Guide · High hedges

Two metres of evergreen,
zero afternoon sun.

There is, genuinely, a law about tall hedges. If an evergreen hedge over two metres is robbing your rooms or garden of light, the council can order it cut down to size, but only after you've tried properly with the neighbour first. That attempt, in writing, is exactly what we help you do.

1.What the law covers

It's specific: a barrier of evergreens, over two metres, blocking reasonable enjoyment of your home or garden:

Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 · s.66 · High hedges
"rises to a height of more than two metres above ground level. (2)For the purposes of subsection (1) a line of evergreens is not to be regarded as forming a barrier to light or access if the existence of gaps significantly affects its overall effect as such a barrier at heights of more than two metre"…
In plain English: This law defines what counts as a 'high hedge' that can be subject to a formal complaint. It specifically refers to a line of two or more evergreen trees or shrubs that are taller than two metres and block light or access.
§ Read the full text on legislation.gov.uk →
Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 · s.65 · Complaints to which this Part applies
"This Part applies to a complaint which— (a)is made for the purposes of this Part by an owner or occupier of a domestic property;"…
In plain English: This law allows you to complain to your local council if a neighbour's tall hedge is negatively affecting your ability to enjoy your home. It specifically covers the height of the hedge, but it does not cover problems caused by the hedge's roots.
§ Read the full text on legislation.gov.uk →

2.The council's power, and the price of skipping steps

If the council upholds a complaint it can issue a remedial notice requiring the hedge reduced, with criminal consequences for ignoring it:

Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 · s.69 · Remedial notices
"For the purposes of this Part a remedial notice is a notice— (a)issued by the relevant authority in respect of a complaint to which this Part applies; and (b)stating the matters mentioned in subsection (2)."
In plain English: If a neighbour's hedge is too high and ruins your enjoyment of your home, the local council can issue a formal notice requiring them to cut it down. This notice sets out exactly what work must be done and how to maintain the hedge in the future.
§ Read the full text on legislation.gov.uk →

3.What to do

Want to know where you stand?

Tell us what happened in your own words. We check it against the law above, free, and give you a straight answer either way. If the law is on your side, your formal letter to the neighbour, citing the exact provisions, is £2.99.

Check where I stand, free →

Part 8 covers England and Wales. This is guidance to help you understand your rights, not formal legal advice, and we're entirely independent: no affiliation with Citizens Advice, GOV.UK or any law firm. Every quotation above links to the official text so you can check us. Law verified current at July 2026.