Brits told to follow these garden etiquette rules to avoid council fines

Brits are being advised to follow garden etiquette this spring to avoid disrupting neighbours and facing fines.

The outdoor team at LightingLegends.com are sharing their top tips for garden etiquette as the weather begins to warm up.

Carrying out noisy jobs such as mowing the lawn at unreasonable hours can be a nuisance for neighbours who have the right to report this to the local council.

To avoid facing any complaints, homeowners are being advised to check local council guidelines on what times noisy jobs should be carried out.

The experts are also encouraging Britons to familiarise themselves with their garden boundaries such as fences and hedges before starting any new projects.

Jon Saeed from LightingLegends.com said: “Spring is underway and many of us will be out in the garden enjoying the sunshine and starting some new garden projects.

“Being mindful of your neighbours and following garden etiquette is important, not only to maintain a good relationship but to also prevent facing warnings and fines from the local council.

“Your neighbours can complain if they feel like you are carrying out loud garden jobs at unreasonable hours. If you’re unsure about this, your local council will have guidelines on what times are considered not to be a nuisance.

“It’s also worth reminding yourself of which garden boundaries are yours to avoid confusion before you start any new garden projects such as working on fences or trimming bushes and hedges.”

6 garden etiquette tips:

1. Noisy garden jobs

It’s always considerate to think about your neighbours when carrying out noisy garden work using power tools to avoid any complaints.

While there are no laws on this, local councils will all have their own guidelines you should adhere to. Most councils recommend carrying out noisy work between 8am and 6pm on weekdays, and advise avoiding excessive noise outside of those hours.

Carrying out work outside of these hours could result in complaints from neighbours. Councils also have the right to investigate noises between 11pm and 7am under the Environmental Protection Act of 1990 and can issue a warning notice. Failure to comply can result in a fixed penalty notice fine of up to £110.

2. BBQs

Coal and wood-fired BBQs tend to produce a strong and smoky smell so try to be mindful that your neighbours don’t have washing out or that excess smoke isn’t blowing towards any open windows and doors. Position your BBQ towards the back of the garden, where it won’t be a nuisance or consider giving them notice before you start your cooking.

3. Jet washing

Using a jet washer to clean patios, walls and driveways is a great way to refresh your outdoor space for spring. Make sure you B are aiming away from your neighbours garden or home to avoid getting any dirt in their garden. If jet washing the drive, give them a heads up and see if they want to temporarily move their cars to avoid getting debris on them too.

4. Loud music

If you’re enjoying music in the garden, it’s important to be considerate and avoid playing loud music at unsociable hours.

If they find your music to be a nuisance, your neighbours can complain and the council can investigate you under the Environmental Protection Act of 1990. Similar to carrying out loud garden jobs, you could be given a fixed penalty notice. If you fail to comply you could even be given a noise abatement notice and face fines up to £5,000.

If you’re planning to have guests over, give your neighbours a heads up and keep the music at a reasonable level and avoid going past sociable hours.

5. Garden boundaries

Fences, hedges and walls may need a refresh in spring after the harsh winter weather so it’s worth knowing which garden boundaries are your responsibility to take care of.

Ask your neighbour if you are unsure or you can also find this information in your title deeds or check with your local council.

If you’re carrying out any work on boundaries such as trimming a hedge or painting a fence, try to let your neighbours know in advance in case it affects them.

6. General cleanliness

Maintaining your garden’s overall cleanliness is important not only for the aesthetic appeal of your property but also to prevent attracting pests.

Mess like discarded rubbish or food scraps, can create an environment for pests like rats, mice, and insects.