High hedge disputes

Your neighbour must cut back their high hedge if it meets a legal definition and it affects your enjoyment of your home.

You can apply for a high hedge notice to get your local council to enforce this.

You must try to resolve the issue yourself first by talking to your neighbour. The council can:

explain what you need to do before you apply
give you advice on what evidence you will need
help you arrange mediation

High hedge definition

A high hedge is a row of 2 or more trees or shrubs, that is over 2 metres high and blocks light.

This does not include:

over-hanging branches and roots
single trees or trees that do not form a hedge
hedges with gaps that let through a reasonable amount of light

You may be able to deal with overhanging branches and roots yourself if your neighbour will not trim them back. Check rules about boundaries and overhanging branches.

Resolve the issue with your neighbour

Try talking to your neighbour about the problem first.

Do not talk to them on your own if you're worried about your safety.

If you’re worried about approaching them, write a letter, explaining the problem clearly and sticking to the facts. Keep a copy so you have a record of what you said.

Mediation

If this does not work, you could explore mediation. Mediation is when an independent expert helps you decide what to do about your problem.

If your neighbour rents their home

Speak to your neighbour's landlord if they rent their home.

Find a private landlord’s contact address by searching the Scottish Landlord Register.

Gathering evidence

You can take photographs that show the height of the hedge or trees. These should show the effect on your property and how it is causing a loss of light.

This can help if you need evidence for mediation or the council.

If you take photos, you must respect other people’s privacy. Do not include people in the photos.

Applying for a high hedge notice

Contact the local council to apply for a high hedge notice.

When you apply, the council will give you contact details for the person dealing with the case.

High hedge notice

Paying a fee

You pay a fee when you apply. This is usually hundreds of pounds.

Check with the local council if you qualify not to pay, or to pay a reduced fee.

What the council can do

Someone from the council will visit to assess the high hedge.

They’ll consider:

the amount of light you're losing
the high hedge owner's right to privacy
the effect of the high hedge on the area’s appearance

If they decide a high hedge should be cut back, the council will issue a high hedge notice.

If a high hedge notice is issued

The owner of the hedge will have at least 28 days to do what the high hedge notice says.

If they do not, the council can do the work themselves. The council must give the high hedge owner 14 days' notice before doing this.

Appealing a high hedge decision

Either you or your neighbour can appeal the council's decision. Check how to appeal a high hedge decision.

You must appeal within 28 days of the council's decision.

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