What you can do
You should talk to your neighbour about the overgrown garden first, if you can.
Cutting hedges or trees
You can prune or remove vegetation that grows onto your side of the boundary from a neighbour’s garden. For example, a hedge or a tree.
Before trimming a tree, you should check if it's protected by a tree preservation order (TPO).
You’ll need to apply for permission to do work on a tree with a TPO.
Do not trespass onto land you do not own or live on to remove anything.
Check your rights if you disagree with a neighbour about a tree or hedge (Citizens Advice).
Japanese knotweed
We generally do not take formal action if Japanese knotweed is causing a nuisance. This is because of the extensive treatment period needed to destroy it.
We have some powers to require land to be cleared if its condition is having a negative impact on the surrounding area. These powers are given under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
It’s not illegal to have Japanese knotweed on your land, but you must not let it spread onto neighbouring land.
If you’re worried about Japanese knotweed on a neighbour’s property, try to work with them to solve the problem.
How to identify, stop the spread and dispose of Japanese knotweed (GOV.UK).
If you’re worried about a neighbour
If you’re worried about an older neighbour who may not be able to maintain their garden, Age UK has information about what to do if you’re worried about someone.