Britons are being warned they could be unknowingly breaking garden rules.
Thousands of British gardeners are at risk of becoming unwitting criminals due to a lack of knowledge of basic gardening laws, experts have claimed.
However, experts from Garden Buildings Direct have shared seven little-known gardening laws for Brits to brush up on.
This guide can help Brits understand what they should and shouldn’t do in their gardens with laws including overhanging branches, boundary disputes, blocked sunlight and wind-fallen fruit, among others.
A spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct said: “Many homeowners may be completely unaware of the laws and guidance protecting their outdoor space.
“Avoid neighbourly disagreements and breaking garden laws by brushing up on guidance. Many people will know to avoid planting invasive species, as doing so could actually be breaking the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
“Blocking a neighbour’s windows could also get you into trouble, depending on the circumstances. If a window has received natural light for 20 years or more, you aren’t allowed to block the light by planting a large tree.
“We have shared other laws surrounding garden building permissions, hedge boundaries and hedge trimmings.”
Garden buildings
If your garden building or summer house takes up more than 50 percent of the area of land around your home, exceeds 2.5 metres in height, or will be used as a self-contained living accommodation, it will not be considered a Permitted Development and will require planning permission.
Blocking light
Under the Rights of Light Act, if a window has received natural light for 20 years or more, neighbours can’t block it with a new tree.
Hedge boundaries
If a hedge in your garden grows along the boundary between you and your neighbour’s properties, you are both responsible for keeping it maintained and trimmed. If a neighbour’s hedge grows into your garden, you can trim it but must return the trimmings to the owner.
Trimming flowers and fruits
Although you are legally able to cut branches that hang into your garden up to your property line, they still belong to your neighbour. This means your neighbour is legally entitled to demand any trimmings you cut off the branches.
Removing protected trees
Carrying out any work or damaging protected trees without proper authorisation is an offence.
Important trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs). This restricts homeowners from being able to remove or prune them, even if they are in their own garden. Disturbing a tree protected by a TPO without proper permissions could lead to a fine of up to £20,000.
Planting anything invasive
Several non-native species are covered by legislation. Many of them, like Japanese Knotweed, will spread and can cause damage to properties.
It may even spread to neighbours’ gardens. Introducing invasive plants into your garden can be against the law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
