Many landscaping companies (soft and hard) are not interested in spending time with clients to allow clients to better understand their garden’s microclimate, design style or to generally discuss the fascinating aspects of horticulture.
We understand that whilst some clients know what they want and are simply looking for a quote against specified deliverables or services; some clients, however, are seeking a helping hand to understand what the art of the possible is. What would flourish in that corner? What would happen if I decided to do x? Are the conditions in this garden acceptable for a y plant? Please teach me how to do z myself.
As The Hedge Man wants every garden or greenspace owner to love horticulture as much as we do, we are happy to arrange a garden consult, some time for you to spend one on one with a senior horticulturalist in your garden, discussing anything you fancy.
All Adelaide Councils unanimously recognise that front boundary hedges, trees and plants both add to the character of the streetscape and provide environmental benefits. Sadly, this sometimes conflicts with their overriding obligation to provide safe and well-maintained access to footpaths and streetscapes.
Councils differ in their policies and approaches to this issue. Some work closely with homeowners to establish maintenance agreements and others simply issue a Demand Notice under Section 254 of the Local Government Act 1999 to order the removal of, or significant cut back to, overhanging branches, trees and hedges. A failure to comply with these demands will often see the Council carry out the works themselves and then bill the homeowner for their costs.
The Hedge Man has valuable experience assisting clients who have received a Demand from their local Council about front boundary hedges that have overgrown and are deemed by the Council to be encroaching on public footpaths. We have a detailed understanding of the South Australian legislative framework and the local government policies and financial impacts borne by Councils of personal injury liability. As a member of the National Trust and as the only company accredited by Heritage SA to maintain and restore heritage gardens, The Hedge Man is uniquely placed to advise and advocate for clients facing this stressful situation.
Contact our office today to speak to us about this situation and how we may be able to assist.
SA Power Networks, an agency of the South Australian Government, is responsible for the maintenance of all electricity networks on public land under the supervision of the Office of the Technical Regulator. This includes ensuring that the power lines near residential properties have adequate clearance from vegetation to reduce the risk of fires. Given that many South Australian homes are in designated bush fire zones, it is understandably an issue of great concern.
The Hedge Man’s expertise in this area is recognised by both organisations and we regularly help clients to understand their obligations under the Electricity Act 1996 and the Electricity (Principals of Vegetation Clearance) Regulations 2021. As we have negotiated for clients on this issue, we are very familiar with the different avenues available to clients on the receiving end of Notices by SA Power Networks that a beloved tree or hedge will be removed or reduced significantly.
We have successfully negotiated with SA Power Networks to provide horticultural impact statements, heritage reports and facilitate maintenance agreements.
