On a cold February afternoon, Marc steps into his small backyard with pruning shears in hand, his breath visible in the air. In front of him stands a dense laurel hedge, now rising over two meters high and planted just 30 centimeters from his neighbor’s property. For years, it grew without much attention. A few casual remarks over the fence, vague promises to cut it back, then silence. Time passed, and the hedge kept growing.
That quiet understanding is now at risk. With a new regulation taking effect on February 15, Marc could soon face real financial consequences.
A letter from the town hall lies on his kitchen table, detailing updated garden rules, boundary distances, and possible fines. Marc glances between the ladder in the yard and his neighbor’s closed shutters. This time, postponing the issue is no longer an option.
What Changes on February 15?
From February 15, new national standards for hedge placement come into force. Any hedge that grows higher than two meters and is planted less than 50 centimeters from a neighboring property must now be trimmed to comply with the law.
While it may appear to be a routine planning update, the rule directly affects how people manage their gardens—and how they interact with those living next door. Hedges such as laurel or thuja, once valued for privacy and noise reduction, can now become legal risks. The garden, long seen as a personal retreat, is now clearly subject to enforcement.
A Real Example: Sophie’s Hedge
Sophie, 42, planted a fast-growing hedge ten years ago. At the time, the young plants barely reached her waist and sat 40 centimeters from the boundary. Today, that hedge has grown into a three-meter-high wall of greenery, blocking sunlight from her neighbor’s kitchen and filling their gutters with leaves.
What began as a minor complaint quickly escalated after a formal notice arrived from the town hall. The result was an uncomfortable discussion and a clear deadline: February 15.
Why This Rule Is Being Introduced
The motivation behind the law is straightforward. Oversized or poorly placed hedges can cause ongoing issues, including reduced sunlight, overhanging branches, spreading roots, and constant debris. These small irritations often grow into serious neighbor disputes, sometimes ending in court.
To prevent this, the regulation establishes a clear rule. If a hedge exceeds two meters in height and is planted closer than 50 centimeters to the property line, the affected neighbor has the legal right to request it be cut back. Ignoring such a request can lead to official orders and financial penalties.
How to Comply Without Creating Tension
The first step is practical. Measure the hedge carefully, checking both its height and its distance from the boundary, usually marked by a fence or wall. If it exceeds the limits, action is required.
Trimming should be done gradually, ideally over two or three seasons. Start by lowering the top, then thin the side facing the neighbor. This approach protects the plant from shock and prevents unsightly bare patches. For very tall or dense hedges, professional assistance may be the safest and most efficient option.
Communication Makes a Difference
Waiting for an official complaint can make matters worse. A simple conversation with your neighbor before starting the work can ease tension. Acknowledging the rule and explaining your plan often helps resolve long-standing unspoken frustrations.
It is also important to plan for the aftermath. Hedge trimming produces significant green waste, often filling multiple bags or trailers. Knowing your local recycling options in advance can save time and stress.
Understanding Your Legal Position
According to legal specialists, the rule leaves little room for interpretation. If a hedge exceeds two meters and is planted closer than 50 centimeters, the neighbor is entitled to demand corrective action. Courts generally uphold these requests, making early compliance far preferable to enforced intervention.
Practical Steps to Stay Compliant and Maintain Peace
- Review local regulations, as municipalities may apply additional requirements.
- Document the process with before-and-after photos to show good faith.
- Coordinate with neighbors regarding access and timing.
- Use simple written messages, such as SMS or email, to confirm agreements.
- Plan ahead by choosing slower-growing plants in the future.
More Than a Hedge: Shared Space and Boundaries
This issue goes beyond gardening. It reflects how people share space, define boundaries, and coexist. A hedge can symbolize privacy and comfort, but also frustration built up over years of silence.
From February 15 onward, many homeowners will look at their garden borders differently. While trimming a hedge on a cold weekend may feel inconvenient, it also offers a chance to reset relationships. Clear rules provide structure, but respectful communication creates lasting harmony.
Looking Ahead
In the weeks ahead, the sound of trimmers and saws will echo through neighborhoods nationwide. Alongside the noise, something less visible may also disappear—years of tension and avoidance. With effort, planning, and mutual respect, even a hedge can shift from a source of conflict to a point of understanding.
Key Points to Remember
- Legal threshold: Hedges over two meters high and planted less than 50 centimeters from the boundary must be trimmed from February 15 to avoid penalties.
- Practical approach: Measure carefully, trim progressively, and organize green waste disposal in advance.
- Neighbor relations: Open discussion, simple written records, and cooperation help reduce conflict and protect good relations.
