Leylani hedge

Hi, we have a Leylani hedge on the right hand side of our garden. Its not ours, its the next door neighbours. I'm seeking advice because this flipping hedge is a bit of a problem - Its really overgrown, so when we moved in we got it chopped down to 6ft (and finally had sun in our garden!!!) but its grown again. Its also massivly overgrown in our garden so we are loosing space in a tiny garden as well! So I have the following questions....

1) How much can I cut it back by? (on the side)
2) Other than sneakily killing it is there a solution to this problem?
3) Can I cut it back to the dead wood and then grow something through it?
4) is there any way we can make it less dense so at least a little dappled light gets onto half the lawn?

Thanks in advance
Ms T

 

Have you consulted with your neighbours, and pointed out that their hedge is giving you problems?

If the hedge is planted within next doors boundary, and the hedge is over hanging into your property, you are within your rights to remove the over hanging branches to the property line. I'm not sure if you can remove all of the over hanging to the extent that the trees will ultimately die, you would have to check on that.

With regards to the height of the conifers, there is a very long and complex calculation that can be done with regard to the 'high hedges' legislation. Your local council tree officer will be able to help you further, and be able to perform the calculation. (and the information is free!)

Hope that Helps!

 

You can ask them to cut it and if they dont ..you can cut it level with the boundary and chuck the cuttings over the fence :wink:
I can sympathise with your situation as my neighbour has 3 sizable leylandii trees that are gradually pushing the fence over. Not only have they stolen at least two feet of the garden upto now but the lawn in the shade of the trees is permanently damp and full of moss.
While installing my armoured cable for the greenhouse I discovered the root system extends 28ft across the garden...not only pinching my light but they`re using my soil to do it hehe.

 

Best way aside from persuading the neibours to get them taken out completly will be to top them to 6' then cut the side branches to the boundary and put up a fence in front.

Ive lost count of the number of times ive been asked to do this as a contractor, I wont though as it always causes friction with the next door folk and leylandi is horrible stuff to work on anyway.

 

Hi mztrouble,

1. As previously mentioned you are entitled to cut back any branches that are encroaching on your property - so you can cut them back to your boundary wall or fence. However, you have to ask your neighbours if they want the branches back, otherwise it can be classed as theft.

2. Not unless you can come to some agreement with your neighbours to get the trees removed and perhaps replant with something a bit more suitable. I'd stay away from the 'sneaky killing them' path - It could get you into some serious trouble in more ways than one.

3. Can't see why not, as long as you're not intruding onto your neighbours property.

4. Afraid not. Any gaps you make will soon be quickly filled in again. As you are more than aware, the more you cut conifers the more they grow! Nasty things.

If the trees are really bothering you and are affecting your garden/house/health/mental state then you can approach the council. The high hedges and the 'right to light' bills are a grey area and the outcomes vary from council to council... and they cost too, again, varying depending on where you live.

 

Thanks for the advice.

It's a difficult situation because it's a little old lady next door - she can't do the gardening herself and as the prices have gone up, she can't afford a regular gardener either. I occasionally pop round and do a bit of weeding to keep her onside, and that helps because she does at least allow us to cut it back (the people who lived here before we not even allowed to do that and the council got involved and everything).

I think the solution may be to cut it right back to dead wood on our side and just grow something else through it so it looks pretty and then keep chopping it down twice a year?

Thanks, I really had no idea of the best solution.

Ms T

 

"3) Can I cut it back to the dead wood and then grow something through it?"

Note that the side branches won't regrow if cut back to "old wood", however the top will.

If you are cutting back to old wood on your side you might as well cut back to the "trunk" (with your neighbours permissions if that is on her side of the boundary) and then erecting a fence, or planting something else in front.

Or, with her permissions, remove the hedge and replant with something more user-friendly - I suspect that even if you have to bare the cost of the replacement plants that she will be amenable, from what you have described.

 

If she's amenable, you'll do both yourself and your neighbour a huge favour by removing this pest of a hedge. I still don't understand why anyone would plant one in a suburban garden, with the reputation they have, unless they just don't know!

Good luck with your persuading!

 

Tried to speak to her about replacing the hedge, offered to put in shrubs OR a fence and she does not want either! So, guess I'm back to cutting it back. Think I'll just grow something through it rather than put in a fence much easier in the short term and can always cut it back if we ever manage to get her to agree to tearing it down!

 

What side of the hedge gets the sun? I ask because a climber growing up it may well grow through the trees and end up flowering or showing its best side on your neighbours side of the leylandii! Not the result you want!

 

I know, can you imagine!! It's totally in the shade on my side of the hedge (partly hence the problem!) but have done a fair bit of research and bluebell creeper doesnt actually like too much sun, so might be ok.... alternatively I'll use my climbing hydrengea and help it.