![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/13\/590x\/secondary\/gardening-law-fine-neighbour-dispute-4937792.jpg?r=1693557359211\")
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Understanding and being aware of the rules around gardens can not only improve your relationship with neighbours but avoid being landed with a fine of up to\u00a0\u00a320,000.\u00a0<\/p>\n
However, only in extreme cases are fines likely to be issued, and normally disputes with neighbours can be resolved with a friendly chat, but it\u2019s best for households to know their rights.\u00a0<\/p>\n
To help gardeners out, experts at Toolstation have put together a list of some of the garden laws people might not be aware of.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There are no specific laws in the UK that make it illegal for individuals to feed birds, and it is usually encouraged in order to keep wildlife happy and healthy. But some wildlife, such as rats, aren’t looked upon as kindly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, if bird feed isn’t stored properly, it can attract rats which may be a nuisance to neighbours.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> \u2018Fantastic\u2019 38p kitchen scrap to turn your hydrangea a \u2018gorgeous\u2019 blue colour<\/strong><\/p>\n If the situation turns particularly bad and rats become a problem, households could be issued with an \u201cabatement notice\u201d asking them to stop and fix the problem.\u00a0<\/p>\n If they don\u2019t stop feeding wildlife, they could get a maximum \u201cfine of \u00a35,000 or a Community Protection Notice\u201d. Although, it would have to get pretty bad to get to this point.<\/p>\n If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, \u201cneighbour disputes can arise\u201d over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, the good news is, if the tree is within your property boundary, it is ultimately your choice what you do with it.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n The experts warned that some trees may be protected by a \u201cTree Protection Order\u201d which makes it an \u201coffence to uproot, top or destroy them\u201d. The \u201cmaximum fine for breaking this law is \u00a320,000\u201d, so make sure to double-check.\u00a0<\/p>\n Disagreements about property lines and fences can cause tension between neighbours. It\u2019s recommended to check the deeds of a property which will determine the correct boundaries.\u00a0<\/p>\n The experts claimed: \u201cMost of the time, it\u2019s easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owner’s side.\u201d<\/p>\n The height of fences or hedges can also cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two-metre guidance.\u00a0<\/p>\n The gardening pros warned that hedges and fences should be \u201cno more than two metres high\u201d, and households could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height.\u00a0<\/p>\n Even though gardeners can trim branches that hang into their garden from neighbours’ trees, the plants, flowers, and fruits still belong to the neighbour. The experts said: \u201cTaking or cutting them without permission would be against the law, and your neighbour has the right to ask for them back.\u201d<\/p>\n However, it\u2019s unlikely a neighbour will have an issue – but gardeners should always check first.\u00a0<\/p>\n Also, avoid tossing any trimmings into a neighbour’s garden, as this could be considered \u201cgarden waste fly tipping\u201d.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/13\/590x\/secondary\/feeding-birds-rats-4937808.jpg?r=1693557359296\")
<\/p>\n2. Tree removal and pruning<\/h3>\n
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60p item to \u2018effectively kill\u2019 white spots on driveways and \u2018prevent regrowth\u2019[TIPS] <\/strong>
\u2018Only\u2019 solution for ivy plants to \u2018permanently die and never return\u2019 in gardens[COMMENT] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/13\/590x\/secondary\/tree-removal-pruning-4937810.jpg?r=1693557359339\")
<\/p>\n3. Property boundaries and fences\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n4. Trimming fruit trees and flowers<\/h3>\n