Cutting a privet hedge in half along its length...is what i want to do ,the hedge is stradling the boundry 50/50 but its growing too big,if i cut it in half and errect a fence on my half leaving half of the hedge (his side ) untouched will it definitely live ?,...cos its not on killing it.

yes m8
privet is very resilient

Why on earth do you want to cut it back that far and then erect a fence?

If you don't already know, find out who it belongs to before doing anything. If it belongs to your neighbours property you might end up with a fued if you cut it without his permission.

Once you have established that it is OK to attack it, I'd be inclined to trim it back to an acceptable level and forget about the fence. If you put a fence up, the privet will still grow and in time will push against the fence panels, twisting or bowing them.

My understanding was that it wasn't important who it belongs too as long as i only remove the half on my side,if done properly my neighbours side should remain totaly unaffected . As to why , well it's about 4-5 ft wide and takes up far too much room just where i could do with some.

find the boundary line between the two houses
once established you can cut back to here
i think legally the cuttings can be bagged and given to
your neighbour to dispose of but this is a little rude and
not recommended

Hedges: A boundary hedge is usually the joint responsibility of both neighbours. Both must agree on major work, including removal, coppicing or laying. In theory, you need your neighbours agreement even before trimming the hedge. If the hedge is just inside your neighbours garden, they own it; you only have the right to trim any part that encroaches over your boundary line. Your neighbour should ask for your permission for access to trim the hedge on your property. Regardless of ownership, no-one can trim or cut a hedge if the action damages active birds nests, and hence violates the Wildlife and Countryside Act. If tall hedges or trees put your garden in the shade, you can cut off branches that overhang your boundary. You can also prune back roots that that invade your property, even if this is detrimental to the plant. You dont have the right to cut down vegetation on your neighbours property, or apply weedkiller to destroy the plants.

Source: Garden hedges wildlife information leaflet (2000)

Oi, Fig. Get back to muppets. LOL :)

Hedges: A boundary hedge is usually the joint responsibility of both neighbours. Both must agree on major work, including removal, coppicing or laying. In theory, you need your neighbours agreement even before trimming the hedge. If the hedge is just inside your neighbours garden, they own it; you only have the right to trim any part that encroaches over your boundary line. Your neighbour should ask for your permission for access to trim the hedge on your property. Regardless of ownership, no-one can trim or cut a hedge if the action damages active birds nests, and hence violates the Wildlife and Countryside Act. If tall hedges or trees put your garden in the shade, you can cut off branches that overhang your boundary. You can also prune back roots that that invade your property, even if this is detrimental to the plant. You dont have the right to cut down vegetation on your neighbours property, or apply weedkiller to destroy the plants.

Source: Garden hedges wildlife information leaflet (2000)
Thanks fig. :)

Whose boundary is it? Is it shared or is it assigned to one property?
If you cut it along the middle....
- It will look **** 'cos you'll have use use a chain saw to cut the boughs properly.
- You might kill it and have to replace it.
- It's a living contrary bush. Anything you build up against it froma fence to a wall is going to get pushed against until it breaks.

Best option is to agree with the neighbour that it's big, crap and old and needs replacing with a nice fence.

J.