WE'RE reaching that time of year again, when the weather is finally brightening up, which means more opportunity to get outside.
However the chance for more time in the garden can either be a blessing or a curse, depending on how well you get on with your neighbours.
Living in close proximity to them can mean while you get on for the most part, you might not always want their 'friendly' face popping up over the fence.
But have you ever considered whether your garden etiquette would be considered polite, or if it might actually be sending next door potty?
Here, Rated People gardening expert Robert Morley, from Morley Gardens, shares his top etiquette tips to ensure harmonious neighbourly relations…
Close shave
Anyone who shares a fence with a green-fingered neighbour will know how annoying it is to see a wild, overgrown plant cascading over their fence and intruding into your garden.
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Not only that, but unruly plants can block out precious sunlight, and you can end up with stray leaves and branches falling into your space.
Robert says: "When pruning trees and hedges close to your perimeter, always check for branches that have fallen over your neighbour’s side.
"Prune hedges and bushes to a maximum of six to eight feet so they’re easy to manage and a good size aesthetically."
Timing is everything
No one likes a noisy neighbour, and while most of us are worried about late parties, early risers can be equally annoying.
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4A sunny Sunday may seem like a great time to get out there and 'seize the day' by mowing the lawn, but it's actually incredibly rude for those who just want a well-earned lie-in.
Robert says: "Always be courteous and mow your lawn after 9am when you’re using petrol machinery, as it can be quite noisy.
"This also gives the lawn a chance to dry from the morning dew."
A stone's throw
The last thing anyone wants to do is to inadvertently cause criminal damage to the neighbour's property – but it might actually be easier to do than you think.
Make sure you properly think through each garden task to avoid any accidents.
For example, Robert says: "It’s important to rake stones from the lawn when strimming.
"This is to prevent a stone from being struck and potentially smashing a neighbour’s window."
Robert adds: "When cleaning and power washing your front or back garden, be vigilant to not spray dirty water over any nearby vehicles or windows."
On the fence
While you may be eager to get cracking on some DIY and paint that shabby garden fence, if it's a boundary you share with a prickly neighbour, you might want to consult them first just incase it becomes a messy job.
Robert says: "A good tip for painting fences is to remove the panels if possible.
"This will help to get a good finish, especially if you have concrete posts, and will help prevent paint from dripping through to your neighbour’s side.
"If you can, use an oil rather than a paint on fencing as this soaks into the wood and runs/drips less than paint."
Additionally, there are rules when it comes to installing a new fence, and while you might think your neighbour would be pleased with you forking out for it, they might not be happy if it's the wrong height.
Robert says: "Have a chat to the neighbours before erecting a fence as you want to keep them happy!
"Without planning permission, a garden fence must be under two metres tall and when you’re erecting a fence up to two metres, fix 600mm into the ground for stability and longevity."
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