Collaborative Post

Having hedges in your garden can help to maximise the amount of greenery present, and even help to cover up unsightly walls or fencing. That being said, you, as the homeowner or tenant, may have a number of responsibilities when hedges are present. Understanding these, and doing your utmost to follow the rules, could allow you to keep your garden in good condition while improving and maintaining your relationships with both your neighbours and the environment. Just make sure you equip yourself with the right tools, such as a robust hedge trimmer and a sturdy ladder.

Do your research

Rather than buying the first type of hedging you come across, you may want to look into the different types available. For those who want a fairly hardy plant that can manage in most conditions, you may want to consider finding the perfect Laurel hedges online that can then be planted within your garden. While these can grow quite quickly, making them ideal for those who want luscious, bushy coverage in as little time as possible, both the leaves and berries can be poisonous to adults, children, and animals. Taking in all of that knowledge, and figuring out who or what will be using your garden, can help you to figure out if Laurel is right for your needs.

Take responsibility for trimming

You may need to frequently trim the hedges to keep them in line and allow them to grow stronger than before. This can stop them from growing too large, or becoming unmanageable. At the same time, you may also have an obligation to do so. Should your hedges start to take over public land, either by overhanging or growing out too far to obstruct footpaths, members of the public may, understandably, report this to the local council. This could see you ordered to trim or remove the hedge, or even face a fine. Cutting back your hedges on a regular basis, particularly during spring and summer, could help to prevent you from getting into trouble. You may also find it much easier to tackle your hedge when it is done frequently.

Think about nature

While trimming the hedge can be important, there may be times when it is not wise to do so. Excessive cutting during the colder weather may not be good for the hedge’s health. Likewise, caution could be a good idea during spring. Should you notice that birds are nesting within your hedge, it can be a good idea to leave it, or at least that section, well alone. This is because, according to Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, it may be deemed an offence to knowingly disrupt or destroy a nest. You may want to take pictures of this as proof in case you are questioned on failure to maintain that section.

Buying and looking after your hedges can be more of a responsibility than you may have first thought. However, in doing so, you may be able to create a stylish garden that is loved by your family and nature alike.