Hedge & Tree Cutting Legislation

Maintaining hedges

Most hedges are the responsibility of the person who owns the land next to the road. If the council, during a routine inspection, receive a complaint that hedges are overhanging a road or pavement, they will ask the landowner to cut them back. If the landowner fails to do this they may serve a formal notice. The owner could face legal action from an injured member of the public.

How you can help?

• Maintain your own hedges and trees safely and responsibly;
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  Let us know about any junction where the view is blocked by overgrown hedges or long grass, and;
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  Check trees regularly, diseased or dead trees can be a danger.

Overhanging vegetation – Guidance for property owners

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  Does your hedge restrict the width of the pavement?
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  Are people forced to walk at the edge of the pavement, or even on the road?
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  Do trees on your land overhang the road?
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  Do trees have a preservation order on them?

Think about the effect this has on all highway users.

Overhanging branches are a hazard for buses, lorries and pedestrians; particularly the blind, elderly and people in wheelchairs and mobility scooters/buggies.

For a free check up. please call the corresponding number for your area:

Burgess Hill, Hassocks, Hurstpierpoint – 01273 840839

Gargrave, Ilkley, Skipton – 01756 699141

Newhaven, Ovingdean, Peacehaven, Rottingdean, Saltdean – 01273 434408

Seaford – 01323 810132

Worthing – 01903 899592