Common gardening mistake could lead to £5,000 fine - or even prison time

With the mercury set to hit a scorching 31C this week, the green-thumbed among us will be busy in our gardens. However, be warned: some common gardening practices might land you in hot water, with fines up of to £5,000 or even prison.

If you're unaware, unintentionally growing prohibited plants like Japanese Knotweed or erecting towering hedges could spell trouble. Compare the Market's expert Anna McEntee advises checking the rules or consulting your local planning authority before embarking on any major garden projects.

In a bid to keep residents on the straight and narrow over summer, Anna has spotlighted the 'typical' garden missteps and their hefty penalties. Japanese Knotweed, known for its aggressive growth, is particularly tricky to get rid of. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it illegal to plant or allow it to spread into the wild.

While the plant on your premises isn't against the law, letting it invade natural areas could lead to fines of up to £5,000, reports the Mirror. Engaging in activities that facilitate its spread, such as "strimming, flailing or dumping" contaminated cuttings, could see British gardeners facing up to two years behind bars, warns Natural Resources Wales. Whether through waste disposal or other means, contributing to the proliferation of Japanese Knotweed can lead to significant legal consequences.

High hedges and fences

Fine: £1,000.

Regulation: The Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003.

Many homeowners prefer tall fences and hedges for added privacy. However, if these barriers are excessively high, they can disrupt neighbours and potentially lead to fines.

Under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, if a neighbour complains about the height of a fence or hedge, the local authority will investigate its impact on the neighbour's enjoyment of their property. If found disruptive, the authority can issue a notice demanding the homeowner to reduce the height.

Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to £1,000.

Noise nuisance

Fine: £1,000.

Regulation: The Environmental Protection Act 1990.

While enjoying time outdoors in pleasant weather is great, residents should be mindful of their noise levels to avoid violating regulations. According to the Environmental Protection Act, noise that "unreasonably and substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises" is considered a "statutory nuisance".

If a complaint is lodged, the council can issue a warning to stop or limit the noise. Ignoring this warning and continuing the noise can lead to fines of up to £110 for homes and £500 for licensed premises, which can increase to £1,000 or more if not paid within 14 days.

Non-native plant species

Fine: Unlimited fine and potential for two years imprisonment.

Regulation: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Garden enthusiasts could face a hefty fine if they grow non-native plant species, whether by accident or on purpose. These plants can potentially harm the ecosystem if they are introduced into environments where they don't naturally occur.

Under section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, residents could be hit with an unlimited fine, and even up to two years in jail if they plant a banned species.

Hose pipe ban

Fine: £1,000.

Regulation: Section 76 of the Water Industry Act 1991.

From watering plants to washing cars, many people will be reaching for their hose pipe this summer - but it's crucial to do your homework first. In the event of a hose pipe ban, these popular activities are off-limits, with a few exceptions.

For instance, if you have just laid a new lawn in the last 28 days, you can use your hosepipe to water the freshly laid grass.

These bans are put in place by water companies when there is a high demand for water and a lower supply, especially during the summer months. If a person is caught using their hosepipe unnecessarily during the ban, they could be slapped with a fine of £1,000.

Anna remarked: "Home insurance policies usually include coverage for structures like sheds, fences, and decking, but changes to these structures can affect coverage. Make sure to review your policy terms to understand what is covered, and check the exclusions and conditions. If you're planning to make significant changes in your garden, inform your insurer to ensure your policy still meets your needs."

She added: "Home insurance can also be affected by garden maintenance and safety. Neglecting garden maintenance could potentially lead to claims being rejected if damage results from poor upkeep. Insurers may also have guidelines about features that pose safety risks, such as trampolines or swimming pools, so always check with your insurer before making changes to your garden to avoid compromising your coverage."