The seven garden rules homeowners need to follow to avoid a whopping £27k in fines – so are you guilty of any?

SEPTEMBER is a peak month for garden jobs.

But there are several rules you must keep in mind if you want to avoid up to a whopping £27,000 in fines, property experts have warned.

First up fences.

"When installing a new fence, it’s customary for homeowners to present the ‘good side’ to their neighbours," Georgina Read explained.

"While this is more about maintaining good relations, failing to follow your local boundary regulations can lead to disputes.

"For example, if a neighbour complains about a fence exceeding the two-metre height limit, councils may intervene, which can, in some cases, lead to fines."

It's also important to avoid pruning protected trees, as making changes to trees protected by a Tree Protection Order without permission could lead to fines of up to £20,000.

Another thing to steer clear of is feeding wildlife in your garden, as any feeding that attracts pests could lead to fines of up to £5,000.

"Homeowners need to manage wildlife feeding responsibly to avoid attracting unwanted visitors," Georgina, director of , said.

"While feeding birds is generally encouraged, attracting pests like rats can lead to an abatement notice."

Keep an eye on your hedges, as letting them grow to high could lead to finds of up to £1,000 if a neighbour complains under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

And it's vital to obtain planning permission for certain aspects of changing up your green space.

This includes installing decking.

"Many people don't realise that you need planning permission if your decking is more than 30cm high or covers over half your garden," Georgina said.

"If you break these rules, the council can issue an enforcement notice under Section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and failing to comply can lead to prosecution and unlimited fines, which means the penalty could be substantial depending on the case. 

"My advice is to always check with your local planning office before starting any big garden project.

"It's much easier to get permission first than to deal with problems later."

The same applies to paving, if it's over an area larger than five square metres.

As well as seeking planning permission, you will need to ensure there is proper drainage in place.

"Failure to do so could result in enforcement action and potential fines," she said.

In fact, it's a good idea to check with local planning authorities as your first point of call before making any drastic changes to your garden.

"Staying informed is key to enjoying your outdoor space without the stress of legal repercussions," Georgina concluded.