Jealous neighbours at conflict as they flip to secateurs sabotage to destroy gardens

They say the grass is always greener, but some anarchist gardeners are making sure it definitely isn’t – by destroying their neighbours’ patches in a variety of ways

Green-eyed gardeners are turning to secateurs sabotage to destroy their neighbour’s gardens in fits of jealousy.

Horticulturally challenged homeowners have admitted to trying to ruin next door’s outside space if they think it’s nicer than theirs. Thousands have confessed to dumping weeds and rubbish over fences, whilst others have admitted to chopping down their trees, branches and plants.

Others said they took revenge by turning on noisy leaf blowers first thing in the morning or late at night. And some 15% admitted to not returning tools they had borrowed. The study by Toolstation found that 40% of households regularly take a peek over next door’s fence to take inspiration from their neighbours’ gardening efforts.

But 12% admitted that they think the grass is literally greener when they look on the other side of the fence whilst 6% admitted to feeling jealous.

A Toolstation spokesperson said: “Forget the Good Life, the quintessentially British hobby of gardening is full of sabotage and skullduggery. “Our research shows that many green-fingered enthusiasts are green with envy of their neighbour’s gardens.”

And garden rage has even been making the headlines.

Residents of Peach Avenue in Stafford were furious after a neighbour turned their garden into a makeshift tip, dumping tonnes of rubbish on the driveway. The mess included rubble, broken sofas, worn-out mattresses, and even fridges, creating a health hazard and attracting rats.

One frustrated resident, who has battled the council since last August, said: “There’s rats everywhere, it stinks, and it’s a danger to children walking past every day.”

Meanwhile, a retired couple from Surrey were shocked to discover their neighbours had “land-grabbed” their garden while they were on holiday. Rosa and Murray Bell checked their CCTV from their trip to Australia and saw builders tearing down their boundary fence, digging up their patio, and removing their shed.

They claim their neighbours have taken over more than a metre of their land, leaving them to fight a costly legal battle.

Rosa said: “We bought this home for our retirement, but this has turned into a nightmare. It’s like they knew we were away and took advantage.”