On a chilly February afternoon, Marc steps out into his modest backyard, pruning shears in hand, breath clouding the air. He stands before a towering wall of green—a laurel hedge now reaching over two meters, and just 30 centimeters from his neighbor’s land. For years, the hedge grew unchecked. A few murmurs over the fence, vague promises to trim it back, and then silence. Life moved on. The hedge didn’t stop growing.
But now, with a new rule taking effect on February 15, this quiet arrangement could end up costing Marc real money.
A letter from the town hall now sits on his kitchen table, outlining new garden regulations, distance requirements, and potential fines. With a sigh, Marc looks from the ladder to his neighbor’s shut windows. This time, there’s no avoiding it.
What Changes on February 15?
Across the country, homeowners are facing new legal standards for hedge placement. As of February 15, any hedge taller than two meters and planted less than 50 centimeters from the neighbor’s property must be trimmed to meet the new law. On paper, it may read as a dry urban planning update, but in reality, it reshapes how people approach their gardens—and their neighbors.
The once-loved hedges—laurel, thuja, or others—that offered privacy and noise buffering now become potential legal liabilities. It touches something deeply personal: the neighborly relationship. Suddenly, the peaceful garden is subject to rules and enforcement.
Real-World Impact: Sophie’s Hedge Example
Sophie, 42, planted a fast-growing hedge a decade ago. It seemed harmless then—just waist-high saplings placed 40 centimeters from the boundary. But now, it’s a three-meter-high green wall, shading her neighbor’s kitchen and clogging their gutters. With the arrival of a notice from town hall, a simple complaint turned into a tense conversation—and a clear deadline marked on the calendar: February 15.
Why This Law Is Being Introduced
The reasoning is simple. Hedges too tall or too close to property lines can create a host of problems: blocked sunlight, overhanging branches, invasive roots, and constant leaf fall. These seemingly small issues often escalate into bitter disputes—even court cases.
To avoid this, the law now sets firm guidelines: if a hedge is above two meters and planted less than 50 centimeters from the boundary, the neighbor can legally demand it be cut back. Failure to comply can result in formal orders—and financial penalties.
How to Comply Without Causing Friction
The first step is easy: measure the hedge. Use a tape measure to check both the height and the distance from the boundary (usually the wall or fence). If it’s too tall and too close, it’s time to act.
Trimming should be done gradually—ideally across two or three seasons. Start by reducing the top, followed by careful thinning of the side facing the neighbor. This avoids shocking the plant and leaving bald patches. For very large hedges, professional help might be the safest and most cost-effective route.
Preventing Conflict: Communication Is Key
Don’t wait for a formal complaint. A simple chat with your neighbor before starting the work can go a long way. Let them know you’re aware of the rule, and share your plan to fix the hedge. This often diffuses years of silent tension.
Also, prepare for the practical side—hedge trimming creates a lot of green waste. It can easily fill several large bags or trailers. Make sure you know where your town’s recycling center is and plan accordingly.
Legal Advice: Know Your Rights and Obligations
As a legal expert puts it: “If your hedge exceeds two meters and is planted closer than 50 centimeters to the boundary, your neighbor has the right to demand it be trimmed.” Courts generally enforce this rule without exception. Better to act early than to be forced into action.
Helpful Steps to Stay Compliant and Peaceful
- Check local regulations: Your municipality may have extra rules.
- Take before-and-after photos: They prove good intentions.
- Coordinate with neighbors: Especially for access or timing.
- Use written communication: SMS or email can document agreements without being too formal.
- Think long term: Choose slower-growing species next time to avoid future hassles.
More Than Just a Hedge: A Reflection on Shared Space
At its core, this isn’t just about hedges. It’s about how we live next to one another. The hedge becomes a symbol of boundaries, privacy, coexistence—and sometimes, quiet resentment. From February 15 onward, many will reassess that green line with a mix of irritation and relief.
Yes, it’s annoying to spend a cold weekend pruning. But it’s also a chance to clear the air—literally and metaphorically. Rules bring clarity, but small conversations and goodwill make all the difference.
What the Future Holds
In the coming weeks, gardens across the country will hum with the sound of trimmers and saws. Yet behind the noise, something deeper is being trimmed away—years of silence, tension, and neighborly distance. With some effort and empathy, even a hedge can become a bridge.
| Key point | Detail | Value for the reader |
|---|---|---|
| New legal threshold | Hedges over 2 m high and less than 50 cm from the property line must be trimmed from February 15 | Know if your hedge is concerned and avoid penalties |
| Practical approach | Measure distance and height, trim progressively, plan green waste removal | Organize the work realistically and safely |
| Neighbor relations | Talk before cutting, keep simple written traces, seek compromise | Reduce conflict risk and preserve good relations next door |
