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Tension between you and your neighbours is never pleasant, no matter what it's about. Garden disputes are very common, and it's not always easy to know who's in the right.

For example, if your neighbour has a hedge, it can sometimes grow too large and start encroaching on your garden. You might be tempted to chop the branches down, but before you head outside with the shears, it's worth knowing what's actually legal and what isn't. Failing to follow the rules could land you in hot water, and your neighbour could even take you to court for damaging their property.

According to the official government website, you can trim your neighbour's hedge if it grows into your property via their home or a public road - but only under certain conditions.

It's only acceptable to trim up to the property boundary. If you do more than this, your neighbour could take you to court for damaging their property.

Your neighbour is responsible for maintaining their hedges so they don't cause any damage your property or grow too high. If they do cause any damage, your neighbour may be liable.

In order to avoid potentially breaking the law, it's worth checking who actually owns the hedge before trimming it. The solicitors at Bonallack and Bishops said: "If it transpires that you have trimmed or moved a hedge which belongs to someone else, you could be held liable and forced to pay substantial legal costs.

"There are no hard and fast rules with regards to boundary ownership, and the only way to find out who owns a boundary border is to check the deeds at the Land Registry. Often, there'll be no definitive answer and it'll ultimately be a shared responsibility."

On the other hand, if your hedge has grown so that it overhangs your neighbour's property, they have the right to cut off the part that has encroached over the boundary line. They should return the parts that they have cut off to your land.

And if any cuts are made on your side of the boundary, it may be an offence under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, unless they have a lawful excuse.

You can then make a civil claim for any damage caused, but it's always worth trying to discuss the problem with your neighbour first.

If you're worried about approaching them, write a letter, explaining the problem clearly and sticking to the facts.