In short, not without checking with you first. If the hedge sits on or near the boundary between your two properties, your neighbour can’t just remove it on their own. Hedges that form part of a boundary are often treated as shared, and both parties usually have some say in what happens to them.
If your neighbour removes it without permission, especially if it’s been there a long time, you could have grounds to raise a dispute. It’s always best to talk it through first, but if they’ve already acted without your agreement, you may need to take further steps to clarify your rights.
Who Actually Owns the Hedge Between Two Gardens—Me or My Neighbour?
This one can be a bit tricky. Hedges that sit right on the boundary line often don’t “belong” fully to either side—they’re considered shared.
If it’s entirely on one side of the boundary, then it’s likely owned by that person. The best way to check? Look at your property’s title deeds or boundary plan.
These might indicate where the official boundary lies and who is responsible for which side.
Keep in mind that boundaries aren’t always clear-cut, especially in older properties, so you may want a professional to help you interpret the documents if you’re unsure.
Is It Legal to Cut Down a Hedge That Grows on Both Sides?
If a hedge grows across both gardens, neither of you has the right to remove the whole thing without discussing it first. You’re both likely responsible for maintaining the parts that grow on your own side, but cutting it down entirely—without consent—can lead to trouble.
Legally speaking, you’re allowed to trim back branches or leaves that grow into your garden, but not to the extent that you kill or seriously damage the hedge, especially if it’s rooted on your neighbour’s side.
And if it’s a protected species or located in a conservation area, special permission might be required.
What If My Neighbour Says They Removed the Hedge for “Maintenance”? Should I Believe Them?
If your neighbour’s removed a hedge and claims it was just “maintenance,” it’s worth looking into how much was actually done.
Trimming back overgrowth is normal. But completely digging up or cutting down a hedge is more than maintenance—it’s removal.
Ask a few simple questions:
- Did they cut only their side, or remove the whole hedge?
- Did they touch the roots or damage your side in the process?
- Have they done something similar before?
If you’re unsure or something feels off, take photos of the area and consider speaking to a party wall or boundary specialist.
You don’t need to jump to conclusions, but you’re well within your rights to ask for clarity.
Is It Worth Taking Legal Action Over a Hedge—or Is There a Better Way?
Legal action should be your last resort. Disputes over hedges can quickly become time-consuming and expensive if they end up in court. Plus, going to battle with your neighbour can strain relationships and make living next to each other uncomfortable.
Instead, try to resolve the issue calmly:
- Have a chat (ideally with notes or photos).
- Send a friendly letter summarising your concerns.
- Consider mediation—a neutral third party can help you both find common ground.
Only if those options fail should you look into formal legal advice. And even then, make sure you’ve got evidence to support your claim (photos, title plans, letters, etc.).
How Do I Know If It’s a Boundary Hedge or Just on My Neighbour’s Side?
The easiest way to find out is to look at your title deeds or land registry plans. These usually show the boundaries of your property. If the hedge lies directly on that line, then it may be a shared boundary hedge.
Other signs it’s a boundary hedge include:
- It’s been maintained from both sides over the years.
- It follows a fence line or wall that splits both gardens.
- Neither of you planted it—it was there when you moved in.
If the hedge is clearly planted entirely on your neighbour’s side (and the roots too), then it’s likely theirs—but that doesn’t mean they can let it grow out of control on your side
What Are the Steps to Make a Formal Complaint About Hedge Removal?
If a conversation hasn’t helped, and the hedge was removed without your consent, here’s what you can do:
- Document everything – Take photos of the area and gather any notes about when the removal happened.
- Check your property documents – Look for boundary markers or information about shared structures.
- Write a letter – Politely outline your concerns and ask for a written response.
- Contact your local council – If the hedge had any protections, they may be able to intervene.
- Seek legal advice – If it appears your neighbour has acted unlawfully, a solicitor can advise on your next steps.
- Consider mediation – Before legal action, mediation may help you both reach a fair agreement.
Who Can I Call to Settle a Disagreement Over a Boundary Hedge?
If you’re stuck in a disagreement over a hedge, there are a few professionals who can help:
- Party wall or boundary surveyors – Experts like us at Faulkner Surveyors can assess the situation and help clarify ownership or rights.
- Mediators – Trained to handle neighbour disputes and help find a peaceful solution.
- Solicitors – For more serious cases where legal rights need to be enforced.
- Your local council – If the hedge breaches height rules, or if it’s protected, the council may take action.
It’s always best to speak to someone early—before the situation escalates. A calm conversation, backed by expert advice, can save you a lot of stress in the long run.
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