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Letting the kids bounce on a trampoline… and 7 other ways you could be breaking the law in your own garden
THOUSAND of Brits could be unknowingly breaking the law in their own gardens, according to property experts.
From letting children bounce on trampolines to trimming overhanging branches, there are eight common garden activities that carry a slight legal risk.
Most of the tips shared won't see you landed in serious trouble but they will help you avoid any summer time squabbles with those living either side of you.
The main thing to be aware of are the laws which protect all homeowners' right to ensure their neighbours don't interfere with their privacy.
This means by knowing the rules to follow you can make sure you can make sure you and your neighbours all know where you stand with everything from fallen fruit to barbecues.
Here are the eight tips from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk that you should keep in mind this summer for a stress free relationship with your neighbours.
1. Trimming branches
If your neighbours tree's branches hang over into your garden you're allowed to trim them back – but only to the property line.
However, if you trim the branches back past this point and reach into your neighbour's garden this can constitute trespassing and land you in trouble.
Getty – Contributor6
2. Collecting fallen fruit
Following the same idea, any fruit that falls into your garden is still your neighbour's property.
This means you can't collect it up and keep it for yourself without getting their permission first.
3. Keeping any tree trimmings
Tidying up your garden and clearing away any trimmed branches from the ground might seem straightforward enough but even this carries a potential risk.
If the branches come from your neighbour's trees or bushes then they technically own them – even if you chopped them down.
But, you also can't throw them into your neighbour's garden as this counts as fly tipping.
Whilst it's unlikely your neighbour will mind, it's still best to check they don't want the branches back for a bonfire or something.
4. Blocking natural light
If you're planing on planting an extra tree in your garden you need to be careful it doesn't affect the house next door.
Any window that has benefited from natural unobstructed natural light for more than 20 years must not be blocked by a tree and doing so could get you in trouble.
5. Having a BBQ
Often having a barbecue is a great way to get to know the neighbours by inviting them over, they can also become a source of tension for those with a strained relationship.
Neighbours can report a barbecue as a fire hazard or statutory nuisance and put you on the wrong side of the law.
6. Maintaining the fence
Fences are a long-standing source of tension between neighbours – the best rule to follow is that you are responsible for the fence on the right-hand side of your property if you have one on both sides.
But, every property is different so it's wise to check what falls within your boundary.
If you're unsure what falls within your property you can contact HM Land Registry for help.
7. Playing on a trampoline
Now a garden staple for most families, trampolines are a warm-weather highlight for most children and adults.
However, there is a chance your neighbours could complain by saying it is an intrusion into their private lives if they feel the trampoline is an excuse to peek over the fence or hedge into their home.
To dodge any conflict you should try and place your trampoline away from the boundary and educate anyone using it about the importance of privacy.
8. Enjoying a hot tub
Hot tubs are a firm favourite and add a bit of class and luxury to an outdoor area – plus they're great for parties.
But, they can become an unwanted noisy nuisance to your neighbours if the party gets too loud or goes on late into the night.
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