Homeowners warned to avoid seven garden mistakes this weekend or face £27k in fines

September can be a busy month for gardeners, with the shift towards autumn bringing the start of the harvest season.

But property experts have warned that simple mistakes in your garden can incur stiff penalties, identifying seven errors that could cost you an eye-watering £27k in total.

Georgina Read, director of Paving Superstore, flagged seven key things to be aware of, starting with fences.

"When installing a new fence, it’s customary for homeowners to present the ‘good side’ to their neighbours," Ms Read said, adding: "While this is more about maintaining good relations, failing to follow your local boundary regulations can lead to disputes.

"For example, if a neighbour complains about a fence exceeding the two-metre height limit, councils may intervene, which can, in some cases, lead to fines."

While you may be used to giving your garden the occasional trim with the shears, it's worth first finding out whether you have any protected trees in your green space. Pruning ones protected by a Tree Protection Order without permission could leave you with financial penalties up to £20,000.

Gardeners are also advised not to feed animals, as feeding that attracts pests can result in fines as high as £5,000.

"Homeowners need to manage wildlife feeding responsibly to avoid attracting unwanted visitors," Ms Read said, "While feeding birds is generally encouraged, attracting pests like rats can lead to an abatement notice."

Hedges are a great way to frame your lawn and get some privacy, but beware: letting them grow too high could also get you in trouble, with the potential for fines up to £1,000 if a complaint is made by a neighbour under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

Planning permission is also vital when making changes to your garden - including the installation of decking.

"Many people don't realise that you need planning permission if your decking is more than 30cm high or covers over half your garden," Ms Read said.

"If you break these rules, the council can issue an enforcement notice under Section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, and failing to comply can lead to prosecution and unlimited fines, which means the penalty could be substantial depending on the case."

She added that her advice is to always check with the local planning office before starting any large garden project, and avoid problems further down the line.

Permissions will also be needed to add paving that covers an area more than five square metres.

Experts reccomend checking with local planning authorities prior to making any major changes so you can complete the works without any nagging worries.

"Staying informed is key to enjoying your outdoor space without the stress of legal repercussions," Ms Read added.