3 Answers

I dont think you can take it on yourself to trim the hedge. Why not have chat with your neighbour about it, and if that fails, you may need some kind of legal advice. Your neighbour might become stroppy, if you trim hedge, and try to cause you some problums, depending on how understanding this person is.

Can you approach your neighbours and tell or show them your dillema,be nice about it and hopefully they will understand.

Viva, Vivie - I have wonderful news for you.  The law does allow you to trim your neighbor's branches and trees if, and only if, said branches and trees encroach over your property line.  Take a few pictures and then start trimming.  You may trim all the way to the common lot line but not inside his property.  In fact, if he has fruits hanging over to your side, help yourself.

Now, in all seriousness, talk to your hedge-loving neighbor first to see if he'd be willing to chop off some of his 24' hedge down to around 8' or so.  He may be more agreeable than you think.