Must we replace large Leylandii we are cutting down with trees - or can we fence instead?
Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 2.52 PM
Hi, we are having leylandii trees and a massive holly tree removed from our property as the previous owner planted too many and they've gone mental. The fences behind are wrecked to so we will be replacing all of these,the thing I would like to know is do I have to replace the trees? It says in my deeds that we have to have hedges no less than 10ft in our back garden and no less than 7ft hedges in our front garden(these have been replaced by fences before we moved in) so would it be ok if we just put up 10ft fences in the back garden? Trees are a lot to maintain and would cost me £700 plus a year to be managed.
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Hi. If the fence was already there when you moved in then there should not be a problem. However if your neighbor is OK with this then again should not be a problem.
If your really worried about it you could go to your local CAB citizens advice center.
Normally there is only an issue if people complain if they have hedging and is in keeping with the rest of your area. Have a look around your street and see if other people have fencing. Also there might be a restriction on how high you fence can be normally 6 ft. as it can affect light from your neighbor (if you have on).
Hope this helps.
Jez
The answer to this question will probably depend on how old your house is. Restrictions to do with hedging and fencing are placed on the deeds when the homes were originally built usually to comply with the planning when the house or estate was built.
Quite often though there is a time limit on these restrictions, usually 15 or 20 years. It is quite possible that in your case this time limit will have passed. If it is not clear from the deeds, check with your local council planning department. They should be able to clarify the situation.
The maximum height for fencing (without planning) is 2 metres.
