What Is The Law On Trimming Hedges?

Hedgerows With Overhanging Branches

Hedgerow disputes, like noise complaints & parking feuds, can cause tension you and your neighbours. Since the hedge may serve as a boundary between your property and that of your neighbor's, apportioning blame for damages may be difficult. Visit your neighbor's house for a talk to avoid any disagreements when working together. In a more relaxed setting, you may talk about your goals and possibly head off any arguments over the hedge. If you need to specify the exact location of your property line, bring the paperwork for the land in question.

However, there may be instances where deed does not clearly define property lines. You & your neighbour should create an informal border arrangement rather than taking up arms over unoccupied territory. It is possible to learn more about the required protocol.

Now that the boundary lines have been negotiated and set, you may use your cordless beard trimmer to remove any overhanging foliage or encroaching roots. However, if you trim your hedges too aggressively and accidently damage your neighbor's property, they may sue you for damages.

A Tree Preservation Notice may prohibit you from cutting down certain tree limbs, so proceed with caution. That means you can't chop it down, pull it out of the ground, or even trim it without first getting the OK from the local government.

Wildlife Conservation

In addition to figuring out how to get along with your neighbours, you should make sure your manicuring won't scare away any local wildlife. Check for indications of life while turning up your hedge trimmer; mice, hedgehogs, and newts are all frequent visitors to your garden's shrubbery. Similarly, it is illegal to destroy or damage a bird's nest, whether or not the eggs have been laid.

Keep a close eye out your hedges for a few days to see if any feathered tenants have moved into your garden. The presence of a nest can be deduced from the presence of the same kind of bird in the area. However, if you have any remaining questions concerning hedge law, it is best to consult an attorney. They will patiently explain everything in detail.

Hedge trimming is prohibited from the beginning of March until the end of July, which is bird breeding season. Hedge trimming is best put off until the weather warms up unless there are urgent safety concerns.

Avoiding cutting during the first two months of the calendar year is preferable as well, as this is when birds and other species stock up on berries and nuts in preparation for winter.

It is a crime, as stated in the Hedgerow Regulations of 1997, to cut down or otherwise disturb a hedgerow without first obtaining the required permits.

Highway Security

Hedge maintenance along a highway is the responsibility of landowners and occupants whose properties border the highway. If a hedge is not properly maintained and is obstructing traffic on a roadway, a formal warning may be issued by the local government.

The Highways Act makes it clear that landowners were responsible for the safety of their property's trees and must prune them so that they do not obstruct traffic on public roads. It is the landowner's responsibility to remove any trees or branches that fall onto the highway, and they may be held liable if their negligence leads to an accident.

A Reminder Of When It Is Permissible To Cut Hedges.

To protect nesting birds, DAEDRA prohibits any work on hedges, trees, or shrubs during March 1 through August 31 (this includes pruning and laying). This means that as of February 28th, no more work of any kind should have been done in the areas of hedge trimming, hedge laying, or coppicing. To protect birds, their nests, and their young, do as such.

According to the Wildlife (NI) Order 1985, as amended, this behaviour may constitute a crime.

In the words of the law: "If you own or lease land close to a public road or pedestrian crossing, you are obligated to keep hedges & trees to ensuring that they do not restrict the movement of pedestrians and vehicles or impede the view of drivers.

The visibility of traffic signs should not be compromised, nor should the ease or safety of drivers be compromised. If this happens, you can ask the PSNI or the Department for Infrastructure, Roads to cut back the overgrown bushes. Your duties are spelt out in detail below.

Hedge trimming around roadways is recommended in most circumstances during the month of February. Cross-compliance violations, including the cutting of any hedge between March 1 and August 31, might result in fines unless the activity is necessary for the safety of car drivers. Hedges should not be trimmed during the closed time if they do not restrict access or visibility.

Cut during the restricted period only if you have a good reason and can prove it to the authorities.

Guidelines for Maintaining a Risk-Free Work Environment While Repairing or Replacing Public Roads and Streets.

A thorough search for nest birds and their young is also required, as is the marking and subsequent avoidance of any potential nesting locations.

"Only trim the road-facing side of the hedge, and only as much as is necessary to ensure free passage of vehicles and pedestrians; do not trim the 'field' side of the hedge at all.

It is recommended that the tops of hedges be trimmed only at intersections and corners where they block sightlines. Keep in mind that hedge cuttings left on roadways and sidewalks pose a hazard both pedestrians and drivers.

Hedges - Regulations and Rules

Law and cross-compliance—countryside Managing Specialist the policies surrounding Hedges are beginning to reflect the enormous significance of hedges on Irish farms to biodiversity, carbon, and landscape.

Hedgerows in Ireland's farms are rapidly being recognised for the enormous value they add to the country's biodiversity, carbon, and scenery through legislation and cross-compliance. In light of this, how do you interpret it? If you plan to use the Nitrates Derogation, you must meet the most recent criteria.

However, all farmers should be aware of the requirements that apply to cutting and removing hedges. There are two distinct factors to think about if you are contemplating removing hedges: Agriculture Environmental Impact Assessment Cross Compliance Regulations 2011.

Management Of Hedges On Derogation Farms

First-time farmers taking advantage of a Nitrates Derogation on Derogation Farms have committed to implementing a Biodiversity Option in 2020. Regarding hedge maintenance, farmers must choose between two approaches, one of which involves hedge cutting. There could be untrimmed hedges on farms, and that's fine so long as they don't get in the way of the crops.

If you decide for a hedge, the first step is to keep at least 1 thorn tree for every 300 feet. Whitethorns and blackthorns, both common in agricultural hedges across Ireland, are examples. It can be a thorn tree that has already grown to maturity, though such trees are unusual in topped hedges, where other trees like ash are typically kept. In the alternative, a young thorn tree can be saved from the existing hedge. Leave a cluster the first year, and then thin it to a single stem the next.

There are numerous advantages to thorn trees. Around the time the first cut silage is being made, the blooming Maybush is a welcome sight. Flowers attract pollinators like bees, while the fruit, or haws, are a source of nutrition for avian species.

Small trees with in hedge provide one perching post for birds like blackbirds, thrush, and robins, who nest in the hedge's body and use the trees to sing and defend their territory. The top of such a flat hedge is not a comfortable perch for birds.

In spite of the fact that one thorn tree every 300 metres may seem little, allowing for its continued growth in subsequent years ensures a greater variety in tree height and structure.

In 'escaped' or'relict' hedges or tree lines, that are not topped and contain multiple thorn trees with a complete canopy supplying flowers and fruit, option 1 gets automatically reached. With Choice 1, you can cut your hedges as often as once a year.

The other choice is to trim hedges on such a three-year cycle, with one-third of the hedges being cut each year for maximum environmental benefit. All hedges should be trimmed by a third in 2020, a second third in 2021, and a final third in 2022.

Top Suggestions

Inspect the health of trees along highways and along footpaths, bridleways, and other public routes on a regular basis. A landowner's compliance with their duties under Highways Act can be aided by marking trees with identifying discs and maintaining records of plant condition surveys.

Prioritizing worker safety is of utmost importance when cutting or pruning a hedge along a roadway. It's best to work when there's plenty of light and to stay away from machines that spew hedge trimmings onto traffic lanes.

In the event of an accident resulting from the operator's negligence or carelessness, both the operator and the landowner or occupier may be held accountable.

If you want to plant trees along a highway, you should give some thought to where you put them in order to reduce the likelihood of accidents and the frequency with which you'll need to inspect and fix them.

Conclusion

Hedgerows are protected by Section 40 of the Wildlife Act of 1976 and Article 45 of the 2000 Act. It is an offence for anyone to cut, grub, burn, or otherwise harm hedgerows on uncultivated property between 1 March and 31 August. Hedge trimming and other maintenance can usually be scheduled and completed outside this period. Hedge upkeep is a common cause of friction between neighbours, whether because of the hedge's size, height, or who actually owns it. A 'high hedge' is defined in the law as a line of two or so more trees or bushes that is at least 2 metres in height.

The regulations regarding hedges taller than 2 metres are outlined in the following section. If your hedge is taller than two metres, you may be in violation of the Anti-Social Behavior Act of 2003. At a party's request, the local council can step in to mediate a disagreement. If a neighbor's window has had access to natural light for at least twenty years, it cannot be blocked by overgrown hedges. If you trim your hedges too aggressively and accidently damage your neighbor's property, they may sue you for damages.

A Tree Preservation Notice may prohibit you from cutting down certain tree limbs. It is illegal to destroy or damage a bird's nest, whether or not the eggs have been laid. Hedge trimming is best put off until the weather warms up unless there are urgent safety concerns. Avoiding cutting during the first two months of the year is preferable as this is when birds and other species stock up on berries and nuts. It is a crime, as stated in the Hedgerow Regulations of 1997, to cut down or otherwise disturb a hedgerow without first obtaining the required permits.

Hedges in Ireland's farms are rapidly being recognised for the enormous value they add to the country's biodiversity, carbon, and scenery. Farmers must choose between two approaches, one of which involves hedge cutting. There could be untrimmed hedges on farms, and that's fine so long as they don't get in the way of crops. There are numerous advantages to thorn trees. Flowers attract pollinators like bees, while the fruit, or haws, are a source of nutrition for avian species.

In 'escaped' or'relict' hedges or tree lines, that are not topped and contain multiple thorn trees, option 1 gets automatically reached. With Choice 1, you can cut your hedges as often as once a year. The other choice is to trim hedges on such a three-year cycle, with one-third of the hedges being cut each year for maximum environmental benefit. Prioritizing worker safety is of utmost importance when cutting or pruning a hedge along a roadway.

Content Summary :

• As a general rule, you should ask your neighbours for permission to cut the hedge before you do so.
• To cut the hedge across your property, your neighbour should knock on your door and ask for permission.
• Read up on the laws pertaining to hedge trimming and upkeep before you get out the Husqvarna hedge trimmer.
• To some extent, you are responsible for the upkeep of your hedge due to laws governing the height of hedges and the frequency with which they must be trimmed.
• This summary of applicable laws pertaining to hedge trimming will not only help you get the most out of your Husqvarna hedge trimmer, but it will also serve as a valuable resource in the event that a dispute arises to both you and your neighbours regarding the upkeep of hedges on your land.
• Hedge trimming and other maintenance should be scheduled for when this window is not in effect.
• Hedge trimming and other maintenance can usually be scheduled and completed outside of this time.
• Normal agricultural and forestry practices allow for the destruction of vegetation and are not considered criminal acts.
• In addition, it shall not even be unlawful to remove or damage vegetation in the course of legally required site preparation or clearance.
• The Minister has a policy of prosecuting violations of Section 40 of Wildlife Acts of 1976 and 2000, and successful charges have been initiated under this article in recent years.
• Members of the public who see the destruction of hedgerows during the restricted time period are urged to call their local wildlife ranger.
• Hedge Trimming Is Your Responsibility.
• Hedge upkeep is a common cause of friction between neighbours, whether because of the hedge's size, height, or who actually owns it.
• The regulations pertaining to hedges, however, do help to define who is accountable for maintaining hedges on residential properties.
• In reality, both neighbours are responsible for maintaining a boundary hedge between their properties, albeit who technically owns the hedge depends on where it is located in relation to the delineated property borders.
• Manually or with a petrol and battery hedge trimmer, you may cut back each and every branch or root systems that extend onto your property from the boundary line.
• The hedge's owner has a responsibility to keep it in check so that it doesn't overtake their land or their neighbor's.
• The regulations regarding hedges taller than 2 metres are outlined in the following section.
• The number of neighbour problems caused by overly tall hedges prompted the government to pass high hedge regulations in 2005 as part of Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003: Part 8.
• A 'high hedge' is defined in the law as a line of two or so more trees or bushes that is at least 2 metres (about 6 feet and 3 inches) in height and is composed entirely or primarily of evergreens or semi-evergreens.
• This is significant because it is deemed anti-social behaviour whenever a high hedge is so thick that it interferes with the pleasure of a home or garden by blocking light, obscuring a view, or being overpowering.
• The offended neighbour can settle the dispute on their own, without hiring a lawyer, according to the high hedge legislation, and if any further action is required, the local government can step in.
• We advise contacting your city's council if you have questions concerning any aspect of hedge legislation.
• Even hedges that really are clearly on your property might become a source of conflict if they are located too close to your boundary and cause visual obstructions or noise pollution for your neighbours.
• This has more direct relevance to the elevation of your hedges.
• If the hedgerow is too high and prevents your neighbour from seeing out of their window, for instance, you may be in violation of local ordinances.
• If so, how high is too high?
• If your hedge is taller than two metres, you may be in violation of the Anti-Social Behavior Act of 2003.
• At a party's request, the local council can step in to mediate a disagreement under the same statutes that authorise it.
• You'll want a hedge trimmer with a long shaft so you can get to those out of reach branches without calling the city.
• In comes the HT50 Hedge Trimmer.
• You can effortlessly maintain out-of-reach bushes with the help of this cordless hedge trimmer's lightweight design (up to 10ft tall).
• TOP TIP: If a neighbor's window has had access to natural light for at least twenty years, it cannot be blocked by new construction or overgrown hedges, regardless of the neighbor's height.
• Before you get out the hedge clippers, you might want to think about the "hedge laws."
• Overzealous gardening might get you in trouble with the law, whether because of the regulations surrounding animal habitats or because of problems with neighbours.
• Our simple reference to all the hedges pruning rules that should be observed is provided below to help you successfully negotiate the legal terrain.
• Hedgerow disputes, like noise complaints & parking feuds, can cause tension between you and your neighbours.
• Since the hedge may serve as a boundary between your property and that of your neighbor's, apportioning blame for damages may be difficult.
• Visit your neighbor's house for a talk to avoid any disagreements when working together.
• It is possible to learn more about the required protocol.
• Now that the boundary lines have been negotiated and set, you may use your cordless beard trimmer to remove any overhanging foliage or encroaching roots.
• However, if you trim your hedges too aggressively and accidently damage your neighbor's property, they may sue you for damages.
• Notice may prohibit you from cutting down certain tree limbs, so proceed with caution.
• In addition to figuring out how to get along with your neighbours, you should make sure your manicuring won't scare away any local wildlife.
• Similarly, it is illegal to destroy or damage a bird's nest, whether or not the eggs have been laid.
• Keep a close eye out your hedges for a few days to see if any feathered tenants have moved into your garden.
• Hedge trimming is prohibited from the beginning of March until the end of July, which is bird breeding season.
• Hedge trimming is best put off until the weather warms up unless there are urgent safety concerns.
• It is a crime, as stated in the Hedgerow Regulations of 1997, to cut down or otherwise disturb a hedgerow without first obtaining the required permits.
• Hedge maintenance along a highway is the responsibility of landowners and occupants whose properties border the highway.
• If a hedge is not properly maintained and is obstructing traffic on a roadway, a formal warning may be issued by the local government.
• The Highways Act makes it clear that landowners were responsible for the safety of their property's trees and must prune them so that they do not obstruct traffic on public roads.
• A Reminder Of When It Is Permissible To Cut Hedges.
• To protect nesting birds, DAEDRA prohibits any work on hedges, trees, or shrubs during March 1 through August 31 (this includes pruning and laying).
• This means that as of February 28th, no more work of any kind should have been done in the areas of hedge trimming, hedge laying, or coppicing.
• To protect birds, their nests, and their young, do as such.
• If this happens, you can ask the PSNI or the Department for Infrastructure, Roads to cut back the overgrown bushes.
• Hedge trimming around roadways is recommended in most circumstances during the month of February.
• Cross-compliance violations, including the cutting of any hedge between March 1 and August 31, might result in fines unless the activity is necessary for the safety of car drivers.
• Hedges should not be trimmed during the closed time if they do not restrict access or visibility.
• Cut during the restricted period only if you have a good reason and can prove it to the authorities.
• "Only trim the road-facing side of the hedge, and only as much as is necessary to ensure free passage of vehicles and pedestrians; do not trim the 'field' side of the hedge at all.
• It is recommended that the tops of hedges be trimmed only at intersections and corners where they block sightlines.
• Keep in mind that hedge cuttings left on roadways and sidewalks pose a hazard to both pedestrians and drivers.
• Hedges - Regulations and Rules Law and cross-compliance—countryside Managing Specialist the policies surrounding Hedges are beginning to reflect the enormous significance of hedges on Irish farms to biodiversity, carbon, and landscape.
• Hedgerows in Ireland's farms are rapidly being recognised for the enormous value they add to the country's biodiversity, carbon, and scenery through legislation and cross-compliance.
• In light of this, how do you interpret it?
• If you plan to use the Nitrates Derogation, you must meet the most recent criteria.
• However, all farmers should be aware of the requirements that apply to cutting and removing hedges.
• Regarding hedge maintenance, farmers must choose between two approaches, one of which involves hedge cutting.
• There could be untrimmed hedges on farms, and that's fine so long as they don't get in the way of the crops.
• If you decide for a hedge, the first step is to keep at least 1 thorn tree for every 300 feet.
• In the alternative, a young thorn tree can be saved from the existing hedge.
• There are numerous advantages to thorn trees.
• The top of such a flat hedge is not a comfortable perch for birds.
• In spite of the fact that one thorn tree every 300 metres may seem little, allowing for its continued growth in subsequent years ensures a greater variety in tree height and structure.
• In 'escaped' or relict' hedges or tree lines that are not topped and contain multiple thorn trees with a complete canopy supplying flowers and fruit, option 1 gets automatically reached.
• With Choice 1, you can cut your hedges as often as once a year.
• The other choice is to trim hedges on such a three-year cycle, with one-third of the hedges being cut each year for maximum environmental benefit.
• All hedges should be trimmed by a third in 2020, a second third in 2021, and a final third in 2022.Top Suggestions Inspect the health of trees along highways and along footpaths, bridleways, and other public routes on a regular basis.
• Prioritizing worker safety is of utmost importance when cutting or pruning a hedge along a roadway.
• If you want to plant trees along a highway, you should give some thought to where you put them in order to reduce the likelihood of accidents and the frequency with which you'll need to inspect and fix them.