of our garden. We know that the privet on the bottom of the garden are clearly within our boundaries as the old stone council boundary markers are there and they roots are definitely coming from our side. So my partner wants to start removing this privet as hopefully early next year we are having a fence put up, but we have a lot of other work to do first as the garden is all different levels and needs trees taking out and all sort to level it out and we don't want to level it out until everything is removed. Out of courtesy we went to the neighbours across the back and explained to them what we was doing, they simply said they wasn't happy as it had been there 30 years and they needed to have a discussion about it. my partner explained to them that really it wasn't up for discussion he was telling them his plans on what was going on he wasn't asking there permission as they are clearly on our side.
so now half of the privet is out and you can see into there back garden, and they can see into ours. My partner is going to get something to put up for a bit of privacy but they are not happy at all. I can't really see anything on the regulations site about what we have done is right or wrong just wanted to get some info off of people who may have experienced something similar or know of any other info for me??
Thanks
Posts
If its your privet hedge then you can do what you want with it. Personally I would be very upset if my neighbours removed the privet hedge on our boundary and replaced it with a fence, as a hedge looks much nicer and is good for wildlife. I also wouldn't be happy with being able to see into each others gardens but if your intentions are to get a fence in fast then theres no other way. But like I say, if its your hedge then you can do as you choose. But its natural for your neighbours to be annoyed if the hedge has been there for so long.
What area do you live in as I need some more privet hedge to fill some gaps?
Hedges are so much nicer to look at than fences, and so important for wildlife, but it's your garden and what's done is done ... but please have a look at this http://www.hedgehogstreet.org/pages/link-your-garden.html and ensure that hedgehogs in your area can access your garden and eat your slugs and beetles - you'll be thankful that you did
Last edited: 26 July 2016 17:29:12
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Fence? Hedge? Hedge? Fence? Absolutely no contest, hedge every time!
Indeed. Hedge every time. But it isn't for everyone and some people don't have the time or the physical ability to keep a hedge in good order.
My privet is insde my fence and its looking good at the moment but then I do trim it.. Its not so good if its got catapillars but so far its clean and green.
Hedges are so much better than fences as others have pointed out. Why did you think a fence would be better? I have every sympathy with your neighbours and I think you have made a mistake but there is no recourse as the hedge was yours...........you have gained nothing and fallen out with your neighbours.
I hope you will learn from this.
Fences aren't good for wildlife. No contest. Why rock the boat. Privet needs one cut a year and will outlast a fence which needs regular maintenance and lasts 10 if you're lucky. If the privet isn't tall enough to give privacy let it grow. The obsession with fencing is a proper gardeners nightmare.
You haven't done anything illegal but as previous posters (rather bluntly in some cases
) point out, in gardening and neighbourly terms you probably haven't made the best choice.
As we don't know your circumstances, it's not really for us to judge but I'd reckon most folk on here would choose hedge every time.
BTW they can see into yours and you can see into theirs...what did you think would happen?
Last edited: 26 July 2016 19:39:40
I guess you are referring to me. When people make mistakes they need to take responsibility for them. I have had some bad neighbours and some very good neighbours. It is always worth the effort to maintain good neighbourly relationships so long as it is within one's power.
Hedges are so lovely to look at, I think they add to a garden, horses for courses really. Some like 'um, some don't.
They grow particularly well in this country because of our climate, always nice to see so many different varieties after a long trip abroad.
Last edited: 26 July 2016 20:00:32