Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Hedges as fences.

I just bought a house that has hedges that the previous owners put in as fencing. Is it my responsibility to take care of both sides of the hedge, or just my side?


Asked on 8/13/08, 4:21 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Herbert Cooper Law Offices of Jameson & Cooper

Re: Hedges as fences.

What is your preference? Would you care if the other side is not well-maintained, or if poor pruning affected the hedge?

If you have good relations with your neighbor, you can probably come to some acceptable agreement. (E.g., propose that you arrange for trimming, and share the cost, or that you pay for the cost, but get to choose the landscaper, or have the neighbor choose the landscaper, and pay the full cost, etc. according to your mutual preferences.)

Legally, if the hedge is on your property, you are responsible for it, but that's not necessarily the end of the discussion, if you and your neighbor can agree as above.

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Answered on 8/15/08, 10:15 am
henry lebensbaum Law Offices of Henry Lebensbaum (978-749-3606)

: Hedges as fences.

Usually, you could do nothing, or simply care for your own side. It also depends on whose property the hedges live.

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Answered on 8/13/08, 9:41 pm


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