High Hedges

The High Hedges Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 came into effect on 31 March 2012. It gives local councils the power to deal with complaints about high hedges that block light from a neighbour’s property.

If your neighbour complains about your hedge, the Council will assess the situation. If needed, they 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

Contact Details

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 0330 137 4024

You can find more details and guidance in the downloads section below.