The seven gardening rules you must follow to avoid a whopping £27,000 fine

SEPTEMBER is a top month for gardening jobs.

But there are some rules you need to bear in mind if you want to avoid a fine of as much as £27,000, property experts warn.

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First the fences.

“When putting up a new fence, it’s common for homeowners to show their neighbours the ‘good side,’” explains Georgina Read.

“While this is mainly about maintaining good relations, failure to comply with local border rules can lead to disputes.

“For example, if a neighbour complains about a fence that is higher than two metres, the municipality can intervene. In some cases, this can lead to fines.”

It is also important not to prune protected trees. If you make changes to trees protected by a tree protection order without permission, you could be fined up to £20,000.

Another thing you should not do is feed wildlife in your garden, as feeding it can attract vermin and could result in fines of up to £5,000.

“Homeowners need to manage wildlife diets responsibly to avoid attracting unwanted visitors,” said Georgina, director of Paving Superstoresaid.

“Feeding birds is generally encouraged, but attracting pests such as rats may result in a warning.”

Keep an eye on your hedges, as allowing them to grow too high could result in fines of up to £1,000 if a neighbour complains under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

And it is very important that you apply for a building permit for certain aspects of changing your green space.

This also includes installing decking.

“Many people don’t realise that you need planning permission if your patio is higher than 30cm or takes up more than half of your garden,” says Georgina.

“If you breach these rules, the council can issue an enforcement notice under section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Failure to comply with this could result in prosecution and unlimited fines, so the fine could be significant depending on the case.

“My advice is to always check with your local planning office before embarking on any major landscaping project.

“It’s much easier to get permission first than to have problems later.”

The same applies to paving, if it is larger than five square meters.

In addition to applying for a building permit, you must also ensure that there is good drainage.

“Failure to do so could result in enforcement action and potential fines,” she said.

It is wise to contact your local planning authorities before making any major changes to your garden.

“Staying informed is essential to enjoying your outdoor space without the stress of legal repercussions,” concluded Georgina.