Neighbor's Overgrown Hedge: Legal Rights and Better Screening Solutions

Neighbor's hedge gangly, thin at bottom, views into their yard. Wants stone U-wall (2+ ft high, 60 ft long) with arborvitae on top. Asks if prefab exists or must build block-by-block.

First: Legal Pruning Rights

If hedge encroaches your property, you can legally trim your side. Ask neighbor permission—they often grant full rights to your-side pruning.

Hedge Rehabilitation

• Taper top inward for light penetration to lower branches
• Plant same species at base on your side—fills gaps in one season if planted correctly

Better Hedge Plant: Podocarpus

Dense, compact, cold-tolerant, pest/disease resistant. Superior to arborvitae (which develops empty centers).

Wall Construction

No known prefab U-walls. Send sketch to sdward79@hotmail.com for supplier referrals.

David Ward