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Gardening experts at Toolstation have revealed the gardening laws you need to be aware of so you don’t break them.

Although some of these laws can land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbors can usually resolve any issues.

Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your yard that you want to get rid of, think carefully and do your research.

The gardening experts reveal: “If one neighbor wants to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbor values, disputes can arise over the impact on views, shade or privacy. “

While this may lead to arguments, unless it is covered by a tree protection ordinance, it is ultimately your choice if it is within your property line.

“But some trees can be protected by a tree protection order, making it a criminal offense to uproot, top or destroy them, experts warn.

The maximum fine for breaching this law is £20,000, so make sure you check if a TPO is in place.

You can find this out by contacting your municipality for a map showing this information. You can also ask to speak to your local tree official.

Property lines and fences: One of the leading causes of disputes between neighbors is disputes over property lines and fences.

To avoid this situation, gardening professionals recommend checking your property’s deeds to determine the correct boundaries

“It is usually easy to determine who owns the fence because the posts are usually on the owner’s side,” they add.

“In addition, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes with neighbors if one party believes that the height exceeds the two-metre limit.

“Hedges and fences cannot be higher than two meters and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbor complains about the height.

“Fortunately, standard fence sizes are less than two meters high, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want to relax somewhere in the shade.

But if it blocks your neighbor’s view or violates local building codes, it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures.

“If you’re unsure, talk to your neighbors to let them know what you’re planning and if there’s a problem, contact your local council who can give you more advice,” the gardening experts advise.

Overhanging branches and plants: “If branches, vines or roots from a neighbor’s tree or plant extend into the adjacent property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views or the burden of maintenance,” the pros reveal.

However, it is important to note that you should only prune overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property, otherwise it may be considered a trespass.

If necessary, you can climb the tree to carry out the work, but only on your property and make sure you stay on your side of the fence if you do not have permission to enter the neighbour’s garden.