A quick question.

A hedge which I planted on my allotment, some years ago, at the end of someone's garden is growing through their chain link fencing.

Is it my responsibility to go around to their garden to cut it back to the chain link?
Only just had a phone call to that effect.

 

Hi Pete,

I've always believed that if it's encroaching on their property it's up to them to cut it as they see fit to. They are legally bound to return anything they cut off to you though.

 

@pete, they can legally cut back your hedge, BUT if I were you I'd cut it myself, if the hedge is annoying them they are going to hack at it & make a mess of it & that will be really annoying

 

Well, I'll explain a bit.
The property on the boundry to my allotment had no real fence some years ago, just a few sticks, so I planted some flowering currant, as a hedge.
Some years later the council put up a chain link fence about 4 ft high.

I've know the lady who lives there for many years and although she has alienated almost all the surrounding neighbours, at certain times over the years, we have always been on reasonably good terms, just as long as I jump when she shouts.

Anyway, last night she rang me to say my hedge needs cutting again, as a few pieces had grown through her chain link.

I'd just got in from work and was not in the best of moods at the time, so was a bit off with her.

But I suppose I better go and have a look at some point, but I'm too old myself these days to just jump when she says, so she can wait a bit.

 

Bless ya

So? Jump then!

Fibber! You looked pretty darn spritely to me this time last year and in no way "old"!
But yes, the "wait a bit" won't harm either of you

 

The lady is in her 90s and her son looks after her garden for her, but she wont let him cut the hedge because its mine, and in her mind I have to cut it, as its my responsibility.

I've known her for years and I think she still thinks I'm about 25.

 

Ask the son if he can do it on the quiet Pete.

 

I cannot believe how a simple hedge can be such an annoyance. wow. And that if she cuts it, has to give the pieces back, really??? how strange. My goodness, wonder what she would do if huge limbs fell from your tree onto her property busting up a beautiful shrub, laying on a carpet of daffs in spring etc. And another tree treating to leash its wrath on to our garage assisted by a hard wind. But I guess if you live on a little plot, each inch is a treasure that needs saving.

 

I tend to think in this case its more a matter of principle to her rather than anything else.
She has always been that way, and I doubt she will change now.

Yes we live in small overcrowded areas, and it can often cause tensions that would not exist otherwise.