Complain about a high hedge
Complain about a high hedge
Trees and hedges, in particular Leylandii, can easily get out of control if left unmanaged. If you're being negatively impacted by a high hedge on neighbouring land, you should first try to discuss the issue amicably with your neighbour.
If you are unable to resolve the problem, then you can make a complaint to us under anti-social behaviour laws.
What is a high hedge
To be classed as a "high hedge", the hedge must be:
- a line of at least two trees
- more than two metres in height
- mainly evergreen or semi evergreen
- affecting the reasonable enjoyment of your property.
Before you make a complaint
It's always better to try to resolve the dispute amicably with your neighbour. This will avoid lengthy and costly intervention by us. For more advice on settling disputes, visit the Government website.
If you are unable to reach an agreement, you can make an official complaint to us.
Make a complaint
Read the letter and guidance notes, then fill out the complaint form and return to us:
How we deal with your complaint
Assessment
We will assess whether the case qualifies. If it does, the hedge owner will receive a copy of the complaint and can provide comments. Parties will be given copies of all correspondence to ensure the process is transparent.
Inspection
An officer will inspect the hedge, measure its height, and gather any other details We will decide if the hedge adversely affects you and what action, if any, is needed.
Decision
If action is required, we will issue a remedial notice to the hedge owner. This notice may require reducing the hedge height and maintaining it at the height over the long term.
Cost
It costs £607 to make a high hedge complaint.
We make this charge because:
- it encourages people to try to settle disputes amicably
- it ensures complaints are genuine.
Appeals
If you are unhappy with our decision, you can appeal within 28 days. The hedge owner can also appeal. During the appeal process the remedial notice will usually be suspended.
Enforcement
If the hedge owner fails to comply with the remedial notice:
- they could be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000, or
- we will take direct action to resolve the issue and recover costs from the hedge owner.
More information
Contact us
- Email: ecp@dacorum.gov.uk
- Telephone: 01442 228000 and ask for "Environmental and Community Protection".
Page Last Updated: Monday, 31 March 2025 at 11:01 PM