Attention After February 15, carelessness in the garden can prove costly, heavy fine will be imposed if the bushes grow tall.

New Delhi/Europe: If you have planted tall hedges for the privacy of your home or garden, then now is the time to be careful. According to the new rules which are going to be implemented from February 15, now these green walls of yours can become a cause of legal trouble and heavy fine for you. Municipalities have now issued strict guidelines regarding the height of bushes and their maintenance.

The ‘carefree’ days of tall bushes are over

Till now people used to allow bushes to grow as per their choice and need, but now these ‘green walls’ will be within the ambit of the law. According to the new rules, if your bush is found taller than the legal limit or it encroaches into a neighbor’s property, you may have to pay a hefty administrative penalty. Not only this, if you do not do the sorting yourself, the municipality will get the sorting done at its own level and will recover all the expenses from you.

15th February: Keep in mind the last deadline

The administration has fixed February 15 as the ‘deadline’. This time frame is important because after this the spring season starts and the nesting season of birds comes. Officials say homeowners should finish pruning their bushes before winter ends. After this, direct action will be taken against those who violate the rules.

To avoid disputes, communication with neighbors is necessary.

It is often seen that due to tall bushes, sunlight is blocked or the view of neighboring houses is obstructed, which increases property disputes. Experts suggest talking to your neighbor before any formal complaint is filed. Deciding the height of the bush together and pruning with mutual consent will not only save you from fines, but will also maintain sweetness in mutual relations.

How to prune safely? Expert advice

To arrange your hedge, first take accurate measurements. Do not rush while pruning, as cutting too much at once can damage the plant. Also maintain cleanliness near the roots of the bush to avoid dirt and unwanted growth. If the bushes are very old or overgrown, it would be better to seek the help of a professional gardener so that the work can be done safely and in accordance with legal standards.