Garden-related neighbour disputes have increased by 13% in the last year, according to new Freedom of Information data. The rise in complaints involving hedges, overgrown gardens and neglected outdoor spaces has prompted garden and outdoor living specialists Vonhaus to offer advice on avoiding potential conflicts.
Complaints on the rise
Vonhaus conducted research showing that nine councils in England provide comparable annual data, recording 521 garden-related complaints in 2024, rising to 591 the following year. Bristol alone recorded 425 complaints between January 2024 and April 2026, with 424 involving overgrown and neglected gardens.
Overgrown gardens are the leading cause of neighbour disputes, often starting as an untidy hedge and escalating into disagreements about property rights and ownership.
Key trigger points to avoid
Poorly maintained garden borders, especially those dividing homes, are the main area to watch. This includes keeping hedges at a suitable height to avoid blocking sunlight, trimming shrubs or climbers that push through fences, and cutting back tree branches that overhang into neighbouring gardens.
Plants such as brambles, ivy or bamboo can spread across boundary lines and should be monitored to prevent invading someone else's space.
Expert advice on maintenance
Laura Bradbury, Head of Ecommerce at Vonhaus, says: "Gardens are there to be enjoyed, and a little regular maintenance can help keep them pleasant for both homeowners and their neighbours."
She adds: "Trimming hedges little and often, cutting back plants before they spread across boundaries and clearing away garden waste as you work can prevent overgrowth from becoming a much bigger job later. It can also help hedges stay neat and healthy without needing a severe cutback."
Bradbury also recommends: "If a hedge sits along a shared boundary, it is always helpful to have a quick conversation before carrying out any work. Agreeing a suitable height and when it will be trimmed makes ongoing maintenance much easier and helps keep things positive between neighbours."
What to do if plants encroach
Property owners under UK common law typically have the right to cut back any plants that cross into their land, but only up to the boundary line. Cutting beyond that line without permission could be trespassing. Any cuttings technically belong to the plant owner and should be offered back, even if declined. You must not enter a neighbour's garden to carry out trimming without permission.
As for trees, they are often protected by local planning regulations, so it is essential to find out the necessary information before causing any damage.
