Don’t break any garden laws this summer.

Balmy, fragrant summer evenings, relaxed barbecues with friends and neighbours – the perfect British summer – and understandably you want your garden to look its best. But, before you start sorting it out, make sure you stay on good terms with your neighbours by following these garden rules.

Perhaps surprisingly, there are various, some might say quirky rules that need to be obeyed, so to keep things smooth in the neighbourhood, here are 8 garden rules to be mindful of:

Branch trimming: if tree branches from a neighbour’s garden overhang into your property you can trim them, but only up to the property line. If you lean into the neighbour’s garden to do this, it actually constitutes trespass.  Also, if a tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order you can’t cut the branches, so you need to find this out before going ahead with the saw.

Keeping branches: having cut any branches that hang into your garden, you must remember that technically, they still belong to your neighbour – as do any flowers or fruit on them. Legally, your neighbour is entitled to ask for them back, so you shouldn’t just keep them. But be careful – you can’t don’t just throw them back into their garden either, as this could constitute garden waste fly-tipping. This also apply to hedges. Both neighbours are responsible for trimming a boundary hedge, and if a neighbour’s hedge grows into your garden you can trim it, but you must return the trimmings to the owner.

Keeping wind-fallen fruit: technically windfalls fruit still belongs to the person who owns the tree. So, if your neighbour’s windfalls land in your garden, ask permission before you use them.

Planting new trees: under the Rights of Light Act, if a window has been getting natural light for 20 years or more, it can’t be blocked with a new tree. So, do your research before you plant a new tree in your garden.

Trampolines: your neighbour’s privacy rights will be affected if you place a trampoline anywhere that enables you to see into neighbours’ gardens or houses, so be careful where you position it.

Fences and boundaries: interestingly, there’s no legal responsibility to keep boundaries well maintained unless your deeds state otherwise, though they should indicate who owns fences and who is responsible for the boundaries. However, as boundaries can move over time it can lead to disputes. If this is the case, you may need to contact HM Land Registry.

Hot tubs: though increasingly popular, beware that the luxury of an outdoor hot tub doesn’t constitute a noise nuisance for neighbours. It would be sensible to check with them, before going ahead, that they’re happy for you to have one installed.

Smoke: obviously, smoke can also be a nuisance to your neighbours, especially if their washing is out. It could even mean that you are breaking the law. So, much as we all love a barbecue or a chimenea, try to position it so that smoke isn’t drifting into your neighbour’s garden.

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This was written as part of a content marketing strategy for The Willow Wand, a client based in Newton le Willows, Merseyside. MCM2 provide full-service digital marketing, including, email marketing, pay per click, content, seo, design, web building and strategy.

MCM2 – no nonsense digital marketing agency in Cheshire.

Carmen Dias

I recently booked onto the: 'Marketing Tactics - what to do, when to do it, and why you should' - facilitated by Martin and all I can say is that I've never enjoyed a full day training so much! It was a relaxed, informative of course, but most of all, engaging.

He planned the breaks out perfectly, keeping us refreshed! He used fun and creative ways to help us understand the multiple layers of what marketing is really all about. I usually dread training in fear of awkward breakout rooms, and being put on the spot but luckily Martin had found a natural way to make us feel comfortable to engage without all the awkwardness and anxiety!

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The years of experience, knowledge and enriching content along with all the fun made this easily one of the best courses I'd been on! 😀

Tim Watkins

Martin tutored the marketing module for the Director Development programme at University of Salford.

The module was a highlight of the programme, delivered with great insight, experience, knowledge, humour, and inspiration.

A genuine master of his trade.

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I attended the "Marketing Tactics" training event and Martin shared some quality tips and advice. I would definitely recommend his expertise to any size business - he knows it all and has a great sense of humour!

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I have attended several of Martins courses and each has always provided me with new fresh ideas and strategies to implement into my business.

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I attended a digital marketing workshop led by Martin and really benefitted from the course. Martin's presentation gave me a clearer understanding of digital marketing, and I found it useful that it was tailored to our small business.

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Brew and Tucker

I met Martin through a recommendation from a friend of mine and I’m really glad I did. From our first catch up Martin was super easy to talk to and also cut the jargon.

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