Andy Cap wrote:

Whilst I agree that neighbours should always try and compromise - and lobbing
cutting over a fence is not a good start - there are times when you have to
fight to preserve your rights.


Your language displays hostility, which is not a good place to start
from. The use of the word "compromise" means you are automatically
assuming that the neighbours have opposing objectives, and that each
must give up some of those objectives in order to avoid conflict with
the other.

In fact it would be better to try to find common ground based on
shared objectives, by communicating with them.

For example, just because the neighbour hasn't cut the conifers
doesn't mean that they will stoutly defend their "right" not to. It
may well be that they would be quite happy to cut them, or even
actively want them to be lower, but the hedge has grown beyond the
point where it is simple and inexpensive to do it themselves. Or
perhaps it hasn't occurred to them that their tall hedge is not liked
by the neighbours, because they are not keen gardeners.

Instead of starting a conflict without even speaking to the
neighbours, why not try to understand them and even get to know them?
Treating people with suspicion and avoiding contact with them is a
guaranteed was to ensure that unnecessary problems will occur.

If the first real conversation you have with your neighbours is about
something they do that upsets you, then stand by for fireworks. I
repeat, with emphasis:

"Assert your "rights" and you make enemies.

In the end, everyone loses."