Further Information

The information on these web pages is a summary of the regulatory requirements, the government's guidance and the approach being taken by Epping Forest District Council.

More information on the regulations and the government's guidance can be found in the following documents. They can all be viewed on-line and those which are marked * are available in leaflet forms and can be supplied by us.

• An overview on high hedges
• Frequently asked questions on high hedges These questions and answers deal with a range of issues relating to complaints about high hedges.
• The right hedge for you:a guide to choosing a garden hedge A leaflet to help you choose the most suitable hedge for you and your garden.
• Over the garden hedge (pdf 1077Kb)* A leaflet on how to settle your hedge differences without involving the local authority. This process must be attempted before a complaint can be made to your local authority. (ODPM Revised in March 2005.)
• High Hedges Complaints:Prevention and Cure (pdf 768Kb) Guidance for local authorities on how to process complaints made about neighbouring high hedges. (ODPM May 2005.)
• Hedge Height and Light Loss A booklet to help people assess whether an evergreen hedge is blocking too much daylight and sunlight to neighbouring properties. Hard copies are available from ODPM Publications Sales Centre at a cost of £6.50. (March 2004.)
• High Hedges:complaining to the council (pdf 394 Kb)* A leaflet explaining what complaints local authorities can consider and how they will deal with them. (ODPM March 2005.)

Other sites you might find useful include: ·

• Arboriculturist Advisory Information Service Impartial advice on anything to do with trees, hedges and shrubs. This is available via their Tree Helpline, a Premium Rate telephone service  ·
• Arboriculturist Association A list of registered consultants and approved contractors to advise on and carry out work on trees and hedges  ·
• Community Legal Service Helps people to find the right legal advice  ·
• Hedgeline Help for those affected by hedge problems, drawing on the experience of their members  ·
• Mediation UK To find your nearest community mediation service ·
• Royal Horticultural Society General advice on planting and looking after hedges 

To receive a hard copy of the information and the leaflets referred to in this document please ring 01992 564546. The larger government documents referred to can only be purchased from HMSO.

If you have a more specific query about the Regulations please ring 01992 564546 or e-mail contacttrees@eppingforestdc.gov.uk. Please remember we cannot accept a complaint until you have made reasonable effort to resolve it directly with your neighbour. We cannot get involved in negotiations between the parties.