When Richard Jackson carved a bush into the shape of a "middle-finger" he probably thought it would cause amusement.
But he ended up at the centre of a row with the council after somebody failed to share his humour over the shrub.
The council received a complaint about the shaped bush, which is in Mr Jackson's front garden, eight years after it was carved.
The Swearing Shrub: Police have spoken to Mr Jackson about removing the bush
He's now been told the bush could be considered a public offence.
Mr Jackson, from Tamworth, said his neighbours support his bid to keep the bush and they have even began a 'Save the Bush' campaign to support him.
He said: "I was contacted by the police and they said the council had been in touch because somebody had complained to them about it.
"I don't intend to change it though - I'm not a trouble maker and I don't want to offend anyone but at the same time, it's been here for eight years and I don't see why I should have anybody telling me what to change in my garden.
Warwickshire Police say they sent a police officer to investigate although they had not received a direct complaint.
They said if they did receive a formal complaint they would look into it - and deal with it proportionately.