WE all cherish our privacy. Even the most extrovert social butterfly sometimes needs to flutter away from the public gaze.

That is why Leylandii has proved such a hit with homeowners. These trees delineate boundaries like evergreen sentries. Soon they grow tall enough to provide seclusion and shade as well.

And boy, do they shoot up. One moment this most voracious variety is knee high to your clematis, the next it is tickling your guttering.

That is when the problems set in. Neighbours who were once caressed awake by the sun's gentle rays are left to stew in shadows thrown by the hedge of darkness.

Leylandii has caused so many disputes that ministers have been forced to step in. A new law allows local authorities to chop down the most high and mighty trees. Here is one case where council cutbacks will be welcomed.

It is a shame that something as seemingly harmless as a cypress has caused so much ill feeling. Sometimes, sadly, they are planted with the sole purpose of upsetting the folk next door. That is bordering on the anti-social.

Perhaps we are losing the art of neighbourliness. It does not have to be that way. Leylandii is easy enough to keep in check. If you can control of your greenery, your neighbours will control of their temper. Then, you might even find you like each other.

So tear down that sign saying 'Privet: Keep Out'. For the sake of community harmony, for the sake of friendship, take out your strimmer and let the fir fly.