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neighbours hedges
Hi, Bit of an issue here in my garden with two neighbours. Between them they have over 150m of hedges that neither of them maintain in the slightest. One is a laurel over 4m tall and 3m wide (taking up 1.5m of my garden) and the other is hawthorn which I cut at least 4 times a year because it grows +- 3m a year if left. I've got a royal pain in my ass with it, and have asked the neighbours nicely several times to maintain their own hedges which are all planted on their properties and not mine. I'm not that bothered having to cut them but its the getting rid of the stuff is the major issue. Around 20 large trailer loads a year to the dump.
I know they are obliged to keep the height below 2.5m but what about all the cuttings from my side? do I have any arguement to have them dispose of it?
If anyone has any ideas or better still links I'd greatly appreciate it
There was another question about hedges quite recently so a search might give you some clues.
You say, 'I know they are obliged to keep the height below 2.5m'. This, presumably is the ruling set in your commune. If, in fact, they are well over that height then you can complain to the commune.
You also have a right not to have 1.5m of your garden lost to them though it may only be that you can cut back what overhangs your garden rather than insist that the owner does the job for you.
In your situation I would take advice from my local notaris; you should not have to pay just for advice though you will get a bill if the notaris ends up having to send them a rude letter.
Try offering a BBQ to some of your local scouts or brownies (get your neighbours to pay for the food and drink) in return for cleaning up and removing all the debris.
Ask the people who work at your local container park.
Try calling 0800 98181 - Regional Agency in Brussels for garden waste. They can offer you practical info. and help to get rid of garden waste.
HI- You need to go to your local gemeente/commune and file a formal complaint. They will then send appropriate letters out to your neighbors giving them a time limit to cut their hedges. Failing that they will receive fines.
Your neighbors are responsible for maintaining their hedges, including what overhangs your garden and disposing of the cuttings.
Think Is it really so bad and you are that annoyed. If so then I'd stop being polite to the neighbours go round or post a letter that says if you don't get these hedges in order I'm going to the commune. Point out that you have spent time and money maintaining their hedges and ask them to do so in the future. Be polite but make it clear you won't keep this up but be prepared that they may not be amiable and you may have to involve the commune.
Then decide if it's worth it. Because what ever happens they won't be happy. I believe some neigbours do maintain their side of the hedge here legal or not. Alternatively say I'm happy to cut my side but you need to pay me to take away the waste.
Your choice really as to whether you like being on friendly terms with the other locals.
