‘Cost us $50k’: Melbourne neighbourhood hedge war erupts

Residents of a quiet Melbourne street have found themselves embroiled in a high-stakes showdown with their local council - over a bush.

In the hedge-cutting drama of the century, residents of a quiet Melbourne street have found themselves embroiled in a high-stakes showdown with their local council ... over a bush.

Guranathan Ganeson and his wife have spent three years in a tug of war with Whitehorse City Council, all because their beloved century-old hedge slightly blocked a footpath.

After being hit with an ultimatum — either pay $6500 to extend the footpath or trim the hedge back — they reluctantly chose to grab the scissors.

“It feels empty. It feels that something that belongs there is not there anymore,” Mr Ganeson told 9News.

It's the hedge-cutting drama of the century. Picture: 9News

After being hit with an ultimatum — either pay $6500 to extend the footpath or trim the hedge back — they reluctantly chose to grab the scissors. Picture: 9News

The couple say they shelled out for professional hedge-trimming three times a year, which cost them hundreds of dollars.

But even that didn’t stop the council from coming knocking.

After multiple complaints over the past year, the council declared the leafy landmark a violation of local law.

Mr Ganeson estimates the total cost of this plant-based saga will be around $50,000.

“By the time this joke is finished, it’s costing us $50,000,” he said.

Meanwhile, a neighbour around the corner opted to pay for the path widening.

“We felt that we came out ahead – the hedge is alive and happy,” neighbour Lynne said.