I’m a gardening expert… eight laws you probably didn’t know about, break one and you risk a £50k fine
A GARDENING whizz has revealed which eight rules you might want to follow - or you could end up with a hefty fine.
Gardening seems like a relatively innocent and stress-free hobby - but according to one expert, there are laws to follow... unless you fancy forking out a fortune for a fine of up to £50,000.
From cutting overhanging branches to blocking sunlight, thousands of gardening enthusiasts could be breaking basic laws due to a lack of knowledge.
Offering a helping hand to all Britons who enjoy spending their leisure time in the backyard, a spokesperson for GardenBuildingDirect.com chatted to and revealed the list of must-follow rules.
“Most of us want to be good, law-abiding neighbours, but that can be difficult if we don't actually know what the law is,'' said the whizz.
''There may be times when it would be within your legal rights to do something, but it could cause tensions with your neighbour.
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''We'd always advise trying to come to a neighbourly solution first, as this is always preferable to having to call in the lawyers.
“If you brush up on the law as it stands, you may be able to avoid any sort of dispute altogether, which is always the ideal solution."
Trimming overhanging branches
When it comes to trimming overhanging branches, only cut them up to the property line.
According to the expert, you're not allowed to lean into your neighbour's garden to do this - as this can be considered as trespassing.
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Fruit trees and flowers
Although you can still cut branches that hang in your garden, the plants, flowers and fruits of the tree still belong to your neighbour.
“This means that any flowers and fruits on trimmings also belong to them.
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“Plus, they don’t just have to rely on your goodwill – they’re legally entitled to ask for them back.”
Also remember to not chuck them into your neighbour's garden, as this could be classed as garden waste fly tipping.
According to the professionals, you could receive a hefty fine -a maximum of £50,000 and/or a 12-month prison sentence.
Windfalls
Surely picking up an apple of the ground won't cause any trouble, right?
Well, that is not the case.
“Windfallen fruit technically still belongs to the person who owns the tree.
''So, if your neighbour's windfalls end up on your lawn, ask for permission if you want to keep them," GardenBuildingsDirect advised.
Fallen leaves
Unlike fruit, fallen leaves that end up in your garden are not the tree owner's problem - they're for you to tidy up.
The experts warned: “Don’t get into the trap of thinking that you can just chuck them back over the fence either.
''You’ll have to just add this to your list of gardening jobs.”
Tree blocking natural light
Under the Rights of Light Act, if a window has received natural light for two decades or more, neighbours are not allowed to block it with a new tree.
This may also have implications for tree growths that begin to infringe on your neighbour's light, so make sure to add pruning to the ever-growing list of gardening tasks.
Fences and boundaries
“Your house deeds should indicate who owns which fences and who’s responsible for boundaries,'' the expert explained.
“However, there’s no legal responsibility to keep boundaries well maintained.
''Unless, of course, your actual deeds outline that.
“The problem is, boundaries can move over time and cause disputes later.”
For a boundary dispute over a legal boundary, you may need to contact HM Land Registry for professional help.
Hedges
If you find that a hedge grows along the boundary between two gardens, both neighbours are responsible for trimming.
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“But if a hedge belonging to a neighbour grows into your garden, remember you can trim it but you’ll have to return the trimmings,'' the guru warned.
Trampolines and privacy
Trampolines too could cause legal issues - so make sure to place them somewhere where the kids can't peak into a neighbour's garden or property.
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