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Tall hedges or trees next door: light, maintenance and agreements

 

A tall hedge or tree may provide privacy while reducing light next door. How can you discuss both needs and find a realistic maintenance plan?

 

The question is not always whether a tree should be completely removed. Sometimes proper maintenance or another form helps. First describe where and when you notice disturbance, so that you can investigate a targeted solution together.

 

This guide applies to England.

 

 

What will change in your garden or home?

 

At a few fixed times, record which spot is in the shade. Name what you can do less well because of it: sitting on a terrace, using a room or maintaining a path. A single picture of a dark moment doesn’t tell the whole story of the day or the season.

 

Separate loss of light from overhanging branches, roots and safety concerns. Tell a tree professional exactly what worries you; assessing a potentially unstable branch differs from advising on shade.

 

 

What interests are at play on both sides?

 

Ask what your neighbour values about the planting and explain your own needs. Aim to reduce the problem without unnecessary damage to the trees or hedge.

 

The growth rate and tree species affect what maintenance can produce. A major one-time intervention is not always healthy or lastingly effective. Have a gardener or tree expert assess which form and maintenance cycle are appropriate.

 

 

How can you open the conversation?

 

A specific request

“The hedge has grown taller over the last few years, and our small patio is now mostly shaded in the afternoon. Could we ask a gardener about a suitable reduction that would keep your privacy?”

 

Agree a result and a timetable

Record who will obtain advice, what options will be considered and when you will discuss them. Do not start cutting simply because you think a particular height is reasonable.

 

 

What tools can help?

 

An overview of light and use

Compare photos from the same point and note times and season. Use them as an explanation of your experience. They are not independent legal evidence that the nuisance is unlawful.

 

A maintenance proposal

Ask for an appropriate pruning method, safe access and a recurring maintenance schedule. A specific plan is easier to follow than a vague promise to cut it back sometime.

 

Other ways to maintain privacy

Consider different seating positions or planting that could help both households. Check ownership and planning requirements before adding a screen. Do not create a new problem for another neighbour.

 

 

 

Which rules apply in England?

 

A council complaint about a high hedge may be possible after you have tried to resolve the problem informally. The route concerns a barrier of two or more mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs over two metres that adversely affects enjoyment of a home or garden. A single tall tree is outside this high-hedge procedure.

 

What if consultation gets stuck?

 

Keep a record of the effect and your attempts to agree a workable reduction. Ask the council for its complaint form, evidence requirements and fee.

 

Sources and review date

Guide reviewed on 7 November 2026.

 

GOV.UK — High-hedge complaints

 

A tall tree is not the same as a high hedge

The high-hedge complaint route has specific criteria. Two metres is not a universal maximum height for every tree or hedge. For branches over the boundary, see overhanging branches.

 

Keep the next step manageable

Use the free incident diary for a few representative observations, any agreement and improvements. If you need outside help, see Who can help. State what happened, what you have tried and what you are asking the recipient to do. You do not have to keep approaching the neighbour if contact feels unsafe.

 

Would you like to write to your neighbours?

 

On the situation page you can see the CalmNotes bundle, its contents and the other support options.