How High Can You Grow Your Hedge? The UK Rules Every Gardener Should Know

A well-grown hedge can transform a garden. It offers privacy, shelter for birds and wildlife, and a softer, more natural boundary border than fencing.

However, if hedges grow too tall, they can become a source of tension between neighbours. Fast-growing evergreen varieties, such as Leylandii, don't take long to reach impressive heights. And if they start to block sunlight or views, they may fall under the UK's "high hedge" legislation.

Is there a legal height limit for hedges in the UK?

garden path by a trimmed yew hedge, shrubs and flowers in bloom .

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Unlike garden fences and walls, hedges in the UK do not have a fixed maximum legal height. But this doesn't necessarily mean you can grow your hedge as tall as you like.

Problems arise when a tall hedge starts to affect neighbouring homes or gardens. In these cases, the hedge could be considered a "high hedge" under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.

This legislation was introduced to tackle disputes over fast-growing evergreen hedges, and allows neighbours to make a complaint to their local council if a hedge is seriously affecting their enjoyment of their property.

What is considered a "high hedge"?

A hedge may be legally classed as a "high hedge" if it meets the following criteria:

It is made up of two or more trees or shrubs
The plants are evergreen or semi-evergreen
It is more than two metres tall
It forms a barrier that affects light or outlook for a neighbouring property

If these conditions apply, and the hedge is causing an issue – such as blocking daylight to windows or gardens – the local council can investigate.

a gardener tidying up the hedge in an overgrown garden

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What happens if someone complains about your hedge?

Neighbours are expected to attempt to resolve the issue informally between them before making a formal complaint. A friendly conversation can often resolve concerns about a boundary hedge's height or maintenance.

However, if that fails, a complaint can be submitted to the local council. They will consider factors such as:

The hedge's height
Its location and distance from neighbouring homes
The amount of shade it creates
The impact it is having on neighbours' properties

If they decide the hedge is causing significant problems, the council can issue a remedial notice. This may require the hedge owner to reduce the height of the hedge and keep it maintained below a certain size.

Can you cut a neighbour's hedge if it overhangs into your garden?

It's normally best to discuss pruning and boundaries with neighbours first to avoid misunderstanding. However, if branches from a neighbour's hedge extend into your garden, you are usually allowed to trim the growth back to the boundary line.

There are a few things to bear in mind, though:

You must not cut anything beyond the boundary
You should offer any cuttings back to the hedge or tree's owner
Avoid damaging any plants
Don't cut hedges during bird nesting season (March to August)

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How to keep your hedge the right height

While there's no legal maximum, it's safest to keep garden hedges under two metres high to give privacy without blocking too much light.

Regular maintenance is the best way to keep your hedge a manageable height and prevent potential disputes with neighbours. Many fast-growing species can quickly become difficult to control if left untrimmed.

Here are our top tips to keep your hedge healthy and neighbour-friendly:

Trim little and often – ideally two to three times per growing season – to maintain shape and height
Keep your hedge slightly narrower at the top, so sunlight reaches lower parts to encourage growth
Choose slow-growing species, such as Box, Yew or Holly, to make boundaries easier to maintain

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Commissioning Editor, Country Living UK

Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.