Trees

  • You are responsible for the routine maintenance of any trees in your garden. If they need cutting back to allow more light in to your home, or to improve your view, you’ll need to ask our permission and then carry out the works yourself or get a quote from a reputable contractor. You need to make sure that the trees aren’t legally protected with a preservation order – your local council will be able to advise, and if they are, they’ll tell you how to apply for permission.
  • You have the common law right to prune back branches that overhang your garden from other properties, but you can’t throw the cuttings back. It’s always best to discuss with your neighbours first.

Hedges

  • Depending on the type of hedge, it might need trimming several times each year. Leylandii hedges might need cutting two or three times a year to keep them in check; native hedges like beech or hawthorn might only need cutting once. You’ll need to cut back to keep pavements and paths clear – if your hedge blocks a highway path or road, the Council might serve a notice requiring you to cut it back.
  • Take care not to disturb nesting birds – it’s illegal to disturb an active nest. Nesting season is usually between March and September.

Grass

  • Little and often is the best way – it makes it easier to cut and keeps the grass greener! Also, you might not have to collect the cuttings especially if you use a mulching mower. It’s good to garden for wildlife, but the garden needs to be tidy, even if some grass areas are left a bit longer. 

Planting beds

  • You should keep these free of weeds where you can – allowing plants to grow together and cover the soil reduces the amount of weeding you have to do. Where the front garden is planted you’ll need to keep this tidy. If you’d like to remove planting or grass, you’ll need to ask our permission first.
  • Please avoid planting bamboo as it can spread aggressively, potentially causing issues for neighbouring gardens. 

Fencing

  • Damaged fencing should be reported to our Contact Centre – they will be able to tell you if it’s our responsibility or yours.

Litter and waste

  • You need to keep your garden area tidy and free from waste or large amounts of stored items.  If you are really struggling, please contact your Housing Officer.

Making changes

  • If you want to make changes to your garden like laying patios, creating parking or removing trees, planting or hedges, you’ll need to get permission – speak to your Housing Officer first.