Nuisance

Each year, the City of Lincoln Council receives complaints about untidy or overgrown gardens. Although these gardens may look unpleasant, we can only take enforcement action when there is evidence of a detrimental impact or a statutory nuisance.

The Public Protection and Anti-Social Behaviour Team may be able to take enforcement action if an overgrown garden shelters pests such as rats or mice. We may also act where garden conditions harm the quality of life of nearby residents, for example because waste has accumulated.

Vegetation from a neighbour's land that damages your property or fence, or crosses the boundary, is not a public health matter. You may prune or remove anything that extends onto your side, but the law requires you to offer the clippings back to your neighbour.

We recommend speaking to your neighbour first.