There are a number of laws around gardening that Brits may not be aware of – including the fact that pet owners could be fined up to £5,000 for burying their beloved pet in the garden
Pet owners could be slapped with fines of up to £5,000 if they bury their beloved cat or dog in their garden, a gardening expert has warned.
This rule is among five lesser-known laws around gardening that could result in hefty penalties if broken. Other rules include restrictions on the heights of hedges and fences which, if too tall, could pose safety risks. It’s also possible to fall foul of water usage restrictions and have invasive plants and noxious weeds.
Angela Slater, an expert at Hayes Garden World, has provided tips to help Brits avoid falling foul of these regulations as they continue to spruce up their gardens this summer.
1. Fence and hedge height restrictions
Ms Slater explained: “The standard hedge and fence height that provides enough privacy is usually a maximum of two metres. Anything above two metres could be a nuisance for your neighbours and potentially block sunlight into their garden, or even cause safety concerns.”
Before putting up a fence or hedge, both parties need to agree to it, so make sure you inform your neighbours of your plans for a new fence to avoid any disturbance. If you’re planning to erect a fence over two metres tall, or one metre tall if it’s next to a highway used by vehicles, you’ll need to seek planning permission.
2. Incorrectly burying a pet
It is completely understandable that you would want to bury your pet in your garden – it’s private, personal and can be much cheaper. But what many don’t know is that you are not permitted to bury a pet if you live in a rented property, as they are technically not your grounds.
Similarly, avoid burying your pet in a public space as this is illegal. It is advised that the burial shouldn’t be in contact with any water sources and be buried at least three feet deep in light soil to safeguard against scavengers. An improperly dug pet burial can land you a fine of up to £5,000.
3. Water usage restrictions
“Warmer weather naturally encourages a higher demand for water, which can lead to water usage restrictions in certain areas of the UK,” she said.
“During summer, areas with limited water supply may be imposed with water usage restrictions – commonly known as a hosepipe ban. In a bid to save water and avoid drought, water companies restrict unnecessary usage such as watering your garden, lawn, car or even having a water fight. If caught using your hosepipe, you can potentially be fined up to £1,000 or even prosecuted in court.
4. Invasive plants and noxious weeds
“If you find you have invasive plants and noxious weeds, such as Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed, in your garden, you will need to take action, or you will face a fine of up to £5,000. These plants can cause massive ecological damage by causing extinction to other animals and plants. Japanese knotweed specifically can create serious damage to drain pipework, but removing it can be the main difficulty.”
“If you find yourself with these plants in your garden, it is best to contact a professional urgently; it is your responsibility to get them removed from your garden to avoid extensive damage.”
5. Right to privacy and light
“Privacy is hugely important and deserved by everyone, which is why making sure you are not impeaching on your neighbour’s space is the first rule of thumb. Whether your trees, plants or shrubs have overgrown into your neighbour’s garden or you have a new garden camera installed, make sure to be respectful and keep everything contained in your own garden.
“High hedges and overgrown trees and shrubs may be a beautiful addition to your garden, but they can risk restricting light into your neighbour’s garden. If you notice that this is a nuisance for your neighbour, the first port of call is to have a conversation with them to try and find a resolution. If this fails, they may apply for a High Hedge Notice.
“This means that if the hedge meets the criteria, the council has the power to reduce the height of the hedge or even remove it completely. If you refuse to allow entry to the land for removal, you could be fined up to £1,000.”