The £20,000 fines homeowners can be slapped with common gardening mistakes

Experts have warned that homeowners could face a hefty fine for breaking gardening laws - and many people may be unaware that they are even doing anything wrong.

Many of us know the clear-cut rules and laws we should steer clear of breaking, but life's complexities often mean there's a myriad to remember. Take your garden, for instance, where regulations can span from typical neighbourly issues like encroaching branches or boundary disputes, to more serious concerns such as obstructing someone's sunlight.

A spokesperson for GardenBuildingsDirect said: "Many homeowners may be completely unaware of the laws and guidance protecting their outdoor space. Avoid neighbourly disagreements and breaking garden laws by brushing up on guidance."

While most are clued up on not planting invasive species to comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, you could also land in hot water for blocking a neighbour's windows, depending on the situation.

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When it comes to garden buildings, if your structure or summer house takes up over half the surrounding land of your home, exceeds 2.5 metres in height, or is meant to be a separate living area, you'll need planning permission as it doesn't come under Permitted Development rights, advises the expert.

According to the Rights of Light Act, neighbours are forbidden from blocking natural light with a new tree if a window has enjoyed uninterrupted light for 20 years or more. The experts explained: "If a hedge in your garden grows along the boundary between yours and your neighbour's properties, you are both responsible for keeping it maintained and trimmed."

They added: "If a neighbour's hedge grows into your garden, you can trim it, but must return the trimmings to the owner."

On the subject of trimming flowers and fruits, they pointed out that while households can legally cut branches that hang into their garden up to the property line, these still belong to the neighbour.

This means that the neighbour has the legal right to ask for any trimmings from the branches. Regarding protected trees, the garden specialists stated: "Carrying out any work or damaging protected trees without proper authorisation is an offence."

They warned: "Important trees are protected by Tree Preservation Orders, which restrict homeowners from being able to remove or prune them, even if they are in their own garden."

Moreover, they cautioned: "Disturbing a tree protected by this order without proper permissions could lead to a fine of up to £20,000."