The 5 garden laws you could be breaking without even realizing it
GARDENERS are not usually seen as major rule breakers, but you could be breaking the law without even realizing it.
It turns out there are five little-known laws that could land you with a hefty fine. Are you guilty of that?
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From overhanging trees, boundary conflicts and blocked sunlight, these garden rules can result in more than just a fight with your neighbors.
A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect explained: “Many homeowners may be completely unaware of the laws and guidelines that protect their outdoor space.”
Garden buildings
If you have a building in your garden that takes up more than 50 percent of the land around your house, is higher than 2.5 meters, or is going to be used as self-contained living accommodation, it may need planning permission to exist, according to the pro .
If it exists at all, it cannot be considered a permitted development.
Block light
Every gardener knows the importance of good light, but did you know that according to the Rights of Light Act, a window that has received natural light for twenty years or more cannot be blocked by neighbors.
This means that you cannot plant a tree in your garden if it appears in the light of the neighbor’s window, but only if it has been twenty years or more.
Covering boundaries
The classic argument about who is responsible for pruning the hedge has been resolved.
It turns out that if a hedge grows in your garden along the boundary between two properties, both are responsible for its maintenance.
“If a neighbor’s hedge is growing in your garden, you can prune it, but you must return the pruning waste to the owner,” the professional added.
Pruning plants
If your neighbor’s plants or trees are growing in or over your hardscape, you can prune them right up to your property line.
However, if you do this, it is important to keep in mind that any bells and whistles still belong to your neighbor.
Removing protected trees
“Important trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders, which restrict homeowners’ ability to remove or prune them, even if they are in their own garden,” the expert said. Express.co.uk.
If you disturb a protected tree without first obtaining appropriate permission, you could be fined up to £20,000.
5 ways to save money in your garden
Garden design experts at Enlightenment legends have revealed how to cut gardening costs.
1. Install a rain barrel
Rain barrels are large containers that sit in your garden and collect rainwater. This water can then be used to water plants, refill ponds or water features and wash the patio and other garden furniture. The natural outdoor water can help you save money on your water bill as you are less likely to use a hose during the summer months.
2. Use solar energy or LED lighting
Solar powered lights get their energy from sunlight during the day, so they can illuminate your garden at night. They are easy to install and an excellent choice for keeping electricity bills low. LED lighting is another option that is long lasting and energy efficient.
3. Grow your own salad and vegetables
Growing your own salad and vegetables not only saves you money, but can also be very rewarding. Things like lettuce, radishes, and spinach are all fairly easy to grow.
4. Upcycle waste and waste
Get creative and start upcycling items instead of throwing them away. Use popsicle sticks as plant labels or turn old watering cans and wheelbarrows into planters instead of buying new pots. Once you get creative, the ways to upcycle are endless.
5. Start composting
Start by composting your kitchen scraps, such as vegetable peels and coffee grounds, and combine them with yard waste such as leaves and grass clippings to create a nutrient-rich compost. This can ensure that you have to spend less money on expensive fertilizers.
