Trees and hedges guidance

If you feel that you are being negatively affected by a high hedge on neighbouring land, you are encouraged in the first instance to work with your neighbours to resolve the issue.

As a last resort, you may be able to make a complaint to us under the 'High Hedges' legislation.

To be classed as a 'high hedge', the hedge must be:

• a line of at least 2 trees
• over 2 metres in height
• mainly evergreen or semi evergreen
• affecting the reasonable enjoyment of your property

For your complaint to be accepted you will need to demonstrate that you have made every reasonable attempt to resolve the dispute before involving us. Failure to do so will result in your application being returned to you.

Some hedge complaints will be more complicated. The fee for these may be higher, depending on the circumstances of the case. Before making a complaint, we suggest that you contact your local area team for more information.

The standard fees for investigation of high hedge complaints is £851.

For further information see the high hedges page on GOV.UK

Before submitting a complaint to the us, try and resolve the issue with the parties involved. See the Government's website for some useful information on how to do this.

If you're not successful, you may find that mediation can help. Mediation Buckinghamshire is the independent mediation service for Bucks residents to improve relationships between people who come into regular contact with each other, such as neighbours, work colleagues and family members.

If you have been unsuccessful in resolving the situation, fill in the high hedge complaint form.

If your application is successful and a remedial notice is served upon the hedge owner, then they will be liable for the cost of any works.

We'll return your fee and reject your complaint if you:

• cannot supply evidence that you have discussed the issue with the hedge owner
• have not attempted to resolve the matter through mediation