|
|
 |
Hedges
Last modified: February 11, 2008 - 11:01 AM
Think it through before you plant a hedge...
In recent times we have seen an increase in press and TV coverage in Sydney, of high hedges creating grief between neighbours around the country and overseas. The problem became so serious in the UnitedKingdom that the Anti-social Behaviour Act was extended to allow victims of excessively high hedges to address their loss of amenity such as sunlight and views. Hedges are becoming so massive, even here within the Shire, that they are causing social, economic and environmental stress within communities. So before planting any new hedge on your suburban, village or rural block, please ask yourself these questions:
-
How high and wide will my hedge be in 5 years, 10 years, at maturity
-
Can I afford the time and money to maintain it to a reasonable height?
-
Will it take light from my neighbour, or me?
-
Will its roots take water and nutrients from our gardens.
-
Will it take views and landscapes from other residents, the community… or me?
-
Will it adversely effect nearby native vegetation, depriving it of light, nutrients and moisture?
-
Will it slow the wind as desired, or just create a wall and turbulence, funnelling the wind elsewhere?
-
Will it become a fire hazard, impinge on power lines or sewer pipes?
-
Create heavy shadows and ice patches on roads. Obstruct vision on roads.
All good nurseries and landscapers will advise on suitable screening plants for gardens and larger properties, keeping in mind the above points.
Additional information on problem hedges can be found at :http://www.problemhedgesaustralia.com/
Contact details
Wingecarribee Shire Council
02 48680 888 (ph)
wscmail@wsc.nsw.gov.au
|
