High Hedges
The High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 gave local councils from 2012 to deal with complaints about high hedges that block light to a neighbour’s property.
If your neighbour complains about your hedge, we will assess the situation. If needed, we can issue a notice asking you to cut the hedge to a reasonable height.
When a complaint can be made
Not all hedges or trees are covered by the law. You cannot make a complaint about:
- A single tree
- Non-evergreen hedges or trees
- Trees in a forest or woodland (larger than 0.2 hectares)
- Roots, dangerous trees, or falling leaves.
Before you complain
To be considered a high hedge, it must:
- Be made up of two or more trees or shrubs in a line
- Be mostly evergreen or semi-evergreen
- Be over two metres tall
- Be able to block light, even if there are small gaps in the foliage
If you pursue a complaint about a neighbour’s high hedge, you will need to show evidence that you have already tried to resolve the situation amicably.
Advice for high hedge owners
If you have a high hedge, you don’t have to do anything unless your hedge is causing a problem for someone else.
It is best to maintain the hedges on your property at a reasonable height and listen carefully if neighbours have any concerns about it.
All residents are encouraged to work togethee to resolve issues informally between themselves. Otherwise we have to get involved.
Contact details
Email: mea.envhealth@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Telephone: 00300 124 5000
More information
To read the legislation and further information please click here to access the DAERA website
For guidance on disputes about high hedges click here to be redirected to the NI Direct website