Should I ask my neighbours their opinion before I cut the hedge down in my garden?

C

Coco

New member
I live in a terraced 1st floor flat so all of our gardens kinda join with just a path seperating them. The guy downstairs has already shouted at me about something else which was nasty and he seems to think my garden is his garden (which it definately is not - i have checked) and has put his own table and chairs in it!! Anyways the hedge does give him alot of privacy in his front room from the alley way it hides - but really that is what curtains are for. Anyways I want to get the very large hedge taken out and I want to replace it with a lavender hedge instead as I love lavender and want to have a pretty garden and nothing will grow where the hedge currently is. The neighbouring gardens on each side have hedges too though so it mght look odd, but that is their gardens and they can do what they like. Should I ask what they think? I don't want any confrontation about it and to be honest I want it done either way. I am just scared of the reaction as I know there will be one. I do like the neighbour on the other side and would not want to upset her in any way, but still feel its my garden and should be able to do whatever (within reason).

Plus from a security point of view - live in not the best (but by no means the worst) area and often don't get in from work until 10pm sometimes even after 12am and I don't like that when it is dark I am walking into a garden that I cannot see, anyone could be in there (I have had to call the police before when people have been up to no good there and have seen from the window) so having a lower hedge would be safer for me.
its not between us. Its facing onto the pavement. My flat is on top of his.
 
You need to check with a solicitor before you do anything.

May be a shared hedge, so check very carefully before you cut it/remove it.

Why not check first who owns the boundary hedge, and then (if you know YOU do) write them a polite, nice letter explaining your reasons for removing it and your intention of replacing it with a lavender hedge. Offer them the option of putting a fence up on their side of the boundary. Ask them if they have any objection to this and if so, to let you have their reasons in writing within 7 days.

If your neighbour objects, but has no reason in law (see your solicitor) then as long as you know you are in the right, get your solicitor to write a letter advising your neighbour of your intention to go ahead despite his objections (will cost you about £20.00) and then just do it.

Although, from what you say, I'd be building a 6' high fence between you to keep him out; are you sure you just want a low lavender hedge between you?
 
As long as its definitely your part of the garden do what you want! A lavender hedge sounds lovely and having a lower hedge has its pros and cons. Yes you can see more in the dark but a higher one supposedly should make it more difficult for intruders.
 
if it your garden then you can do what you want with it within reason. it seems the guy downstairs from you is trying to be intimidating anyway by putting his table etc in your garden so wouldn'tn't worry what he has to say about it. if there is any trouble from him phone the police. get it in black and white off your landlord that the garden is yours then he hasnt a leg to stand on.
 
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