Hedge Trimming Rule 2026: From March 30, Hedges Over 2 Meters Near Property Lines Must Be Cut or Face Fines

Just as homeowners are heading outside to prepare their gardens for the warmer months, a new regulation is demanding their attention. From March 30, 2026, any hedge exceeding 2 meters in height and sitting within 50 centimeters of a neighbour’s property line must be trimmed — or the owner faces financial penalties that could run into thousands of dollars.

The rule has caught many homeowners off guard, and with the deadline less than a week away, the pressure to act is real.

What Exactly Does the New Rule Say?

The regulation is straightforward but strict. If your hedge meets both of these conditions, you are required to trim it:

• It stands taller than 2 meters (roughly 6.5 feet)
• It sits within 50 centimeters (about 20 inches) of your neighbour’s property boundary

Both conditions must apply together. A tall hedge sitting well away from the boundary line is not affected. But if your hedge is both tall and close to the fence line, you are required to act before March 30.

Who Is Most Affected?

Not every homeowner will need to rush outside with a ladder and a pair of shears. But some are far more exposed than others.

Those most likely to be impacted include:

• Homeowners in older, established suburbs where properties sit close together
• Properties with mature hedges that have grown unchecked for years
• Townhouse and terrace owners where boundary lines are tight
• Anyone who planted fast-growing screening hedges during the past decade

The regulation applies to all residential properties regardless of size — including townhouses and apartments with shared boundary plantings.

What Are the Penalties for Not Complying?

The financial consequences of ignoring this rule are significant. Fines range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the severity of the violation and how local authorities choose to enforce it in your area.

Beyond the fine itself, local councils have the authority to arrange the trimming themselves and bill the cost directly to the homeowner. When you add contractor fees and administrative charges on top of the original penalty, the total cost can quickly double or triple.

Enforcement will be driven by both scheduled inspections and complaints from neighbours — meaning your hedge does not need to be on a main road to attract attention.

Environmental and Aesthetic Concerns Being Raised

Not everyone is welcoming this regulation. Environmental advocates have raised legitimate concerns about the impact of widespread hedge trimming on local wildlife. Established hedges provide shelter, nesting sites, and food sources for birds, insects, and small animals. Mandatory large-scale trimming could disrupt these habitats in ways that are difficult to reverse quickly.

On the aesthetic side, some residents worry that uniform trimming requirements will strip neighbourhoods of the natural, varied look that mature hedging provides — replacing it with something more controlled but less characterful.

These concerns have been noted, though they have not changed the March 30 deadline.

How Professional Services Are Responding

Landscaping companies across the country are already reporting a sharp rise in booking enquiries. As March 30 approaches, demand for professional hedge trimming is expected to surge significantly, and waiting times will grow.

Some companies are offering early-booking discounts and package deals to lock in customers ahead of the rush. If you need professional help to comply, booking sooner rather than later will likely save you both time and money.

New independent operators are also entering the market to meet demand, though quality will vary — checking reviews and getting written quotes before committing is strongly advised.

Can You Appeal the Rule?

If you believe the regulation has been applied unfairly to your property, or if your situation involves unusual circumstances such as steep terrain or irregular boundaries, an appeals process exists.

Each local jurisdiction is responsible for its own dispute resolution process. This may involve submitting documentation, attending a hearing, or negotiating directly with local authorities. In cases where neighbours disagree about the boundary line or the hedge’s exact position, mediation is also an option.

Regional variations may also apply. Some local councils may have flexibility to adjust height or proximity requirements for properties with unique characteristics. Check with your local council directly to understand what applies in your specific area.

What You Should Do Before March 30

Time is short. Here is what to do right now:

• Measure your hedges carefully — check both height and distance from the boundary line
• If trimming is needed, book a professional landscaper immediately or plan to do it yourself this weekend
• Talk to your neighbour if the hedge sits on or near a shared boundary — a cooperative approach avoids disputes
• Check your local council’s specific guidelines, as enforcement details vary by area
• If you have unusual circumstances, contact your council now to ask about exemptions or appeals before the deadline passes

FAQs

Q: Does the rule apply if my hedge is tall but far from the boundary? A: No — both conditions must apply. Height over 2 meters AND within 50 cm of the boundary line triggers the requirement.

Q: What is the fine for non-compliance? A: Fines range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the violation and local enforcement policy.

Q: Can the council trim my hedge without my permission? A: Yes — if you fail to comply after a warning, local authorities can arrange trimming and bill the cost to you.

Q: Does this apply to apartment and townhouse owners? A: Yes — the regulation covers all residential properties regardless of size or type.

Q: Can I appeal if I think the rule is being applied unfairly? A: Yes — each local jurisdiction has an appeals and dispute resolution process you can access.

Q: Are there exemptions for heritage-listed properties or unusual terrain? A: Possibly — contact your local council directly to find out what exemptions may apply in your area.

Q: What if my neighbour’s hedge is the problem, not mine? A: You can lodge a complaint with your local council, who will then assess and enforce compliance as needed.