Laws on Hedge Trimming

The Law

• Hedge-trimming laws vary between municipalities and should never be ignored. Hedges that exceed municipality height regulations must be trimmed. The purpose of this law is to protect the neighbors' views, which may become blocked due to a high hedge.

Location

• The location of the hedge determines how high or low it needs to be trimmed. These laws vary from city to city. Hedges in Santa Monica, Calif., cannot exceed 8 feet in height in the backyard or 3 1/2 feet in the front yard. Some states, such as Indiana, place limitations on how wide the hedge can be.

Warning

• Those who ignore the requests of neighbors and local authorities regarding hedge trimming will face legal consequences. These consequences vary depending on the state. In Palo Alto, Calif., violators can be fined a maximum of $500 per offense. However, a "Notification of Violation" must be issued by authorities first, allowing the resident an opportunity to trim.