With spring officially upon us and warmer days ahead of us, millions of green fingered Brits will be taking to their gardens to do a spot of gardening. With over 42% of Brits enjoying gardening, it is no doubt that it is a popular hobby. But many won’t realise that some common garden improvements could lead to you being slapped with a hefty fine.
With an estimated 42 million people in the UK enjoying gardening as a hobby it could be easy to land yourself in hot water by not adhering to rules and regulations. Gardening experts at Yell are now warning people of three little known activities that could lead to you being issued with a staggering fine.
It can be extremely annoying if your neighbour’s tree starts to overhang into your garden and block light. You have the right to trim branches that cross your property line, but only up to the boundary. If there are overhanging branches on your side of the fence or wall, you can cut them back but you should let the neighbour know and return the branches that you’ve cut off.
Certain trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) to maintain their environmental and aesthetic value. This means that some trees in the UK are protected and you need permission to work on them, including cutting them down or removing them completely. Before undertaking any work, such as cutting down, or topping, it’s worth checking if they are protected with a TPO.
Each month, approximately 1,900 Brits search for the term “tree preservation order.” Unauthorised work on a protected tree can lead to fines of up to a whopping £20,000. In severe cases, unlimited fines can be granted.
Chris Bonnett, an expert from Gardening Express, says: “Tree Preservation Orders can be a headache to navigate and if you cause damage, even unknowingly, you can be hit with a big fine and a criminal record. If you want to carry out work then you will need permission from the local authority who may impose conditions and limit the work that can be carried out.”
While hedges are are excellent for providing privacy and enhancing the beauty of your garden you need to be careful that it does not exceed two metres in height and obstructs your neighbours’ light or view, according to the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. If the hedge is deemed a nuisance, you will be required to trim it. Non-compliance with this can lead to fines of up to £1,000.
Bonfires are one of the most popular additions to a garden that can help keep you toasty when you’re outside on a frosty winter’s evening or in the warm summer months but they must not cause a nuisance to your neighbours. But there are strict guidelines in place about garden firepits thanks to rules and regulations regarding smoke release.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 addresses issues related to smoke nuisance. Regular bonfires or those producing excessive smoke can be considered a statutory nuisance. If complaints are made and an abatement notice is issued, failing to comply can result in fines of up to £5,000 for domestic properties and £20,000 for business premises.
Garden design expert Sam Stevens from Pergolux UK said: “Before lighting a fire in your garden, always check local regulations regarding smoke and wildlife and be mindful of your neighbours. If the smoke from your firepit is interfering with your neighbours, they have the right to report you to the local council; this could potentially lead to fines of up to £5,000.”
